Week 33: Elder Hadlock's Turn

Sister Hadlock says that I, Elder Hadlock need to pen a few feelings about our mission and my responsibilities.  I'm sure this will be shorter than most of Sister Hadlock's blog posts.

Anyway, I’m over cars for the mission. We have 79 cars and a 12-passenger mission van. You put 18 to 24-year old Sisters and Elders in them and there is never a dull moment. There is always something they are calling about – maintenance light is on, flat tires, and of course a few accidents. Just when you think things are going well with the cars (about 1 ½ weeks ago), you end up with four new accidents; one being a “total.” 

It never ceases to amaze me how our missionaries seem to walk away from bad wrecks with no injury. The Lord is definitely watching over them when they are trying to be obedient in all things.

Well it’s been a very spiritual and rewarding experience to be out here helping the missionaries serve the Lord. My testimony has been strengthened. My understanding has been increased and my perspective on life and what’s important has never been more clear. I am enjoying reading the Conference Talks, scriptures, and other good books – and I get to watch an episode or two of the Andy Griffith show each night -- good stuff.

 I would wish that every young man and young woman in the Church could have this opportunity. What a strength to the Lord’s kingdom they will be as they begin to raise their own families. I would also wish that more of you could serve as Senior Couples. It has been such a great experience.  

 On Saturday, we were able to go to the Seattle Temple. Elder and Sister Martin (from Vernal), were able to come with us. It wasn’t raining so we took some pictures. We also took some pictures this week of some rhododendrons around and near our apartment complex. They really are quite pretty.

Well, we miss family and friends, but are so grateful to be part of this great and marvelous work.

Week 32: M & M's -- More Memories & Musings

Standing on the "Glass Bridge"

Sister & Elder Trotter

It was warm and mostly sunny this week so went for a walk a couple of evenings.  Admission to the Museum of Glass is free from 5-8 p.m. on the third Thursday of every month. So, we enjoyed an excursion to the Museum with the Harwoods & Trotters that night.  -- Followed by a drive along the waterfront and ice cream at Dairy Queen.

The Trotters will be leaving to go home (Rapid City, South Dakota) this Saturday. They have been serving as Member Leader Support Missionaries in Lakewood. We have loved having them share with us some of their experiences with less-active members, investigators, and new members.  They have witnessed how it really is through the Merits & Mercy of Jesus Christ that we are healed physically, spiritually, and emotionally. He is the Messiah, and our Mediator with the Father.

Hearing the Trotter's experiences, as well as those of other missionaries, is a reminder of how much God loves His children. He doesn't forget us, but is mindful of where we are, what we are doing, what we need, and just when (the moment) we need it. The Trotters are marvelous examples of what it means to be ministers "unto the lease of these" our brethren and sisters.  So grateful for their influence and friendship.

Spent some time this week getting a package ready for Ben (Elder Hadlock) as he approaches his one year mark – Hump Day. I did a M & M theme package. The M & M’s representing the “humps” on a camel. Then I printed M & M Missionary principles – Might & Mind, Mighty Miracles or Mission Miracles, Member Missionaries, Moroni Muscles, Make the Most, Mission-Minded, Marvelous Work & Wonder (upside down M & M’s), etc. -- onto large labels and stuck them onto 

12 large bags of M & M’s, each a different flavor. 

No, he doesn’t need, or probably even want, all that candy, but I had fun collecting the M & M’s and preparing the package. He can certainly share! I’m sure it weighed  10-15 pounds, but surprisingly, it all fit into a medium-sized flat-rate box.

Now, some may think that our mission is nothing but merry and marvelous. Much of the time it is, but believe me, we still have our trials, challenges, and many imperfections to deal with. Our troubles and weaknesses have not disappeared. We continue to be stretched, tutored, and reminded to "what source we must look for a remission of our sins." We are grateful to be missionaries and to be making memories, but our greater desire is to become "more fit for His kingdom; more Savior like thee." 

Week 31: All Things (and People) Beautiful

View from Bremerton Hospital

I am overwhelmed with the many beautiful things, people, and blessings that abound – all evidences of God’s infinite love for His children.  Thus, this post is dedicated to all things beautiful.

The flowers are blooming here, especially the rhododendrons. There is color everywhere – in addition to all the green. 

I was able to go again to sit in the hospital with the sister who had her appendix out. It was a beautiful day; a scenic ride. I was glad to be with her and take in the view from her window. She was able to be released on Friday.

Outside Elder Hadlock's window

Squirrel near our apartment

It is a beautiful experience to be here as a missionary working in the office. Even at “work” God’s creations delight us. Elder Hadlock has a huge rhododendron outside his office window. Even he couldn’t resist taking a picture. I can see delicate pine tree seedlings getting their start outside my window. And one day this week I observed a small bird taking a bath in a puddle in the parking lot. I couldn't get a picture before the bath was over, but it made me smile.

The Sound near Chambers Bay

Wednesday evening was so pleasant we couldn’t pass up the chance to enjoy a walk near The Sound at Chambers Creek Golf course. Thursday and Friday brought rain, beautiful in its own way.

Sister & Elder Petersen

On Saturday, we went with Elder & Sister Petersen to the Rhododenron Botanical Gardens in Federal Way. It was lovely. 

A Bonsai Garden is right next to it. It was fascinating. I think I could have stayed there all day.

circa 1500 AD

One of these Bonsai trees is over 500 years old!

Elder Hadlock & his Grandmother

Now a word about this beautiful, handsome son, Elder Hadlock. He just got transferred to Conway, Arkansas. New area, new companion -- Elder Wells from Logan. He sent me some Dove chocolates, a nice card and sent his Dad some money to buy me some flowers. A thoughtful young man. We enjoyed getting to talk to him via Facetime today. He sounded and looked good. He is little nervous about getting things going in this new area, but it sounds like member support is going to be great. We pray that his "anxiety" will be minimal. And as always, we so appreciate all the support and prayers he is getting from each of you. 

Flowers from Ben & "beautiful" words of God

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace;… that publisheth salvation; … (Mosiah 12:21, Isaiah 52:7)

We love our missionary in Arkansas as well as these beautiful missionaries here in Washington. We have really grown to appreciate their obedience, hard work and faithfulness. 

And now As it is Mother’s Day, I wish to pay tribute to my mother, a beautiful woman inside and out. She is such a pillar of strength and example of compassion. She serves without fanfare. It is very characteristic of my mother to put the needs of others before her own needs. She is constantly doing kind things for others, especially her family. She is truly an example of selfless service and love.  She is definitely one of the most hard-working, thorough, meticulous home makers I know. She certainly made our home a piece of heaven. Thanks Mom. I love you so very much.

So now I have the song "All Things Bright and Beautiful" running through my mind. I think I'll sing it as I make tonight's supper -- popcorn, another of God's finest creations. Life is good -- and beautiful.

"He hath made every things beautiful in his time;" ... (Eccl. 3:11)

Proverbs 20:29

                                                                                                                    

  P.S. The "Car Czar" is beautiful (and handsome) too.

Week 30: Transfers & Testimonies

Parking Lot after Transfer Meeting

Transfer Week -- always a "rush" -- full of energy and emotion. We had just four missionaries arrive this week and eight went home. It's so fun to meet the new missionaries at the airport and watch them experience their first day in the mission.  The weather was absolutely gorgeous for transfer day. We always take them to see "The Sound" and it was especially beautiful this day. Even got to see a bald eagle perched on a tree limb right near where we parked.

Sister Jenkins in the middle!

At the same time, it is kind of sad to send home our seasoned, spiritually mature missionaries who have completed their service. Most of them don't really want to leave because they love being missionaries so much. Here are some "one lingers" from some of them as they bore their testimonies: "My life changed drastically after I realized that God loves me and that the Book of Mormon is true." "The price we pay to become acquainted with God is a privilege. Serving a mission is a huge price, but it is all worth it.""The thing that changed my mission is understanding why we should be obedient. We have to have rules because that is one thing God gave us to give us power."

Senior Missionaries gather for dinner after Transfer Meeting

We also said goodbye to four Senior Couples. We were especially sad to lose our neighbors, Elder & Sister Quillon. They served so faithfully for 18 months as MLS missionaries. They're headed back to Virginia now. We will miss them. It's kind of a "lonely" feeling not having them right next door anymore.

Sister & Elder Quillon

On a brighter note, we welcomed Elder & Sister Martin to our mission. They are from Vernal! They will be serving 23 months as Record Preservation Missionaries at the State Archives in Olympia. Also had a couple come who will be Military Relations missionaries in Bremerton for six months. (Still need more senior missionaries though.)

On Saturday afternoon we traveled to Bremerton to be with one of our young sisters who is in the hospital there. She had appendicitis and had to have surgery. She'll be OK, but she's had a rough go of it. I must say though, the view from her hospital room was incredible! I would have taken a picture but it was raining very hard. (And in the Lobby was a jigsaw puzzle - I nearly finished it.)

Ten lovely Sisters riding in the van (driven by Van)

Sunday afternoon we helped take missionaries to another missionary musical fireside. Wish you all could be there to hear these missionaries bear testimony and sing Called to Serve, The As Sisters in Zion/We'll Bring the World His Truth Medley, and Amazing Grace, among others.

A recently baptized member also bore his testimony. I'd like to share some of his story: Mike is in the Navy and is a man of integrity. He is loyal and true and desires to do what is right. Mike wanted to get baptized, but was not sure which church. He would tell the sisters, “you believe so firmly in your faith, but my mother feels the same way about her faith.” He was very confused.

Typical "post fireside" photo

He met with the missionaries weekly and was searching to know if this was true. His journey took several months (and several missionaries). Through this time, Mike grew to know our Savior and that our Savior cared for him. He received answers to his questions, but they led to many more questions. But, he kept searching and didn’t give up; neither did the missionaries. One of the sisters told him, "Mike, when you "get it," you are really going to "get it." He "got it." One night the sisters met with Mike at a member's home. At the end of the lesson, one of the members said, “Sometimes I pray, asking God the same question, expecting Him to change His answer.” This struck a chord with Mike. He thought to himself, “Did he give me an answer already?” The Spirit filled his heart. He received a witness that the Lord had answered him.

Mike was baptized in January of this year. He is now on fire, full of the Spirit, and serving the Lord. He just recently received his Patriarchal Blessing and is looking forward to the day when he can go to the temple. Last night he said, "I know this gospel is true, how can you not. I was sitting on the couch earlier and thinking, 'I feel right. Everything feels right.' "

This is just one of the many stories we hear on a weekly basis. I will start sharing more of the missionary miracles that happen daily. Though we are not on the "front lines" witnessing these miracles for ourselves, our testimonies are certainly being strengthened as missionaries share them with us. God does love all His children and is so very aware of us. He wants us to come back to Him. Jesus really is the way (the only way), the truth and the life. He is the light of the world. His gospel and priesthood authority were restored through Joseph Smith. We are led today by a prophet and apostles. How blessed we feel.