March 26, 2018

Brad at Swallows Day--San Juan Capistrano

The Mission

Ringing Historic Bells

The Crowd

Mariachi Band singing

When The Swallows Come Back to Capistrano

Elder Halvorsen and Bill cooking at

Concrete Beach

The Swallows Day Parade Banner

Sis. Baker (left) and Sis. Moosman (second from left)

Mormon Battalion marching in the Parade

President Clark holding the American Flag

Elder Sanford (left) and Elder Fambrough (right)

Sister Flanders with Sister Rober

Modern Mormon Battalion

Lots of flags and horses

Local bands

Celebrating San Juan's History

Interesting Costumes

Tiny Horses

March 26, 2018

We enjoyed a week of celebrations.  The swallows return to Capistrano is celebrated at the San Juan Capistrano Mission on March 19.  The program included a mariachi band singing When The Swallows Return to Capistrano. This song was written around 1940 and was quite popular in its day.  The rest of the program was like a giant field day with all of the school children dancing and singing about the birds' return. The mission's historic bells chimed at noon. The flowers are starting the bloom and it was a beautiful day so we enjoyed our experience.  After we returned home we got to chat with Heidi so that was a treat.

Tuesday a cold front came into town.  Graduation was a bit chilly.  They were expecting 10 inches of rain near Las Angeles but although it rained they didn't set the record they were anticipating.  There was a little excitement with a drug bust taking place across the street from where we were sorting clothes at the FAM Thrift Store--apparently it's not located in the best part of town.

I had the opportunity to work with a new volunteer at the NMCRS.  Ruthel grew up in a wealthy family in Lima Peru. I really enjoyed hearing her stories about Peru and her move to the USA after marrying a marine who worked in the embassy.  It was fun to share with her that Scott had served his mission in Lima and we were excited to call and chat with him about that.  Missions do provide some amazing experiences for missionaries.  In the afternoon I worked with Kaitlyn and learned new things about her.  She is the volunteer coordinator for the office.  People have the most interesting stories when we take time to get to know them.

After cashiering at the NMCRS Thrift Store on Thursday we represented the Society at a briefing for the Weapons Battalion of Third Battalion, Fifth Marines.  I was so impressed with how family oriented they are.  The FRO (Family Readiness Officer) shared resources available to spouses to keep up with what is happening in the Corps.  PFC Hernandez who graduated from SOI a few months ago was there with his wife.  It was great reconnecting with him.  They are such a cute family.  The evening was very informative for us and we provided information that will hopefully help make life a little easier for these marines. It rained all day--Elder Halvorsen was thrilled because he loves the rain.

Friday we were finally able to participate in Concrete Beach for Bravo Company (240 marines).  Brad helped cook 480 hot dogs with a long-time volunteer named Bill.  He really enjoyed that.  I got to help dish up the food and thank the marines for their service.  We had a fun time.  In the afternoon, we did our regular shift at the San Onofre office.  Met a young marine from Maine and we got to talk about the visit we made there over 40 years ago.  We've had so many wonderful experiences during our career.  It was Sadie's birthday and they called us from the top of the red rocks in St. George.  We were so happy to wish Sadie a happy birthday and hear about their activities.  Kate was going to perform in a dance competition the next day so the trip had lots of benefits.

The Swallows Day Parade took place on Saturday morning.  We rode a shuttle to downtown San Juan Capistrano.  The wait for the shuttle was longer than we had anticipated so we missed part of the parade.  But, lucky for us we got there just in time to see the elders and sisters march representing the Mormon Battalion that played an important part in the history of this area of California.  President Clark carried the American Flag in front of the modern day battalion.  We were happy we were there to cheer them on and take a few pictures that we could send to their parents.  The parade included lots of horses--there were no motorized vehicles allowed.  We loved the gorgeous costumes commemorating the natives of California and the Spanish influence in their history.  Many school bands marched too.  It was a fun activity.

Kaden called us.  It was fun to talk to the Highland clan and hear about all of their activities.  Chelsey is improving slowly.  Kaden had his first outdoor soccer game of the season so I guess spring has sprung in Utah.  The family was getting together at Scott's on Sunday to celebrate Easter.  Nicole hosted a great Easter Egg Hunt in a blizzard.  Made us very happy that they were getting together and we appreciated Scott and Nicole hosting the event.  I was notified that someone had attempted to use one of my credit card numbers to make several purchases on Saturday--thankful for a company who is watching for fraud for us (a tender mercy).

Sunday we had 41 marines at our evening services.  It is exciting to see our numbers starting to grow again.  Bro. Lundquist showed a great video entitled The Prince of Peace.  As we prepare for Easter, I am so thankful for our Savior, for his life, for his mercy and love for me.  We're excited to hear conference next weekend.  In preparation, we were challenged in Relief Society to re-read all of the conference talks from the October Conference.  I've really enjoyed the messages and have felt uplifted as I have met this challenge.  We're so blessed to have a living prophet and apostles on the earth today.  May we all be prepared too hear and follow their counsel.

March 19, 2018

Sister Flanders

Sister Baker

Elder and Sister DeJohn

Groundbreaking for San Juan Capistrano Chapel

Choir

Bro. Manning preparing for the big event

Moving Dirt

Architectural Design for the San Juan Capistrano Chapel

Trail near our apartment

Brad on his favorite trail

March 19, 2018

Let the swallows return.  It's the day the swallows are scheduled to return to San Juan Capistrano.  Unfortunately, we haven't seen them yet.

Monday we made the elders we work with very happy by delivering to them some frozen Acai we had purchased for them at Costco.  I'm not sure if this "super fruit" has arrived in Utah yet but it is really big here in California.  Elder Sanford was thrilled to have his own supply.

The highlight of the week was attending Zone Conference on Wednesday. I have included pictures of Sister Flanders (from Mapleton, UT) and Sister Baker (from Texas) who serve with us in the San Clemente Ward.  Sister Baker participated in the musical number at the conference. Both are wonderful missionaries.  President Bruce (counselor in the mission presidency) talked about being finders, minders and closers.  He gave examples from the Book of Mormon.  Teancom was definitely a closer.  One of the new sisters when introducing herself said she was serving a mission because Christ had given her a second chance.  Sister Clark said Christ has given us all unlimited chances.  She shared a touching story of a doctor who accidentally removed the wrong kidney during an operation. The patient moved on with his life but the doctor could never forgive himself, became an alcoholic and lost his practice.  The doctor thought repentance worked for everyone but him.  We need to realize the Christ's Atonement is for all of us.  President Clark led the missionaries in a discussion based on Elder Rasband's talk "By Divine Design."  God guides our lives but he doesn't control us.  We are living in the day of harvest.  Every good deed will lead us to something good.  We had some wonderful breakout groups centered on topics from Preach My Gospel.  We are in the California Irvine Mission (CIM).  CIM can also stand for Christ In Me.  Our goal is to share experiences that will bring us all closer to Christ.  It was Elder and Sister DeJohns' last ZoneConference and they gave their farewell testimonies.  Elder DeJohn revealed that he has just been diagnosed with prostrate cancer.  He was a convert 25 years ago.  He testified that no matter what happens in the future, he knows that everything will be OK.  The Plan of Happiness assures us that everything will be OK in the end.  We will certainly be praying he has a full recovery.  We have loved working with the DeJohns--such amazing people.  On the way home from conference, Brad humored me by taking me to Raising Cane's Chicken.  The missionaries had been raving about this restaurant--good, but not great.

We left early after sorting at the Thrift Store to visit Dr. Carlin, our new dermatologist.  We both got some burning done.  They had to biopsy one of my moles to see if it is melanoma again.  I need to be more vigilant in protecting my skin from all of this California sunshine.

The Addiction Recovery Program was very emotional on Thursday evening.  Breaks my heart to see the people we have come to love over the last few months relapse and young people struggle with addictions.  Attending this meeting has really given us a different perspective on the struggles addicts face each day.  We pray for them and humbly pray that none of our grandchildren will ever face these challenges.  The Word of Wisdom provides safety if we will but follow it.

We stopped by several marine families on our way home Friday after volunteering but didn't find anyone at home.  One of the marine families who moved just after we arrived last summer has returned from deployment and will be in our ward again.  We saw her on Sunday and she greeted us with a big hug. It is good to know that when we connect with these families, it builds a lasting relationship.  So, hopefully we will be able to do that with new folks as they arrive. Even though we didn't get to visit with any marine families, Scott gave us a call on his way home which was a real treat.

Saturday was a big day for the San Juan Capistrano Ward.  It was the groundbreaking for the first chapel in that city.  I was able to participate in the celebration by singing in the stake choir.  There were quite a number of civic leaders who attended the ceremony.  The speakers were outstanding and told the history of the area and how long they had waited for this chapel.  They shared tender feelings about their commitment to the church and the love they have for their community.  As you can see from the architectural rendering I've attached, it is going to be a lovely building and a real treasure.

We accidentally slept in late on Sunday morning.  We had a tender mercy when we received a text from the Elders that they didn't need us to do a split with them that morning--saving us 30 minutes.  We had six marines at the morning meeting which was thrilling since the last few weeks we've had only one or two.  The Relief Society meeting at San Clemente Ward was based on Elder Hallstrom's October Conference talk regarding miracles.  The sister teaching the lesson had lived in the stake in Northern California where the miracle he quoted had happened.  She had behind the scenes pictures that she shared with us.  It was so interesting. But, the heart of the lesson was we need to have faith in Christ even if the miracles don't come.  "But if not..."  It made me think of Elder DeJohn's testimony. We need to trust in the Lord with all of our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding.  

Between meetings we were able to visit with Boyd and his family.  It's such a blessing that senior missionaries can keep in touch with their family on a regular basis. Aspen, Emma and Dylan are all such caring and talented girls.  Aspen checks in with us several times each week to see how we are doing.  They are all just so special and we love the entire family very much.

We saw three female marines make history Sunday night by attending the Basilone Branch. They are in the first company of women being trained at Camp Pendleton.  None of them are members of the Church at this point but they were all delightful young women.  We had a total of 30 marines in attendance.  Bro. Jolley gave the fireside message about the importance of the Book of Mormon as a Second Witness of Christ.  It was a wonderful meeting.  It made me remember how thankful I am for the plain and precious principles taught in the Book of Mormon that are so easy to understand.  We have been reading the Old Testament together and there is quite a contrast.  I'm thankful for Joseph Smith and the restoration of the Gospel and for the blessing of having the Book of Mormon in our day.

March 12, 2018

Kodi Talbott Graduated March 8, 2018

Mission Conference March 10, 2018

Preparing for photo with Elder Rasband

Elder Lemon singing at Mission Conference

March 12, 2018

Another great week to review.  We feel so blessed to be having these wonderful experiences in San Clemente, California.

Monday we celebrated St. Patrick's Day a little early at an Empty Nesters Family Home Evening.  I was asked to bring an appropriate dessert so I searched Pinterest and came up with a green trifle that I thought would work.  However, my best laid plans turned the project into quite the challenge.  The trifle was made of brownies, whipped cream and pudding that had green food coloring--how hard could it be?  I decided to make individual dessert cups.  I made the brownies using a boxed mix and even though I undercooked them they came out extremely hard, but I could make them work.  Had some canned whipped cream that I thought would make the dessert look great.  But...I put it on too soon and they looked awful.  So, we stopped by the store on the way to the FHE and bought Cool Whip--I forgot that would be frozen. So, I tried to melt it using the car heater.  By the time we reached the destination I could cut out a hunk for each cup.It was a comedy of errors.  But, it tasted good and it was green.  We had a discussion about personal experiences with General Authorities.  Bro. Lusk, who is probably in his late 80s, gave a history of the growth of the church in the area.  He has seen it all and had great stories.  Bro. Rober told of being in a stake where Elder Holland called a new stake president.  Before leaving he said the only advice he had for the new stake presidency was to follow Alma 7:23.  Good advice for all of us.

We had two graduations on Tuesday and had to say goodbye to some of our faithful marines.  I got to know Kodi Talbott the Sunday our dinner was late. (A tender mercy)  He is such a special young man.  Hope to stay in touch with him through the years.  Neil Delterrera has been taught by the missionaries at the Basilone Branch and is anxious to continue his lessons at 29 Palms.  Hoping to hear that he is baptized soon.  Chance White was one of those marines who is always faithful and expressed his gratitude for the support he received at SOI.  In the remarks from the Commander that day, he called the graduating marines a national treasure and I definitely agree with him.

March 7 we celebrated the birth of Scott and Reese.  We had a wonderful chat with both of them.  We feel so grateful to have them in our family.  Both of them are loved beyond measure.  Chelsey was full of giggles that night.  It was great seeing her feeling better.

It felt fantastic to return to the Thrift Store on Thursday.  I sorted and got to chat with several of the other ladies.  Nellie had just returned from a trip to Australia.  She shared the pictures she had taken there.  We talked a lot about her family and how we are here serving as missionaries.   Elder Rasband gave a talk in the last General Conference entitled By Divine Design.  In it he says he doesn't believe there are any coincidences.  Heavenly Father puts us in situations with specific intent in mind.  "The Lord is in the small details of our lives, and those incidents and opportunities are to prepare us to lift our families and others as we build the kingdom of God on earth."  I feel as we serve in various service opportunities we have the opportunity to lift those around us and share the gospel through our word and deed.

Our attendance at the Addiction Recovery Program on Thursdays has been a blessing in our lives.  The people there who are working to overcome their addictions are examples to us of how we can embrace the Atonement and come to know our Savior.  I want to know Him like they do.  I hope we can achieve this goal without facing major addictions as they have.

Friday we got to talk with Heidi on our way to the San Onofre NMCRS.  She is such a great woman and wonderful mother.  So thankful for her.  The women we work with at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society are also examples of compassionate women who make a difference in the world.  It was International Women's Day this week and I'm thankful for the women in my life who exemplify noble womanhood and inspire me to do better.  

On Saturday we met for a mission conference at the Newport Stake Center adjacent to the Newport Beach Temple.  We arrived 10 minutes before we were told to be there but ended up being 5 minutes late (they forgot to email us the time change).  So we got there just in time to assemble with all of the missionaries for a group picture with Elder Rasband, Bishop Davies, Elder Patrick Kearon of the Seventy and Elder Acosta our Area Seventy.  I will briefly review some of the instruction we received that day.  Bishop Davies quoted Joseph Smith's testimony saying he received instruction and intelligence from the Angel Moroni.  Intelligence is light and truth.  Jesus Christ is the Light of the World.  Every time we attend a meeting we should receive instruction as to the technical aspects of our service and intelligence of light and truth.  He shared a personal story that took place when he was trying to decide whether to serve a mission.  He had a talent for fixing cars.  In a dream he was driving down the street and came across an older couple whose car had broken down.  He was told to stop and help them.  He was happy when he got them on the road.  When he woke, he had the distinct impression that the counsel from these two people would bless his whole life.  He later accepted a call to serve a mission in Uruguay/Paraguay.  After a crazy flight to his mission, he disembarked from  the plane and was greeted by his mission president and his wife (the same couple who he had seen in his dream.)  He said he vowed to follow their counsel to the letter and it has blessed his whole life.  He testified that by following President and Sister Clark's counsel, our lives would be blessed.

Elder Acosta testified missionaries have the gift of discernment from the Holy Ghost.  This gift will help us know how to teach and interact with the people we are blessed to contact while we are serving.  Elder Lemon, an elder serving in our mission, sang a beautiful song during the service.

Elder Kearon is now one of my favorite speakers.  He is from England and joined the Church when he was 26 after two years of meeting with a variety of missionaries.  He now serves in the Presidency of the Seventy.  He challenged us to "Become the message!" enjoy our mission, work hard and worry less.  We should always do more than we are invited to do.  We should thrive on opposition.  

Elder Rasband had asked us all to study his last conference address "By Divine Design" but he didn't really discuss that.  He said he was following his own advice by being a first responder to his promptings.  His advice to the missionaries who served under him as a mission president was to always be worthy to have a current temple recommended.  He reminded us that all mission calls are made under the direction of an apostle.  Before we leave our mission, we will know why we came here.  We need to be our #1 convert.  We don't know the future consequences of our service.  The mission president has the keys for our mission.  We should not be whiners.  We should be thankful for wherever we are called to serve and who we are asked to serve with.  If we are worthy, obedient and spirit directed, we'll be led to the elect.  Our families will be blessed because of our service.  He challenged us all to ask for a spiritual witness of President Nelson's calling as our prophet.  He delivered a very powerful message.  The meeting was wonderful and it rained all day so Elder Halvorsen was thrilled!!

Sunday we again had a small turnout at our morning meeting--only two marines.  But, as a testimony that every marine counts, the one marine Jacob Barker (visitor) who came last Sunday morning by himself talked to me this week.  He apologized for not returning to our evening meeting last Sunday.  He was on guard duty and couldn't find anyone to switch with him.  He really wanted to be there.  He said he's now been put in charge of assigning guard duty so he will always make sure that he is available for our meetings because he really enjoys them.  So, our efforts are never wasted--no coincidences. Jacob was there by divine design.  

President Stephens spoke at our Fireside about repentance. He shared that he was inactive for his first eight years in the marines.  He went on deployment and came home to find the missionaries at his home teaching his sweet wife.  She had read the Book of Mormon they had given her and was anxious to learn more.  He told how awkward he felt returning to church and he remembered the first meeting he attended the speaker talked about repentance.  He said he needed that.  He testified to the marines that repentance is a great blessing in our lives.  It is always available to us and no one can ever tell us we can't come back.  He reviewed how to repent and then bore a powerful testimony of how being a member of the Church has impacted his life.  I'm sure his message touched the hearts of many in attendance.  We said goodbye to Ben Dawson who leaves for Okinawa on Wednesday.  His wonderful family will be here until June before they join him.  We love this family and are so thankful Ben was with us for a few months before his next deployment.  Andrea related that during their 36 months here at Camp Pendleton, Ben has only been here 11 months.  So, we feel so thankful that we had him for four months.  He is such a wonderful man. We're going to miss him and have promised to help Andrea and the kids while they prepare for the move.  

Scott, Nicole and their children spoke in their Sacrament Meeting on Sunday and shared their talks with us.  They were excellent.  Talk about great examples in our lives.  They spoke about love/charity and service.  Nicole shared a talk that was given a few years ago by Cheryl Esplin at a girls' camp.  She asked the girls to talk to each other with a mirror in between them.  When they were focused on themselves they couldn't really relate to the other girl.  I remember that talk and loved the message but haven't thought about it recently.  What a great reminder that true service requires that we focus on the needs and emotions of others.  Nicole shared a favorite song from the musical Dear Evan Hansen that she loves called Waving Through the Window.  He is waving through the window but everyone passes by without noticing him.  As missionaries I hope we can follow Nicole's example and notice those who need our love and service.  I loved that Ivey said Grandpa Halvorsen is the happiest person she knows because he learned long ago that happiness comes from serving others.  So blessed to have these wonderful examples in our family.

March 5, 2018

Grandpa's Assembly at Golden Fields Elementary School

Luke, Sadie, Susie, Grant and Kate

Charlene and John Kapololu

Marcia and Will Sattley with the sock monkeys

Tamatoa sending love to his mom

March 5, 2018

We had some wonderful family chats this week.  Heidi and her boys shared some of their time with us Monday even though the sun was shining and they were anxious to get outside and play.  Dylan and Aspen texted us--it's so nice to hear about what they are doing. It was great talking to Chelsey and their family.  So good to see her smiling and hear that her recovery is going well.  Sunday we visited with Grant's family and heard about Grandpa's visit to their school.  Susie arranged for him to come to Luke and Sadie's elementary school in Daybreak, Utah.  The teachers were so excited to have Grandpa speak and after he left the kids were thrilled to have everyone know he was their Grandpa.  They are proud of him and his story inspired all of the children to show an attitude of gratitude.  It was a special experience for everyone at Golden Fields Elementary.

Wednesday was Beau's birthday.  He is always such a happy guy and you can hear his smile in his voice.  Sure proud of him and all of the good things he does.  Scott, Ivey, Beau and Tate took a quick trip to Vegas for the WCC Basketball Tournament.  Our kids are such terrific parents.

We had a very quiet week.  Work at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society has been very slow--which is good.  Not many people needing help right now.  Their Thrift Store was closed this week for renovations so our service was pretty limited.  

It did rain this week which was exciting.  We were actually afraid it might rain out the graduation but they did hold the event and it was a beautiful day after the rainy night.

Saturday we drove to Murrieta for brunch with our favorite senior couples--Charlene and John Kapololu and Marcia and Will Sattley.  We are always looking for ways to improve the transition of the marines from MCRD to SOI.  Had a delightful planning meeting.  We're so thankful for the people we have the privilege to work with here in California.  

Sunday had its highs and lows.  We were almost ready to cancel our morning services at Camp Pendleton because we didn't have any marines show up.  But about 9:20 one marine who is actually not a member of our Church came to worship. So we had a Fast and Testimony Meeting just for him.  We were able to share our feelings about the Gospel of Jesus Christ through our testimonies.  It truly was ministering to the one.  At the end of the meeting he said he would be coming back which was exciting.  

Elder Halvorsen was the featured speaker for the fireside.  I was so thankful we had a good turnout for the evening meeting.  Brad gave a powerful message about faith, believing that with God's help nothing is impossible and the importance of a positive attitude.  He shared some great thoughts that inspired the men and had wonderful feedback from those in attendance.  I finally got to provide dessert and everyone loved Grandma Halvorsen's Cherry Cheesecake.  

The highlight of the week was finding Tamatoa (pictured).  We had recently received several phone calls from his mother in Hawaii who was worried about him.  He had not contacted her and she didn't know how to find him.  He had not been in church the previous week so we were thrilled when he came to the fireside.  Elder Halvorsen had him call his mother using his phone and sent her the picture above.  So, she now knows he is alive and well. (She was thrilled!!)   He was really cute saying his mother doesn't realize training keeps him VERY busy!!  This week we felt like we were searching for the lost sheep.  So thankful we found him and hopefully he will remember to contact his mother in the future.  

So, the importance of the one was the highlight of our week.  Whether its talking with family, celebrating a special grandson's birthday, sharing time with a great grandpa, teaching one marine or connecting a lost marine with his mother, as we serve the one we are blessed.