October 8, 2018

Woolley's new patio

Phil Woolley

Elder Halvorsen, Phil Woolley and Dianne Woolley

Elder Halvorsen, Sister Halvorsen

Elder Bob Sweetwood and Sister Carol Sweetwood

Graduating Marines 10-4-18

Boathouse at MCRD

Elder Halvorsen on Boathouse Ramp

Dayan Honie and Loren Wright

Loren Wright baptizing Dayan Honie

Dayan Honie with John and Charlene Kapololu

Cafe Rio "reserved table" for Couple's Council

Elder Will Sattley, Sister Halvorsen

Elder John Kapololu,  Sister Charlene Kapololu

Sister Marcia Sattley

October 8, 2018

One month to go--unbelievable.  

On Monday we took our car in to be serviced to make sure it is ready when we pack it up to return home on November 8.  Elder Halvorsen is really diligent is making sure our autos are in good running order.  After the service appointment we stopped by Costco so I could get a hot dog.  Brad loves the Acai Bowls there--hope they have those in Utah.  Bro. Lang's family was in Hawaii so no missionary correlation that night.  I received a beautiful card from Charlene Wells.  She has been a constant source of love and encouragement while we have been serving.  I feel so blessed to have her as a friend.

It was an unusual Tuesday--there were no graduations.  So our main activity that day was sorting at FAM.  We did get an extra treat though.  Dianne Woolley who worked at Basilone Branch when we first arrived was shopping at the store and we got to see her.  The funny thing was her husband Phil had sent us a text earlier that day inviting us to dinner on Wednesday night.  We got a good laugh out of that because we haven't seen them in about a year. 

Wednesday started off terribly.  We were in a huge traffic jam on I-5 south.  So, we were late to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.  That was the first time we have been late since we started working there.  And, as life would have it, the computers were down that morning.  We had five appointments that needed to be checked in before 8:30 am. (usually we have 2 or 3).  So, it was total chaos.  I was teaching Budget for Baby at 10 am and between customers, I had set up the room for four couples.  When I walked in to teach, there were two extra couples.  So, I had to scramble to get more supplies ready.  At the end of the class, I had to leave the room to get gift cards from the safe.  While I was gone, I instructed those in the class to help themselves to an item from the Thrift Store bucket and a blanket as as gift.  After getting the gift cards distributed, I realized the group had been a bit overzealous and took most of the Thrift Store items and additional blankets.  What a day full of surprises.  

As miserable as the day was, the evening was total delight.  We went to the Woolley's home for dinner.  We thoroughly enjoyed visiting with Dianne and Phil and hearing about all of their adventures.  Phil is a motivational speaker and travels around the world for his work.  We loved his stories.  They are such wonderful people.  We feel so blessed to call them friends.

Thursday was filled with special experiences.  Linda, a friend from the Thrift Store, shared with me some medical concerns she was having and asked for our prayers in her behalf.  It was humbling to know that she felt comfortable doing that.  She is a wonderful Christian woman and we pray her body will be healed.

The cake cutting was huge.  There were 10 marines being honored and close to 100 in attendance.  It was a two Costco cake day.  Elder and Sister Sweetwood were in attendance.  I'm not sure we will have the chance to see them again before we leave.  They are an amazing couple and dear friends.  After the cake cutting, many of the group went to the Boathouse on the MCRD grounds to witness Dayan Honie's baptism.  He was baptized by a fellow marine--Loren Wright.  We were so impressed by Dayan's big smile and the joy he radiated.  It was a privilege to be there to witness his baptism.  

After the sweet baptismal experience, we met with our dear friends at Cafe Rio.  Seems like we have a reserved table there for our Couple's Council Meetings.  I think we will only have one more meeting like this.  On October 18 they are going to try having a hot dog luncheon again which interferes with our work at the Thrift Store.  Since the marines graduating that day will arrive at SOI after we leave we will probably not attend.  Makes my heart sad to know this is coming to an end.

On Friday, Elder and Sister Sessions (our replacements) contacted us and we set up a time to talk on Saturday.  At the San Onofre Office, we had the chance to visit with Juliann.  She just got a new job and that may be the last time we see her too.  So many goodbyes coming too quickly.  

Conference weekend was wonderful.  We really enjoyed listening to all of the sessions.  It was a historic conference in that they announced our Sunday block will now be two hours instead of three.  There will now be an emphasis on individual study and  parents teaching their families in the home.  I looked over the new family resource manual and it is fantastic!!  I'm really excited about the resources that have been developed.  We talked for 90 minutes with Elder and Sister Sessions about our mission.  They are very excited and we are thrilled that they will be coming to serve in the California, Irvine Mission.  I'm sure they will do a terrific job.

Sunday we were sad to find out that Matthew Boucher was dropped from the Recon program.  Now he has to wait and see where he will be assigned and what his occupation will be.  We're praying it will be something he enjoys.  He is such a wonderful young man and will be a great marine. We met the new elders assigned to the Basilone Branch--Elder Jones and Elder Bonds--and had them follow us to the chapel. We held our normal meetings at the Basilone Branch and had a great turnout at both of the meetings.  It is a joy serving with these young people.  Enjoyed all of the conference talks.  Many were centered on forgiveness, facing trials, being inclusive, not judging others and taking upon us the name of Christ.  We were very moved by the counsel we received.  So thankful to have a prophet on the earth at this time.  So many are facing difficult struggles in their lives and through Christ we can receive comfort and healing.