July 23, 2018

Zone Conference July 17, 2018

Zone Title of Liberty

Hawaiian Haystacks for lunch

President and Sis Clark with departing sister

ASYMCA Brunch--Mark across from Elder Halvorsen

Traffic Jam after cake cutting

Scenic Drive from San Diego

Encinitas

Antique Car Show in Encinitas

Coast Highway 101

Carlsbad

Concrete Beach Set Up

Sister Halvorsen at Concrete Beach with Alpha Company

Spencer Bradley and parents

July 23, 2018

It's been an emotional week.  We were devastated to hear Chelsey's mom had been diagnosed with breast cancer. We know Chelsey's unwavering faith and support will help Barb throughout her treatments.  We wish we were there to help in some way but will add our faith and prayers for Barb's quick and complete recovery. 

We worked at the FAM Thrift Store on Monday due to a conflict with Zone Conference.  Funny how strange it feels when your schedule is altered.  Bro. Lang had to cancel our missionary correlation so the entire day felt off.

Zone Conference on Tuesday was outstanding.  Most of the training was centered on working with members and strengthening their commitment to missionary work on the ward level.  The goal of missionaries is to assist members in inviting their friends and neighbors to come unto Christ.  Most of the training was presented by Elders and Sisters who will soon be completing their missions.  It is amazing how much they grow in the two years they serve.  They become inspirational leaders.  We enjoyed meeting our new MLS couple--the Carvers from Ogden, Utah.  We heard 11 departing missionary testimonies.  Each was heartfelt and very moving.  Love to hear them testify of what they have learned from serving others.  The meeting didn't conclude until 4 pm so we barely made it home in time for the appointment I had to get my hair cut.  I just couldn't manage long hair in the heat.  We were thrilled to talk to Chelsey that evening to wish her a Happy Birthday.  We are so thankful to have her as part of our family.

Wednesday we attended a brunch sponsored by the ASYMCA at Panera Bread.  We met with our friends who volunteer to help at Concrete Beach.  We sat by Mark Bramson and had a delightful conversation with him.  Mark is Jewish and has had a number of LDS friends who have been a great example to him.  We enjoyed having a gospel centered conversation while we ate.  That evening we delivered no-bake cookies to two new military families in our ward--Stiefvaters and Williams.  Loved getting to know them.  Bro. Williams met his wife while he was serving a mission in Mexico.  Sister Williams told us how her great grandmother was the first member in their city.  She housed the missionaries and protected them from those who wanted to harm them--fascinating story.  It's such a treat to spend time with these wonderful marines and their families.

I cashiered at the NMCRS Thrift Store and when I opened the "change" bag I was $50 short.  I was so thankful Cheryl had been standing with me as I opened the bag.  When she called to report the missing money I heard her say--This is Gaylene we're talking about.  There is no way she would be taking any money.  It made me feel so nice to be known as a person of integrity who could be trusted.  There were only two marines at the Cake Cutting in San Diego, but they were excited to be graduating.  Ate with the senior missionaries at our favorite Cafe Rio and then we headed to the freeway.  However, there had been an accident and there was going to be a 90 minutes delay.  So, our expert driver found his way to Scenic Highway 101 and we drove along the coast.  It was a beautiful drive.  In Encinitas there was an antique car show and cars were parked all along the main road.  Lots of tourists were checking them out.  Carlsbad was buzzing with tourists.  Looks like a very popular vacation spot.  We arrived home 12 hours after we left in the morning.  But, it was more enjoyable than sitting in a traffic jam.

We were able to serve at Concrete Beach for Alpha Company on Friday.  It was so fun to see our marines.  This is the group that Scott and his family welcomed on their first week to SOI and have been so faithful.  As we were setting up, Elder Halvorsen got to spend time with Mark--our Jewish friend.  I worked with Samantha--the program director.  She told me about a lot of services the Y provides on the base. She was very complimentary about the Military Relations Missionaries who have volunteered over the years.  It was nice to see what an impact missionaries have on those they serve with.  

Our shift started at the San Onofre Office at 1 pm Friday.  I was shocked when I hurried to the car to get my change of clothes and realized the bag had not made it to the car.  I made quite an impression walking into the office in my jeans.  The other volunteers were thrilled to know I don't wear skirts ALL of the time.  I had the opportunity to train a darling young woman named Danielle.  We had so much fun chatting and several of the marines who were waiting to be served joined in our conversations.  They were so funny.  It was a delightful day.

The weekend was pretty laid back.  We had a nice evening walk on Saturday.  We didn't want to go out until the temperatures dropped a bit so we enjoyed the cool evening air.  Sunday was our last Sunday meetings with Alpha Company. We got to meet Spencer Bradley's parents.  Spencer spent a lot of time in Lima because of an injury so we have gotten to know him really well.  He has been a faithful Priesthood holder who was always willing to bless the sacrament, attend the temple and share his testimony.  We will really miss him and the other marines in that group.  They will graduate on July 24.