September 3, 2018

President Clark instructs missionaries

at August 28 Zone Conference

Object Lesson--Cleaning the Inner Vessel

Elder Tracy (3rd from right)

Farewell Zone Conference

Sisters sing at Zone Conference

(Sister Baker 2nd from left)

Elder Halvorsen at MCRD

Largest Cake Cutting--August 30, 2018

Pageant of the Masters "Under the Sun"

Laguna Beach Festival of Arts

Stage for Pageant of the Masters

Laguna Beach 2018

September 3, 2018

Monday we worked at FAM so that we would be able to attend Zone Conference on August 28.  That evening we sent texts to all of the military families in the San Clemente Ward asking for interesting trivia we could use to highlight them at the Ward Activity on September 17.

Zone Conferences have been a highlight of our mission.  The August 28 conference was no different.  The theme was "Living Water".  Sister Clark did an outstanding object lesson the included pouring sparkling clean water into a soiled container.  She challenged us to clean the inner vessel so that we will be able to share Christ's living water through our example.  We brainstormed names referring to Jesus--there are over 2,000.  We claim personal power by focusing on Christ in all of our thoughts.  Missionaries shared some amazing miracles that took place in the California, Irvine Mission this transfer.  We need to follow the example of President Nelsen and be "Get Up And Go" Missionaries.  It was fun seeing Sister Baker (former San Clemente missionary).  She was able to have a convert baptism on her birthday this month--the best gift she could have asked for.  There were some sweet farewell testimonies from missionaries who will be returning home before the next Zone Conference.  One of those missionaries is Elder Tracy who served with us at the Basilone Branch.  Elder Tracy has lost 40 lbs since Christmas.  His mission has changed him both physically and spiritually.  He is a great young Elder.  Sister Castagno shared in her testimony a quote from Pres. Hobbins who said "Our mission is the spiritual well we'll drink from the rest of our lives so dig it deep."  I loved that thought

I had four female marines in my Budget for Baby class.  They were outstanding women.  One was from Samoa.  Really enjoyed the opportunity I had to meet them.  Elder Halvorsen had a difficult case at the end of the day so we stayed late for him to help the marine.

After having a delightful morning sorting clothes at the Thrift Store with Marge and Linda, we drove to San Diego for the largest cake cutting in our history--110 people in attendance.  Eleven marines were recognized and lots of family members were there to celebrate.  The Kapololus were out of town so Elder Sattley conducted the event.  The group was so large we held the meeting in the base chapel rather than outside.  We enjoyed meeting the marines and assuring their parents that we will be ready and willing to support their sons at SOI.  The Sattleys have a new local couple who has been called to serve with them at Edson Range--the Hogans were full of enthusiasm and will do a great job.  Bro. Hogan is a retired Air Force Officer who has had numerous foreign assignments.  It will be fun to get to know them.  Loved having dinner with the Sattleys.  Sis. Sattley has such an inquisitive mind.  It is always fun to hear her insights. 

Because most of the marines on base had a 96 (96 hours of leave due to the Monday holiday), it was really slow at the San Onofre Office on Friday.  But I did have the opportunity to help a single mother  who had not received a pay check for several months.  She was overcome with tears of gratitude.  It was humbling to hug her and wish her well.  The Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society helps so many people in need.  It is a privilege working with this wonderful organization.

Friday night we went to see The Pageant of the Masters.  The theme this year was Under the Sun.  It was such a fun program.  They focused on the history of Laguna Beach as a center of art in California.  The Pageant of the Masters recreates art using real people.  It is just amazing.  They had several incredible replicas of surfers--I'll never figure out how they hold their positions on surf boards in the air--mind boggling.  They also had a tribute to Monet (my favorite impressionist) and those depictions were absolutely gorgeous. Before the Pageant started, we strolled through displays of artwork by local artists.  We thoroughly enjoyed the evening even though we got home about midnight.

Lots of paperwork to get done on Saturday.  However, we did end the day with watching the first BYU football game of the season--a win over Arizona.  It's so nice that senior missionaries can enjoy extracurricular activities.

We had a new infantry group join us Sunday morning--Alpha Company.  They are really special.  They each took the opportunity to share their testimonies.  One of them was from Vidor, Texas--where Elder Halvorsen served as a young Elder.  The marine thought it was incredible that someone actually knew where he was from.  I also shared my testimony of gaining a testimony of the Book of Mormon.  It's amazing that Emma, Kate and Ivey are in ninth grade and taking their first seminary class.  That is the age I was when I received confirmation that the Book of Mormon truly is sacred scripture.  I pray that each of them will come to gain their own testimony of its truthfulness.  We only had 12 attend our fireside.  President Stephens spoke about moral courage and trusting in the Lord.  His message was so important for the marines.  A wonderful female marine--White--thanked us for supporting them.  She told us how important the gospel is to her and how grateful she is to be able to come to church and feel of the Spirit during this critical time of her life.