June 4, 2018

Graduation Fun

Elder Halvorsen, Scott and Beau

Beau

Beau with full gear

Scott

Pedro's Tacos

Scott, Elder Halvorsen, Tate & Ivey

Elder and Sister Finlayson

Mission Home

June 4, 2018

We volunteered at FAM on Memorial Day with Shannon.  We got to meet her boyfriend from Uruguay and found out his father is an active member of the church there.  Andy actually came to California at the invitation of an LDS missionary and never returned to his home country.  However, he calls his family every day and will soon be an American citizen.  We had a lovely dinner at the Dawson's with the Stephens family and the elders.  We picked up Elder Sanford and Elder Pack because they were over on their miles this month.  Elder Tracy and his companion also joined us.  It was fun to see him again.  So thankful for all of those who have given their lives to protect our freedom and for our loved ones who sacrificed that we might enjoy this abundant life.

Tuesday Scott and Beau joined us for Hotel Company's graduation.  Beau really enjoyed trying on all of the equipment.  A helpful sergeant said he could swear him in if he was ready to be a marine.  Nicole took the other children shopping.  We all met for lunch at Pedro's Tacos and then strolled through the shops on Del Mar.  So fun to have them visit San Clemente.

We had a quiet day at the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society on Wednesday.  But, I did get to work with two new volunteers--Alexa and Kenneth.  They are both young and energetic.  It was fun getting to know them.

We had about 75 people at our Cake Cutting on Thursday.  All nine LDS marines were in attendance. We only had one cake so I got the honor of doing the cutting--we ended with only 3 pieces left so we were all very happy.  One marine's father had served as a missionary in the London South Mission with Gail and Alta. And, he had grown up in Iowa City (where Craig got his masters degree).  Another marine was from South Jordan close to where Grant's family lives.  It's always interesting how much we have in common with our marines.  After the ceremony, our missionary team went to Panera Bread for dinner.  Sattleys are getting a little melancholy about being left behind when the we are released in November and the Kapololu's also return home.  We're praying several military couples will soon be found to take over our positions.  

The principle discussed at ARP was #6--Become entirely ready to have God remove all your character weaknesses.  One of the sisters related how the Japanese repair broken pottery with gold which makes it more valuable than it was originally.  Our lives are like the broken pottery.  God requires a broken heart so He can change our hearts and make us better people.  We all have character weaknesses--pride, anger, blaming others.  We all need to change our hearts and come unto Christ.

Our senior missionary staff is changing again.  On Friday we had a farewell dinner for Elder and Sister Finlayson.  We had a delightful meal at the Clark's home.  Sister Clark is such a gracious hostess.  Those in attendance gave personal tributes to the Finlaysons.  They are extraordinary people--so talented and energetic.  It's hard to imagine the mission without them.  As Elder Halvorsen said they are like the widow who gave all that she had.  They have photographed, fed, mended clothing for, healed (Elder Finlayson is the doctor), and taught the missionaries.  Missionaries in the California, Irvine Mission are better because they had the chance to work with the Finlaysons.

We worked on our house plans on Saturday.  We're still trying to get the final samples so that the HOA will sign off and we can begin building.  It has been a real challenge but the end is in sight.  The highlight of the day for me was watching the Be One broadcast from the Conference Center commemorating the revelation received 40 years ago that all worthy male members of the church could receive the priesthood.  The event was so touching I found myself weeping for joy--it was so powerful.  In the evening we went for a walk.  The weather here is outstanding.

We had a wonderful Sabbath Day.  In our testimony meeting Jaxson Tubbs spoke about staying centered on Christ.  He is a mortarman and told how he must align a bubble on his scope before he shoots his shell.  If the bubble is outside of the lines, the shell will not hit the target.  He likened this to our lives.  Being focused on having Christ as the center of our lives, we can reach our goals and be happy.  

We were able to talk with Grant and Boyd's families.  We celebrated Dylan receiving the Presidential Gold Award and graduating from elementary school.  We were sad that Luke had cracked off a corner of his tooth in the swimming pool on Saturday--poor guy.  Scott was sustained as a counselor in the Stake Young Men's which is exciting.  Eric's family shared pictures from their trip to Yellowstone.  Heidi and Craig are preparing to move to Minnesota.  So much happening with our dear family.  

A marine called and asked if we could come to the base early so he could partake of the sacrament before our evening meeting because his leave was ending at 6 pm.  We contacted the Elders who tried to make arrangements for a split to allow Elder Pack to go with us.  It was absolutely crazy trying to get everything to align so we could get there in time.  And, in the end we failed.  But to our delight, the marine's leave was extended and he was able to join us at the fireside.  President Stephens spoke about kicking against the pricks and questioning assignments the marines will receive.  In hindsight, they will see why things happened the way they did.  They need to realize God is in charge and knows what is best for us.  "I'll go where you want me to go, dear Lord" should be our motto.

It was a wonderful week and we are so thankful to be serving with the marines in this beautiful part of the country. Thankful to be military relations missionaries at Camp Pendleton.  Thankful to belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  Thankful to know God has a plan for each of us and if we center our lives on Jesus Christ we will be able to live with Him again.