Hard At Work

President and Sister Jackson

(they are FABULOUS!)

Out the door ( we do miss our jeans).

I I need a Pensioniesta!!

Preach My Gospel, don't go to sleep without it!!

Elder and Sister House playing the psaltry.

Well, we've been here in Santa Cruz for 3 weeks. I think we are starting to feel like we are settling in. Jerry is getting around like he has lived here for years. I haven't driven for a month or written a check at Target. Boy, my life has really changed. Anyway, we love being missionaries! We have met some wonderful people. Most of our time is spent getting to know the members of the ward, and trying to help less-actives. We are teaching a man who is 63 years old, and has not been to church since he was 17. He has some very serious health issues, but is interested in understanding a little more about the church he belongs to. It will be hard to get him to church, so we're working on bringing the church to him. He is a very kind man, and seems to be receptive to learning the messages we are trying to share.

Another thing we love is our Elders! We have the priviledge of working with some fine young men. I am just in awe of them. Our Zone Leaders are also in our ward (Capitola Ward), so we work and coordinate with them alot. I can't even tell you how amazing Zone Conference was, and how much we love our Pres. and Sis. Jackson. It's a wonderful work we are engaged in, and we are learning everyday. I have to admit that after being asked to speak in Sacrament two minutes before it started, being asked to give two talks in two weeks, and singing acapella with 6 sweet soprano singing sisters in front of 60 or so people (my companion almost lost it on that one), I was almost ready to put my 2 week notice in. I guess with the Lord and Jerry as my companions, I'll hang in here a little longer. No complaints about my comp. He is a joy to work with, and a wonderful missionary. I hope Pres. doesn't change us anytime soon.

We love serving in the community! We help at the Soup Kitchen on Tues. They serve about 200 to 250 homeless everyday from 12 - 1. We have met some wonderful volunteers. Last week we were the greeters. There are alot of homeless and jobless people in Santa Cruz. It's a very hard thing. We also help at Grey Bears on Fri. mornings. This organization bags excess food and produce, and then loads cars and trucks to take the bags to shut ins, needy, etc. It's fun to do! Our Relief Society Pres. is there on Fridays too, and she has been great to work with. I feel like I've known her for years.

One of the Senior Missionary couples from the office came over from San Jose to go to dinner with us for Jerry's birthday. They play an instument called the psaltry. Elder House (we knew them in the Philippines) actually makes them. Sis House is a musician (fiddles), and she does the music. They are great people! Sis Mcnally (RS Pres) invited 6 0r 8 people over for a little fireside. The Houses played, and shared a thought. It was nice. The best part was when Sis Mcnally brought out her ukelele. I said do you know I'll Be Down To Get You? She did, so every one joined in and we sang oldies for the next 30 minutes. Dad, wish you could have there. One of Sis. Mcnally's non member friends was there, and she seemed to enjoy herself. It was a very enjoyable evening.

Tomorrow is PDay. YEA! I have got to clean my floors. We try to keep a schedule like the young elders, but sometimes its hard. We weren't having anytime to fix dinner, so we have to plan in our daily planner to stop and fix dinner. We do have invitations from time to time. Tomorrow we are going with our Zone to see the Redwoods. We're going to have hamburgers, and we made Potato Salad, and chocolate cake for Jer's birthday. Should be fun, and we can were jeans!!!!! Some of the Elders will be on bikes, and the rest will be walking.

I have started reading the Book of Mormon again. I have my own personal study early in the morning, just before Jerry gets up at 6:30. I am reminded again of the committment that Nephi had to the Lord. He was indeed steadfast and immovable in his faith. What a wonderful example he is. I am grateful for this book in my life. Just like the Prophet Joseph said, it does bring me closer to my Father in Heaven and Savior when I study and ponder its truths. What a wondrous message we have to share, and speaking of sharing messages, it's late and I have work to do, so I'll close for now. Thank you everyone for all your love and support.