January 29, 2018

Elder Halvorsen on P-day at

San Onofre Beach

Sister Halvorsen at the San Onofre Beach

Sea Glass on the plate Craig made

Elder Sanford and Elder Fambrough

Elder Pack with the new Elders

Michi Stephens

Alana and Lee Jolley

January 29, 2019

January is quickly coming to an end.  Seems like each week we get a little busier.  But, we love being busy.

Monday we got to FaceTime with Heidi and her terrific family.  Craig showed us a beautiful book case he has made for their home.  He is certainly becoming an expert craftsman.  The boys are growing so fast and everyone seems to love Wisconsin.  

The Dawsons invited us to dinner that night. Loved hearing more of their family history--such an amazing family.  We got to meet our new elders--Elder Sanford from Houston TX and Elder Fambrough from American Fork.  Elder Pack came with them to the dinner to show them around base.  All three were in the MTC together and will leave in 6 months.  At our weekly missionary correlation meeting, Bro. Lang gave us time to get to know a little more about our young elders and sisters.  They each have many talents that enable them to be successful missionaries.

Tuesday at FAM we got to do the initial sorting and were outside.  It was nice to enjoy the beautiful weather.  People are really generous with their donations here.  FAM uses the income from the donations to help the homeless.  Nancy is the new manager of the shop and we already see it becoming more organized under her leadership.

We got to train a new volunteer at the NMCRS on Wednesday.  Nick is a retired Master Sergeant.  He is a generous and kind man.  His background will be helpful as he assists the young marines.  We really enjoyed getting to know him.  We spent some time in the gym in the evening.

The Thrift Store is rocking.  This week they earned $3000.  (The store is only open 5 hours a week so this always amazes me.)

Friday after working at the San Onofre Office we took brownies to several families on base.  It is always fun chatting with them.  Some of the husbands will be leaving for a six-month deployment in June.  Marine wives are pretty amazing.

We spent our p-day at the beach this week.  The weather was gorgeous so we took a walk and looked for sea glass.  We decided to start a sea glass collection.  The pieces we found were very small but so pretty.  We each found a blue piece which was a jackpot.  They are hard to see among all of the dark rocks.  We got a text that evening from a marine who had just arrived on base and was asking for directions.  It's nice to know that our texts are providing a number that the marines can use to get help.  

Sunday I made breakfast enchiladas for the Branch.  They were a big hit and there were no leftovers.  We had a good group attend the morning services--several new recon marines who will be with us for a few months plus a family of five who were visiting from Arizona.  There was a regional conference on Sunday for all of the wards in the area so we missed seeing our friends at San Clemente but instead we got to visit with Boyd and his wonderful family.  They are always so busy and happy.  The girls are becoming such delightful young women. 

We had over 40 marines at our evening meeting.  We love that our numbers are becoming consistently higher.  Last night we had a church mouse scurrying back and forth behind the pulpit--right by the piano.  I was sure when I went to play the closing song he would be in my bag that was open on the floor.  I was so thankful to see him take off the other direction just before I returned to the piano.  I won't be leaving my bag on the floor in the future.  Never a dull moment.  

I've included two pictures of some of the people we serve with at the Basilone Branch.  Michi Stephens is the Branch President's wife.  She is from Okinawa and always has a big smile and hug for all of the marines.  Alana and Lee Jolley are stake missionaries.  They live in San Juan Capistrano.  Bro. Jolley introduced his wife to the gospel while they were in high school.  We love hearing their experiences and testimonies.  We work with some amazing people  

January 22, 2018

First Presidency announced Tuesday, January 16, 2018

President Oaks, President Nelson and President Eyring

Packs are ready to go

Utah State Flag flying at graduation

Sunset from San Clemente

Goodbye Elders Pack and Tracy

January 22, 2018

We started the new year off by ordering some exercise equipment.  We received some weights, resistance straps and a soft ball so we can start doing the Silver Sneakers Exercise Program.  I'm hoping it will help strengthen my shoulders which have been giving me some grief lately as well as lose some of the pounds we have added since entering the mission field.

Tuesday we were blessed to be able to witness the announcement of our new First Presidency.  We are thankful for a living prophet on the earth today and sustain President Russell M. Nelson as that prophet.  We're excited that he will serve with President Oaks and President Eyring.  We pray the Lord will bless them in their new callings.  

Brad worked with me tagging clothes at FAM.  He was really good and I appreciated him reaching the clothes that were on the high racks.  He is such a hard worker.  I'm so thankful to have him as my companion.

Things have been quiet this week at the Navy-Marine Corp Relief Society.  We're hoping the government shut down won't cause too many young marines and their families to suffer.  Praying the division in the government will be resolved soon.

Attended two graduations on Friday.  The schedule is out of sync due to the holidays.  Hopefully in a few weeks everything will be back to normal.  We enjoyed attending with Elders Tracy, Pack and Capasso.  Between the graduations, we examined the 50 state flags that fly on the parade deck.  We're thankful to have lived in seven states as a married couple.  The military provided us with such an amazing opportunity to see this beautiful country.  We added a picture of the marines' bags.  Shortly after leaving the parade deck, the graduates pick up their packs and load onto buses that take them to the airport for their next duty stations. 

Our Saturday P-day was filled with activity.  After cleaning and doing laundry we took a break and went to see The Greatest Showman (which we really enjoyed).  We ended the day by going on a hike nearby and watching a beautiful sunset from the top of the hills.  It was 55 degrees and we were bundled up in coats.  Apparently, we have become wimpy Californians.  In Utah, it would have been warm.

Sunday was the anniversary of the loss of Brad's dear mother--Alta Jolley Halvorsen.  What a legacy of love and service she left for all of us.  We wish we could have had her longer but are so thankful for being part of her family.  

We had a fabulous Sabbath.  Sister Richards taught our Sunday School Lesson.  She showed the video "Make Your Bed" by William Mcraven to emphasize the importance of little things in our lives.    At the San Clemente Relief Society we discussed "Be Ye Perfect--Eventually" a conference address by Jeffrey Holland.  We were reminded that perfect means to become whole or complete.  If we are working at 50% capacity, through his grace Jesus makes up the difference to make us whole.  We will never be able to do it on our own.  In the afternoon, we had the chance to visit with Grant's wonderful family.  Later, Chelsey and their children called for a chat.  We feel so blessed to have such a terrific family.  We finished the day with a fireside where Bro. Dawson spoke to the marines.  He is a master sergeant and has served in the marines for 20 years.  It was great for the young men to see that with faith and direction the marines can provide a rewarding career for them.

The sad part of the day is we found out our area was "white washed".  All three of our missionaries have been transferred.  We're sure going to miss serving with these faithful young men.  Elder Pack has been with us for 4 1/2 months.  Elder Tracy for 3 months and Elder Capasso for 6 weeks.  We wish them the best in their new areas.

We received emails this week from the Smarts and Starrs, two couples who are serving missions at this time.  It's great to be able to compare notes and feel the joy of missionary service in other parts of the nation.  Smarts are serving in Wyoming at the Martin Harris Historic Site Mission.  The Starrs are in Chicago, Illinois.  The work is true wherever we may be.  We feel very blessed to be in the California, Irvine Mission and pray our service will make a difference in building the kingdom.

January 15, 2018

Lisa Ferrier Rafkin Baptism

Sister Maynes from Wisconsin

January 15, 2018

We had a few interesting experiences this week.  Most of our time was spent serving in our regular volunteer positions.  But, here are the highlights:

We were able to attend a wonderful Senior Couples Home Evening at the Redford's home in Irvine.  Bro. Redford was recovering from a horrible case of the flu so we were all praying he wasn't contagious.  There have been a lot of sick missionaries lately.  I took some homemade Panara Bread Autumn Butternut Squash soup.  It was yummy.  We said goodbye to the Britons who will be leaving the mission at the end of the month.  Along with working in the office, the Britons served in the Spanish Ward that met in our building so we enjoyed seeing them often on Sundays.  They have played an important role in keeping the mission running. (Bro. Brinton was the finance secretary.)

I worked with a new volunteer at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society main office on Wednesday.  Julia is a member of the church who lives in Carlsbad.  She was delightful.  It was fun getting to know her and helping train her that day.  

After working at the Thrift Store on Thursday, we got to take dinner to the Dawson family.  Bro. Dawson had foot surgery this week.  It was so fun visiting with them.  We really have learned to love this family.  We're thankful Bro. Dawson is recovering well. 

We enjoyed listening to Pres. Monson's funeral Friday night.  He was such a selfless and kind prophet of God.  Someone told us a story about him.  They had met him when he was an apostle many years ago in the hall when he was coming out of a stake president's office.  He greeted them and asked their names.  He mentioned that the sister had a beautiful smile.  Years later, this couple crossed paths with Elder Monson again in Salt Lake City.  He said they looked familiar and then before they could introduce themselves he said their name and then added--you still have a beautiful smile.  We had a remarkable gift of remembering individuals and making them feel special.

The highlight of the week was attending Lisa Ferrier Rafkin's baptism.  She was baptized by a friend from Mesa, Arizona.  Bro. Liddle had met Lisa 32 years ago and given her a Book of Mormon while he was taking pilot training lessons from her husband at John Wayne Airport here in California.  They have stayed in touch over the years.  Bro. Liddle related some beautiful experiences he and his wife had enjoyed over the years with Lisa and her family.  He was shocked to receive a call from her asking him to baptize her.  January 13, the baptism day, was his birthday.  He said it was the best birthday gift he had ever received.  He shared his testimony that our efforts in sharing the gospel and loving our neighbor are never wasted.  Sometimes we never may see the fruits of our efforts but he said we should never give up--it took Lisa 32 years to be ready.  But, ready she is.  She was full of light and excited about becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Elder Weatherford Clayton, a general authority, was in the area on assignment and attended the baptism.  He had actually delivered Lisa's 17 year old daughter who was in attendance.  One of the speakers, Bro. Steve Smith, spoke and said he was baptized when he was 29.  Elder Weatherford was his first bishop.  Bro. Smith gave the most inspiring talk about the Holy Ghost directly to Lisa.  His son, Cade Smith, spoke about baptism.  Cade is good friends with Lisa's daughter.  It was so amazing to me how everything fell into place and so many lives were interconnected.  It was an unforgettable day for Lisa and for all of us in attendance.  It was inspiring to see all of the missionaries from the San Clemente District seated on the back row.  It was the first time we had had the opportunity to meet Sister Maynes from Wisconsin.  Her mother is Heidi's visiting teacher--yet another interconnection.  Such a wonderful experience for us.  

Sunday Brad gave a terrific Sunday School lesson to the marines from the Old Testament.  In 30 minutes he was able to touch on four lessons--the council in heaven, the creation, the fall and the role of Jesus Christ in our salvation.  He did a masterful job.  So thankful for the Plan of Happiness and the hope we have to return to live with our Father in Heaven someday.  In Relief Society, we discussed Joy Jones conference address addressing our infinite worth.  Sister Rober shared a personal experience that as a college student she had a roommate who was unique--she was wonderful but a little quirky.  She said this roommate was loved by everyone but she definitely thought outside of the box.  Her friend invited Sis. Rober to go with her when she had her patriarchal blessing.  Sis. Rober said she would never forget part of the blessing that stated that Heavenly Father had a special love for this daughter because she was so much like her Mother in Heaven.  Sis Rober said now when she sees individuals who are unique she wonders if they are also like their heavenly mother.  We shouldn't judge each other but appreciate our unique talents.  

Elder Halvorsen went to the range early to administer the sacrament to the marines there.  So, I drove to church.  I'm kind of out of practice driving in the dark.  I totally rely on my good companion to see us safely to every meeting--so thankful for him.  Bro. Pernal based his fireside talk on Cornelius in the New Testament and, again, reminded us that all people are equal in God's eyes.  We're all of infinite worth--in fact, God was willing to give his only begotten son for each of us.  Some of the marines had experienced another trying week.  Elder Halvorsen assisted in giving several blessings to marines who were struggling physically with the demands placed on them.  We're praying each day that they will be strengthened to meet the challenges they face.

January 8, 2018

Rain!!

January 8, 2018

The big news of the day is it rained!!  That makes the second time it's rained since we arrived.  The picture above is from our front covered porch.  We are on the main level so we get to hear everyone going to work early in the morning and coming home late at night.  But, it's a great apartment.  

It was wonderful getting back to a normal schedule this week.  However, our work at the FAM Thrift Store was backbreaking.  I'm realizing I'm not as young as I used to be.  I needed to remove clothes from the racks that hadn't sold this month and remove them from their hangers and pack them to be sent to the FAM Boutique to be given to needy families.  Hauling heavy levis and coats through the store was tiring for me.  But, I got in my weight lifting for the day.  Brad cleaned and moved furniture  and carried boxes up and downstairs.  So, he was as wiped out as I was.  Can't wait to go back tomorrow.

Woke up Wednesday morning to the news that President Monson had passed away.  We certainly loved him and his great example of caring for the one.  He truly lived what he taught.  We did our part in helping individuals that day at the Navy Marine-Corps Relief Society.  I taught Budget for Babies and only one couple who had signed up attended.  Then we were able to help individuals struggling with after-Christmas financial stress.  So sad that such a happy time of year has become so commercialized that people find themselves over spending and struggling to get out of debt.  

They were certainly happy to see Brad back at the NMCRS Thrift Store.  His electronics area was overflowing with items that they needed him to test.  He was so busy we stayed an extra hour for him to try to get caught up which was impossible in one day.  I was able to cashier which I enjoy very much.

Gwen called us Friday morning.  What a treat to spend time talking with her and Eric.  She definitely loves her "Podge" (that's Brad).  She can't wait to see him on FaceTime.  What a darling little girl.  We also got a sweet text from Aspen.  She has been so faithful in contacting us throughout our mission.  She knows how to make us feel loved and we love her very much.  There was a new volunteer at the San Onofre Office on Friday.  She was from Germany so I had a wonderful time chatting with her.   We get the chance to work with the nicest people.

Besides going on a lovely Saturday hike, Brad worked on his talk for the Sunday Fireside.  He spoke on the three core values of the Marine Corps--Honor, Courage and Commitment.  His talk was very inspiring.  He loves to share stories about his Dad who has been such a valiant example of all three of these values for our family.  We received a surprise visit from the sister missionaries from the Liberty Park Ward.  They invited us to attend a baptism next Saturday.  We're so excited to be able to support them and the new sister who is being baptized.  

It felt fabulous attending our Basilone Branch on Sunday.  The electricity was out for our morning service so we were thankful we could proceed without too much disruption.  We had a tremendous Testimony Meeting.  Marine D'Angelo's testimony really touched my heart.  He had had a very hard week and walked into the meeting very dejected.  He volunteered to bless the sacrament and later shared his testimony.  He said after visiting with his family over Christmas, it was very difficult to come back and be surrounded by crass marines who were vulgar and rude in their behavior.  He said as he was preparing the sacrament the thought came to his mind of the Savior saying "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do."  He said he felt inspired that he needs to follow Christ's example because the marines he associates with "know not what they do."  He testified that the Spirit can teach us as we open our hearts and listen to His promptings.  He expressed gratitude for the chance to come to church and partake of the sacrament.  

Sunday was a cooking day for me.  I prepared the marine's breakfast--Blueberry French Toast Casserole.  The Branch sisters also prepared dinner so I cooked Cranberry Chicken and rice.  Everyone seemed to enjoy the meals.  Many of the marines at our evening meeting had also had a struggle coming back after Christmas so we were happy we could lift their spirits with a hug, a great message from Elder Halvorsen, and a good meal.  The marines who prayed in our meeting prayed sincerely and fervently for help this week to be strong during their training.  One of the new marines has an email address that is latterdaystriplingwarrior.  I feel that we are very blessed to work with these young stripling warriors.  It is an honor and a privilege to support them during their training.

January 1, 2018

Newport Beach Temple

Front of Temple

Papa Murphy Pizza!

Shore Cliffs Building where the

San Clemente Ward meets

January 1, 2018

Happy New Year!!  Our holiday week was pretty uneventful so this is going to be a very short blog.  It felt really strange to have our schedule disrupted because of the holidays.  We're excited for things to get back to normal this week.

We spent two very busy days at the main side Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.  There were numerous marines and sailors in need of financial assistance due to the holidays.  So, we were able to help them with Quick Assist Loans.  Brad was also able to provide budget assistance to several clients.  

Our second day at the FAM Thrift Store was fun.  We were able to change displays and get the shop ready for the new season.  Brad did a lot of cleaning!  The volunteers there are really nice and it is fun to work with them.

The highlight of the week was serving as the witness couple at the Newport Beach Temple.  There were only 6 patrons in the session we attended so they were glad we were there.  Newport Beach is a beautiful little temple.  There were several couples being sealed that day.  California is the perfect location for a December wedding.  After the session, since we were in Newport I received my Christmas gift of a Papa Murphy's Chicken Garlic Pizza.  I have been craving one for 8 months and since the closest shop is 45 miles away, I've learned to live without them.  But, I certainly enjoyed every bite of my "gift."  

We packed away our Christmas and had a nice walk on Saturday before I came down with a cold.  After a miserable night and some Cold-Eeze, I was feeling much better on Sunday.  

Our ward parking lot was practically empty on Sunday.  Apparently, there are a lot of people who travel during the holidays.  We did enjoy our last Sacrament Meeting at the San Clemente Ward They will now meet at 9 am so we won't be able to attend because we will be at the Basilone Branch. We will have to see if we can make it to the third hour after we finish up with the marines.  We will miss participating in Sacrament and Sunday School with the members of the ward. We have really been blessed by associating with them this year.

The marines are starting to return from their break.  We were able to deliver gifts to the Hernandez family on Sunday from the Richards' Christmas party.  It was so fun to chat with PFC Hernandez.  He is such a great young man.  We will miss him in the ward.  We also had to return a coat to PFC Molina that he left in our car so we got to hear about his Christmas with his dad.  We felt grateful that we could help him with his surprise.  

We are so thankful for the opportunity we have to be serving in the California, Irvine Mission and look forward to sharing our love of the Gospel with many marines and their families in 2018.