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.