November 5, 2018

Lang's Monday Night

Missionary Correlation Meeting

Elder Bonds and Elder Jones

Lunch at Slapfish

Back Entrance to FAM

Sorting at FAM

Brad's Casework Office at NMCRS

NMCRS Park Lot

Barbara with Halvorsen's at NMCRS

Nene and Carol at Thrift Store

Lou, Gary and Elder Halvorsen

at Thrift Store

Thrift Store Farewell Pizza Party

Angie, Pat and Linda

Cindy Lundquist displays her

paintings at a gallery

Laguna Art Museum

Old Laguna

A favorite painting

Elder Halvorsen at Heisler Park

Chili Cookoff Farewell at

Camp Pendleton North NMCRS

The cake--oops!

Mark and Tiffany Herzog Family

Randy and Geralene Beckett hosted

San Clemente Ward Open House

Final Visit to Caruso Chapel

Inside the Chapel

Spencer Bradley and the Halvorsen's

lock the Chapel for the last time

Spectacular Sunset over Laguna Beach

We're going to miss California

November 5, 2018

It was definitely been a memorable week.  People have been so generous and kind as we have said farewell to all those we have served with.  

We were able to visit all of the Marine families in the San Clemente Ward and give them a little farewell gift.  It was definitely a tender mercy that we were able to find everyone home on the two days we visited.  We have learned to really appreciate the sacrifices these families make to support their marine fathers and husbands.  We have three Marines who will soon be deployed for 6-9 months.

Monday we had our 8 pm Missionary Correlation Meeting at the Lang's home.  Elder Halvorsen snapped a picture of what we see each Monday night.  The Langs have been so wonderful to work with.  They discovered that we're related to the Candy Bomber and they were so thrilled!!  I was very impressed with Elder Jones and Elder Bonds during the correlation meeting.  Every family we discussed, they were able to add important information to the conversation.  They are terrific missionaries.

After graduation on Tuesday, we took the Elders for lunch.  They chose Slapfish which was new to us.  Elder Halvorsen was thrilled to have seafood on the menu and I had my favorite fish and chips.  The FAM staff had a little celebration with cupcakes for our last day.  They have really appreciated our service there.

Halloween started off crazy.  We had another early morning fire alarm.  For some reason I was totally disoriented and was running into walls.  We got to stand outside at 4 am for about half an hour while the fire department confirmed that the emergency water line had broken--again.  At the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society we received an award for volunteering over 1,000 hours each since we arrived.  They gave us some warm fleece jackets that will come in handy in Utah.  We enjoyed receiving Halloween photos of the grandchildren and talking with Eric's family.  No trick or treating here in our gated community.

Thursday was a fabulous day.  Our friends at the Thrift Store had a pizza party in our honor.  Gary who works with electronics came in to thank Elder Halvorsen for all of his work.  He has been an enthusiastic and kind friend to Brad.  Cindy Lundquist invited us to visit a gallery in Laguna Beach where she had several of her paintings displayed.  The gallery was across the street from the Laguna Art Museum and they were having a "free" evening so we stopped in there too.  The Art Museum houses work from some of the early Laguna Beach artists.  It was fun to visit.  I fell in love with one painting of a woman ironing--it's amazing that artists can see beauty in our everyday activities.  On the way back to our car we saw one of the most incredible sunsets (see the final picture).  People were coming out on their balconies and everyone said it was the best sunset they had seen all season.  It was breathtaking.  So glad we were in the right place at the right time to be able to enjoy it.

We drove back to San Clemente in time to attend ARP.  So many of those in attendance sincerely thanked us for the support we have given them on their journey.  Seeing the changes that have taken place in their lives is one of the highlights of our mission.  Christ's Atonement has the power to change us all.

Donna planned a chili cookout in our honor at the Camp Pendleton North Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.  Friday is our usual day to work but there were quite a few of our volunteer friends who came in to wish us well.  Donna unveiled a special cake she had ordered for desert and we all died laughing when we read Farewell "Bob" and Gaylene.  She was so embarrassed.  Apparently the person who took the order got a little confused.  We stopped by the housing area on our way home to help Krystal Adams move in.  She moved from Missouri and her husband is currently deployed.  The wonderful Elders and her ministering priesthood holder had been there for two hours unloading her pod.  We passed them leaving when we were arriving.  Everything was out of the pod and Krystal was exhausted so we just welcomed her and left her to get some rest.  Because we didn't need to unpack we visited five more military families to say goodbye.  

Saturday we started packing.  We're just praying it all fits in the car.  We did a few errands in the afternoon and picked up pumpkin pies from Costco for Sunday dinner with the Marines.  

Hard to believe Sunday was the last time we will be serving as missionaries in the Basilone Branch.  We reminisced about the wonderful experiences we have had there during the last 18 months.  Sis. Weber gave us leis and we received lots of hugs and kind words.  Ed Pernal conducted and in his testimony asked the question--Why am I at church?  His answer was:  Because I believe in Christ.  Bro. Pernal joined the church when he was 27.  He was very active in other churches as a youth.  He shared the truths The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints provides that led to his baptism.  He is such an inspiring speaker.  Elder Halvorsen and I both bore our testimonies.  One of the Marines had a scar on his neck he called "The kiss of iron" that he received from his battle buddy while they were shooting.  It left a lasting scar but didn't hurt too badly.  It made me think that I have experienced a permanent change of heart as I have been touched by the experiences we have had on our mission.  

Elder Halvorsen was asked to share a departing testimony in his Elders Quorum Meeting at the San Clemente Ward.  At 4:30 pm, Randy and Geralene Beckett hosted an open house in our honor where we were able to say farewell to a number of sweet friends from that ward.  Amy Gibson whose husband is currently gone brought her four little girls to give us cookies and thank us for watching over them.  The Herzog family that we used to sit by in Sacrament Meetings while their dad was deployed came and the little ones gave us hugs.  Sister Frost who we met as a newly married Marine wife thanked us for making her feel so loved and welcome.  Our hearts truly have been knit together in love as we have served.  Sister Beckett gave us a framed photo she had taken on Thursday night of a spectacular sunset--it was OUR sunset!!  What a great gift that we will cherish.

We left the open house and picked up Spencer Bradley for the last time for our Fireside.  He thanked us over and over for helping him get to church.  He is having some medical issues and is not sure if he will be leaving the Marines.  I think Spencer is our "one" that we were able to truly minister to.  We had about 27 marines at the Fireside.  Bro. Weber spoke about service and used us as an example.  He asked all of the Marines to thank us for our service and many of them did.  Sweet Michi Stephens gave us a beautiful painting she had painted for us.  It is really special.  The Webers gave us a seaside plaque with a touching message she had written on the back.  Lots of big hugs and good wishes.  We couldn't have worked with a more dedicated group of Saints.  Counting our blessings.  We will drive home on November 8.  The time has gone by so quickly and we have loved every minute of our mission.  Hard to say goodbye but excited to see family and friends once again.  

October 25, 2018

Love this sign at Heisler Park

Heisler Park by Laguna Beach

Gorgeous Flowers at Heisler Park

Bird of Paradise

Another view of from Heisler Park

Elder Halvorsen at Heisler Park

Sister Halvorsen at Heisler Park

Cute sign at Heisler Park

Laguna Beach

Graduation October 23, 2018

Bill and Scott at NMCRS

Carolyn. a volunteer at NMCRS

Cheryl--Volunteer Coordinator NMCRS

Terry and James Kennedy ARP Group Leaders

ARP with the Kennedys

October 26, 2018

Newport Beach Temple

Farewell Session with Departing Missionaries

With Elder and Sister Nygren at

Lucille's for Farewell Dinner

Elder Halvorsen hiking in

park near our apartment

Ed and Melodee Pernal (Executive Secretary)

Cindy and Vic Lundquist (2nd Counselor)

Gayle and Michael Manning (Stake High Council)

Alana and Lee Jolley (Stake Missionaries)

Freda and Cal Weber (1st Counselor)

President Keith and Michi Stephens

October 29, 2018

Lots of pictures today.  Want to make sure we include pictures of some of our favorite people.  

Monday we took a P-day and went to Heisler Park near Laguna Beach. We thoroughly enjoyed walking in the park.  It's hard to beat the temperature, the weather and the views in Southern California.  We feel so blessed to have had the opportunity to live in this little bit of paradise.

Our favorite Alpha Company graduated on Tuesday.  We were disappointed that all of the marines were in such a hurry to leave that we didn't get a chance to talk with them and take pictures.  We did enjoy sitting with the missionaries and visiting with them.  The afternoon was spent at FAM working in the sorting area.

We had a very slow day at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society on Wednesday but the cases we had  were complicated.  Marines can certainly get themselves in difficult financial situations.  Above are pictures of Bill (the director), Scott (assistant director), Cheryl (volunteer coordinator) and Carolyn (one of my favorite client services assistants).  All of the people we have worked with at the Relief Society are truly outstanding.  After our day at the office we stopped by to see three of the Marine families in the San Clemente Ward.  The Colmans, Herzogs and Stiefvaters were all at home.  It has been such a joy getting to know all of them.

I got to unload tubs of winter clothes at the Thrift Store and get them ready for military families to use when they go to visit their families over the holidays.  It really is hard to believe it's almost Halloween when the weather is so beautiful.  Elder Halvorsen tested lots of electronic equipment.  Someone is really going to have big shoes to fill when he leaves.  He gets so much done every Thursday.

The ARP meeting on Thursday was amazing.  We got to see several of our friends receive chips for six month and two-years of sobriety.  We loved celebrating their achievements.  The "shares" that evening were very thought provoking.  James Kennedy is a big fan of acronyms.  Here are several he used.  GUT--God's Undeniable Truth.  FEAR--False Evidence Appearing Real.  HOPE--Hang On Pain Ends.  One brother shared insight into the tools Satan uses.  1) Deception  2)  Distraction and 3) Spiritual Desensitization.  He said when we try to rely on the "arm of flesh" and fight our demons we will always lose.  We need to remember Christ has already won.  We need to just turn our back on our addictions and turn to Christ.  He has paid the price.  Surrender and win!!  Bro. Kennedy added our addictions are like fighting an 800 lb. gorilla in a cage.  If we open the door and go in, we will lose.  The monster is in a cage.  We need to trust in God and leave the cage closed.  Have faith that the monster can be contained because of Christ's Atonement.  Bro. Kennedy in his closing remarks said some very nice things about us attending ARP--I definitely shed a few tears that evening.  Attending ARP has taught me so much about how Christ's Atonement can heal each of us.

Heidi's youngest son, Reid, turned two on Friday.  It was fun visiting with them and seeing the darling "digger" cake Heidi made for his birthday.  We skipped our shift at the NMCRS Friday afternoon so we could attend the Newport Beach Temple with the Departing Missionaries.  It was a small group but the session was very inspirational.  After the session, we had pictures with the missionaries.  It was nice to get a couple's picture by the temple.  Sister Sansom showed me how to edit pictures on my phone which was a new skill I will use for many years to come.  All of the senior couples went with us to Lucille's BBQ for our farewell dinner.  They presented us with some very special gifts.  We each received an official Irvine, California Mission apron with our names embroidered on them.  We received a beautiful book by Boyd K. Packer that all of the missionaries signed.  The Nygren's gave us one of their favorite books by Hugh Nibley.  It was a special evening and the gifts will help us always remember it.

Saturday we hiked up the path in a park near our apartment.  The weather is perfect for being outdoors.  In the evening, we met with most of the couples serving in the Basilone Branch for dinner at the Mannings home. (Unfortunately Richards were out of town).  I have included pictures of all of the couples who were there.  It is interesting that Grandpa was the first bishop the Mannings had when they were a young married couple at BYU.  They have been so kind to us as have all of the couples we have worked with. The group gave us some marine sweat shirts and a beautiful plaque thanking us for our service which included a picture with all of us.  We will treasure that.

The meetings on Sunday were outstanding.  Brad gave his final talk in the evening session.  He centered his comments on light and salt.  He shared some very interesting insights to inspire the marines to not lose their savour and be a light to the world.  In our morning meeting, Sis Stephens talked about how her mother taught her to know God is real.  Her mother was 9 years old in Okinawa during WWII.  She suffered with her fellow countrymen through the war and struggled to survive.  But she always lived with gratitude knowing that God had watched over her during that time.  She was never alone.  Joey Jorgensen our Stake Young Men's President also spoke.  He talked about fear and shared personal experiences overcoming his fears.  Some were quite humorous and others very tender.  Last summer he was diagnosed with brain cancer which was very traumatic for him and his family.  He referenced Elder Rasband's October 2018 Conference talk in which he suggested three ways to overcome fear.  1)  Stand in holy places.  2) Be not troubled (pray and keep the commandments to maintain peace in our lives) 3) Trust in the Lord and his promises.  Bro. Jorgensen said when he was dealing with his diagnosis a friend asked him to read the Book of Mormon and highlight every instance in which the Lord promised to deliver his people from trials and/or bondage. Then he said to note how often the Lord kept his promise.  There was never a time he did not.  And, he will keep his promises to us too.  We never have to walk alone.  We can be at peace knowing with God nothing is impossible.  

October 22, 2018

Elder & Sis. Burtonshaw

Pres. and Sis. Clark

Bro and Sis. Kimball

Elder and Sis. Bass

Elder and Sis. Carver

Nancy, FAM Director

Shannon--FAM

Liz--Thrift Store

Elder Halvorsen and Nene--Thrift Store

Jenny, Donna and Linda

Thrift Store Cashiers

Last Cake Cutting--October 18, 2018

Elder and Sister Kapololu--San Diego, CA Mission

Elder and Sister Sattley--Carlsbad, CA Mission

Elder Halvorsen at San Onofre Beach

Surfer at San Onofre Beach

October 22, 2018

I decided to include pictures of some of our favorite people in this week's blog.  We have really learned to love all of those pictured and they have each left an imprint on our hearts.

On Monday, October 15, I made some Panera Butternut Squash Soup for the Senior Couples FHE held at Sister Venable's home.  Sister Venable is the Nurse Practitioner for our mission.  Sister Kimball led a discussion on Chapter 9 of Jesus the Christ--The Boy of Nazareth.  She shared a very interesting thought that when Jesus was teaching at the temple he was "lost" to Mary and Joseph for three days.  This could have been a type of Christ's death on the cross.  He was "lost" to the world for three days.  But in both cases when he was "found" he was alive and well doing his Father's business.  I also loved this quote. "Jesus was a close observer of nature and men.  He was able to draw illustrations with which to point His teachings from the varied occupations, trades and professions; the ways of the lawyer and the physican, the manners of the scribe, the Pharisee and the rabbi, the habits of the poor, the customs of the rich, the life of the shepherd, the farmer, the vinedresser and the fisherman--were all known to Him." We had a great discussion.  Always fun to be with these wonderful senior missionaries.

We were able to visit with Cox and Prebo at Tuesday's graduation.  Both have expressed a desire to be baptized.  Many times marines who are going to Florida are delayed and spend a few extra weeks at Camp Pendleton.  We hoped this would be the case because both are going to NAS Pensacola.  But, they told us on Tuesday they had tickets to fly to Florida within 24 hours.  We were all really disappointed but Elder Wells' parting words were--Well, the Church is true in Florida!!  There will be someone there waiting to baptize you.  What a great attitude.  Our missionaries planted the seeds and missionaries in Florida will continue to love and fellowship these great young marines.

Lots of donations at FAM so we were very busy.  We updated the calendar and reminded Nancy that October 30 will probably be our last day volunteering.  She replied that we had been an answer to her prayers.  She and Shannon have been delightful to work with.

After our work at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society on Wednesday, we started delivering gifts to the families we have worked with in the San Clemente Ward.  We purchased purse-size measuring tapes and wrote a little message starting with--It's hard for us to measure how much we have enjoyed getting to know your family...  Our first two deliveries were to Jayde and Grayson Lee and Amy and Danny Gibson.  Two of our favorite families.  The Lee's are looking for a home in Utah where Grayson will attend the U to complete his degree.  So, we had a lot to talk to them about.  Gibsons are so amazing.  Danny is special forces and is gone a lot.  I so admire Amy and how she holds her family together and has time to care for the other wives while their husbands are deployed.   She is always the first to volunteer to help.

Thursday we took pictures of some of our friends at the Thrift Store.  Liz actually moved to Hawaii on Friday, October 19. These ladies have all been so friendly and kind.  We will definitely miss our association with them.  We left a few minutes early to drive down the Pacific Coast Highway to San Diego for our last MCRD Cake Cutting.  The views were spectacular.  We had a large gathering at the cake cutting.  It was sad to have our last meeting with Sattleys and Kapololus.  We feel our coordinated efforts have really made a difference in the lives of the Marines at SOI.  We truly have had our hearts knit together through our service.

There was a small group at ARP Thursday night but the Spirit was very strong.  James and Teri Kennedy have personally touched so many lives for good.  James always says at the end of the meeting--There is no place I would rather be on a Thursday night than here with all of you.  His love for those struggling with addictions is enormous and he is a great example to all of us.  

Elder Halvorsen woke up with a pretty nasty cold on Friday.  We had planned to go visit more families but decided we should wait until he is better so we don't carry germs into their homes.  We did go to the San Onofre Office for our shift.  Brad was not scheduled to have any appointments that afternoon.  I completed seven Quick Assist Loans which is a lot for that office.  Brad did end up helping one client (hope the marine didn't get sick).  

Saturday we took advantage of the beautiful sunshine and took one more trip to San Onofre Beach to look for sea glass.  We didn't find much but the ocean was breathtaking.  We have been so lucky to live here in Southern California for the last 18 months.  Talked to Eric's family in the evening and Kaden told us all about his very cold morning on the mountain looking for deer.  Hope we're ready for the cold temperatures when we return to Utah.

Only four marines were at our morning meeting on Sunday.  But, one of them was Matthew Boucher. It was so wonderful to see him again.  We're still praying he will get assigned a great MOS.  Bradley also caught a ride with us for the morning meeting.  He is suffering from Asthma which could potentially disqualify him from serving in the Marines.  We're hoping things work out for him.  Kaden received the Aaronic Priesthood.  We're so thankful he was prepared to be a Deacon.  Grandpa was able to be there for the ordination.  He really enjoyed being with Eric's family for that event.  He and Kaden share a birthday so it was special he could attend.  We had 49 marines at our Fireside which was fantastic.  Alpha Company graduates this Tuesday so I'm afraid our numbers will be dropping.  We've sure enjoyed knowing the faithful marines in Alpha--such an amazing group of men.