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.