Sunday, April 19, 2009

Life Is Gooood In The Mission

Not everyone can get roses from their companion.



Believe it or not, Elder Elmer found a spot for some tomato plants.


My exciting purchase from the Flea Market.



Crystal Richardson, Chloe and Gisell.


Before service at the Mosers.


After service at the Mosers.




Elder Parker is anticipating a win from Elder Elmer, finally.


Elder Sparks, is that a brace on your ankle? How did you do that?


Elder Schuetzler (DL) on right and Elder Vanderhoef .


Elder Swallow and I were greeting people who came to the Emergency Preparedness Fair.


Sister Palmer, Driscoll, and O'Shaunessy had the canning area under control.


Lunch for the Elders at the fair, pizza.

A little Basketball after the clean-up was done.


Hello from Santa Cruz. Hope everyone is doing well. Things are good here in the mission. We have officially been on our mission for 2 months. We have had our second Zone Conference, and interviews with President are this Friday. It is indeed going fast.
President Jackson invited us to our first Transfer Meeting to see what is was all about. Don't worry my companion stayed the same. He reminded the Elders that we were the only missionaries that had permission to walk on the beach. Our Zone is always saying they can't wait to be a senior couple, so they can get all these cool priviledges. We actually lost a few of our elders to other areas at that transfer. I didn't like that. We've become attached. We love the missionaries, having fun with them and learning from them.
We are presently working with less active families. We are teaching a few of them the lessons, so they can remember the spirit they felt as the doctrines were taught to them so many years ago. They are good people. Sis. Richardson is coming back, and asked if we could help her with teaching the gospel in her home. She has been away for so long that she feels like there are gaps in her understanding. We are also teaching 2 sisters the Temple Prep lessons. We hope that we will be able to go with them to the temple when they go. One sister is anxious to be sealed to her husband, who died in a car accident 9 years ago. The other sister was baptized about a year and a half ago.
I want to say thanks to Steph for her Potato Swiss Soup in the family cookbook. We took it to a brother who is less active, and his wife said he loved it. We're hoping it opened his door a little wider for us.
We love our walks in the morning. The flowers in this place are amazing! Half the time when your walking, your also sniffing. They have dog parks here, which I had never seen before, because everyone here has a dog, if not multiple dogs. The really bad thing about this area is parking. It can definatley be a distraction to the work. You have to have permits to park on the street. I guess the good thing is, that when you finally find a place to park, you can street contact ,while walking a mile to the house that you wanted to go to.
We love being missionaries! I have to say, that we have had some disappointments lately, but we press forward knowing how important our message to the world is. We continue to study, and work hard, so we are worthy of the Lord's direction. I've been reading in the Book of Mormon lately about Alma and Amulek as they tried to teach the people of Ammonihah. What incredible missionaries they were! I love the story of Zeezroms's conversion. I love the care and respect they gave to one another. I have a great companion, too! He truly loves the work.
We love each of you so much! Thank you for your prayers. They mean so much. Take care! Congratulations to Joe and Steph for having their first college graduate. Way to go Annie! Happy Birthday to Toni!
Sorry, if I repeat something. I just can't remember everything we've told everyone.

Saturday, April 11, 2009

THE Easter Message



Let us give thanks in humble prayer
For God gave us his son.
That we may live and be like him
The battle he has won

His life he gave the ransom paid
He beckons us to come
I Stand amazed and humble, still
His work it must be done.


We love you all so much, the work of the Lord moves forward. We love this clip. Truly, this is an Apostle of the Lord

Love Dad