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.