Week 10: Parties for Young and Not So Young

We began the week with a party and ended with a party. Can't beat that.  The mission Christmas Party for the young elders and sisters was on Tuesday. It was a small feat to set up the cultural hall to create a festive atmosphere for our 217 young missionaries.  Sister Weaver had some simple, but fun decorations and Santa hats for everyone. There were Christmas trees and lots of poinsettias (left over from the Festival of the Nativity). The stage was filled and flowing onto the floor with Christmas packages that had been sent to missionaries from their families.  It was all quite a sight. We all love being with the missionaries.

Sister Harwood and I were in charge of the lunch, but we had lots of help from the other Senior missionaries. Experience with organizing Ward Parties, Trek, and Young Women's Camp is coming in handy.

Festivities began at 9:30 a.m. and went until 4:00 p.m. They exchanged white elephant gifts, sang, watched a mission video, had lunch, performed skits, and sang some more.  It was quite lively and fun, but all ended on a spiritual note. I'll write more about that later.

The night was a little longer for Van as he got to deal with an accident after the party.  A car full of elders was rear-ended on the freeway on their way home.  They're all fine, but the car was totaled.  He had to take them back to their apartments which were about 90 miles away.

Blair Ewell and Elder Hadlock

The rest of the week was a little less stressful.  On Saturday, we made a trip to Gig Harbor to visit former Vernal resident Blake Ewell and his family.  They live in a beautiful area. Had a delightful visit with them.  Shared a Swiss & Mushroom burger at The Gourmet Burger Shop then returned to our apartment to prepare for another party!

The Senior Missionaries (about 34 of us) were invited to the mission home for a Christmas Party. Our group includes couples called as Military Relations, Member Leadership Support, Records Preservation, CES, Office, and Zions Camp missionaries.  There's much to do in building the kingdom.  An opportunity and place for everyone.

We enjoyed a nice dinner and then did a white elephant gift exchange.  What a riot.  I tried hard to get this stuffed (taxidermied) armadillo.  I wanted it badly, but couldn't seem to hang on to it.  Van had a chance to get it for me, too, but he passed up the opportunity.  He said he wasn't hauling "that thing" back to Vernal.   I really was sorely disappointed.

Elder Hughes and Elder Rogers

 

Enjoyed having missionaries over for dinner on Sunday. They are fine young men and good missionaries.  They got to be the first to sample the Peanut Butter Temptations -- one of our Christmas favorites.  I made over 10 dozen of these tasty goodies to take to the office Monday. Missionaries like to come in for a treat on their P-Day.

Now ... lest you think it's just always a party here ... Both parties ended on a special spiritual note. With the young missionaries we gathered in the chapel and finished reading The Book of Mormon together--Moroni 10.  Then missionaries were invited to share there feelings about The Book of Mormon and/or Jesus Christ.  President Weaver extended the same invitation to us at our Senior Party.  We were touched by the tender feelings that were shared.  We are especially touched when we stand shoulder to shoulder in a chapel (or mission home) full of missionaries and sing hymns of praise to our God.  We want to share one of the mission favorites by inviting you to view the mission blog:  http://thebeautifulwa-tac.blogspot.com/.  You'll hear the missionaries singing Amazing Grace.  The message of this song is more amazing than any party.

Week 9: Asking And Receiving

A week of answered prayers. Some too tender to mention.  But I will share a couple of things.  

Even though we're on a full-time mission, I've still been praying for a "missionary experience."  Got my wish on Thursday.  It was Park Day for the mission which means that all those who have cars are supposed to park them for the day and walk or get rides from members.  I got a call Thursday afternoon from Sisters Packard and Cassell (Sister Packard is a niece of Danny & Penny Sam) asking if I'd like to take them to an appointment that night. Of course I said I'd be glad to.  They did tracting from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.  Then I met them for their 7:00 p.m. appointment. 

Sister Cassell and Sister Packard

I won't take the time to give all the details, but may I just say that it was an experience that I'll not soon forget.  Still trying to wrap my head around it in fact.  The appointment actually fell through, but these sisters were prepared and had a backup plan.  We visited another home and got turned away, but the third stop to the humble home of an older gentleman proved to be "golden."  They asked the man if we could begin with prayer.  He said "yes."  They asked him if he would pray.  He said "yes." They taught a brief lesson, set up a time for another appointment, and committed him to going to church on Sunday.  I was really impressed.  But I was quite blown away when they extended an invitation to be baptized!  This is what they taught us in the MTC, but I was too afraid to actually do it in our role plays there.  These young sisters taught with love, confidence, enthusiasm, and faith.  They are well versed in the scriptures and had prepared themselves spiritually.  The phrase "....and a child shall lead them" (Isaiah 11:6), took on new meaning for me that night.  These young missionaries might be considered "children", but they are mature, prepared, and amazingly capable.  They will lead us in bringing people unto Christ.  We must help them. We can help find those who are seeking and then be a part of letting these wonderful missionaries teach and invite.  Ask for a missionary experience and you'll receive -- an amazing experience.

Asked and I received!

On On a lighter note: I've been wanting (asking for) a gravy separator. Couldn't find one at stores near me. Figured I'd have to bite the bullet and buy one at BBB. Then on our trip to Federal Way on Saturday, we found a Deseret Industries. Found a table for our Christmas tree, but Van made the best find -- a gravy separator for just 50 cents. Made my day. 

Me, Sis. Weaver, Sis. Harwood

One thing I didn't ask for this week was to help decorate the mission office Christmas tree.  Not my cup of tea for sure. Good thing our computers were down for three days or Sister Harwood and I may not have gotten around to the tree. But, it turned out OK I guess. Sister Weaver seemed pleased.          

Our tree in our apartment is much more simple. 

Just what I asked for!

Week 8: T & G: Thanks, Giving, Temple, Grandma

It's been a bit of a rough week, but one of growth as well.  Not much to report from the mission though I did have a bit of a personal missionary experience.  While standing in a long line at Walmart, I took the opportunity to strike up a conversation with the woman behind me.  Ended up giving her a card inviting her to the Festival of the Nativity that will be held at the Stake Center here next week.  It felt good to do that, and it wasn't hard at all.  Hoping for more experiences to share the "good news" of the gospel.

Thanksgiving is one of our most very favorite times of the year.  Probably because it’s a time for family to gather and just enjoy one another and enjoy good food – a simple and peaceful time.  We certainly missed being with our family, but we were so grateful that they made an effort to all be together at Meagan's home. We enjoyed talking with (and seeing) them via Facetime that day.  We got together with President & Sister Weaver and two other couples -- the Harwoods and the Trotters -- and had dinner at the mission home.  Each of us contributed to the meal so it wasn't a burden on anyone.  I'd hoped to include a photo, but they didn't turn out.  So ... use your imagination -- all of us there in our missionary attire enjoying a delicious meal.

 Just want to share one thought on Thanksgiving -- borrowed from The Spoken Word:

“True gratitude manifests itself in how we choose to give to others.  When we truly feel grateful we feel a compelling desire to help other people.  Perhaps that is why “Thanks” and “Giving” so often go together.  Real gratitude inspires us to think and do for others. Life is so much more meaningful when we choose to live in thanks and giving daily.”

On Saturday, we, and eight other couples, went to the Seattle Temple.  It's about 40 miles away in a beautiful setting.  We miss not being able to attend the temple weekly, so this was a real treat, giving solace to our souls. Again, I had hoped to include a photo, but the camera's battery was dead when I attempted a photo at the temple.

Berneice Frazier McCormick

So, this week's photos will be of my Grandmother, Berneice Frazier McCormick.  She was born on 1 December 1913 -- 100 years ago today.  I wish to honor her and express gratitude for the great impact she has had on my life.  She is part of many delightful, warm, happy childhood memories.  I remember her for her love of working in the flower garden, making holidays special, and quibbling sweetly with Mom over who was going to pay for lunch when we went to the city.  Grandma always "won" by saying something like: "Let me do it while I can." I remember her kind and gentle nature.  (Wow, that didn't rub off).  

Cousin Robert, me, cousin Kathryn, with Grandma

She will especially be remembered for her good cooking.  No one could make fried chicken like Grandma -- no one.  And then there were the Raisin Nut Nibbles, Texas Brownies, amazing pies, homemade noodle soup .... the list goes on and on.  She was always cooking and sharing. (The tradition continues with my mother)  You couldn't go visit her without her offering you something to eat.  And she wouldn't take "no" or "no thanks" for an answer.  Then as she fed you, she'd urge you on with: "now don't weaken." 

Some of the family gathered in Grandma's backyard in 1982

Well, I could go on and on, but I will remember her most for the way she made me feel -- loved, important, and special. Thanks Grandma (Grandma Great to some) for everything.  Thanks for Giving your family a grand legacy to honor and hopefully follow. I love you forever.

And thanks for raising a wonderful daughter, my mother, whose birthday we will celebrate this week on December 5. 

In honor of them both, I think I'll go make some cookies to share tomorrow.  

Week 7: "A" for Anniversary, Apostle & Awesome

This week (Monday) Van and I celebrated our 31st Anniversary.  What an incredible journey, and the adventure continues.  We went to a place called Boat House 19 for dinner.  It's right down by the Puget Sound.  Great food.  We'll go there again.

Zone Conferences were this week on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; each at a different part of the mission.  Van had to do some Safety Training and inspect missionaries' cars each day.  Busy week for him. 
Look at what our missionaries drive --!  Just kidding.  This is a truck owned by Elder Bingham who is over mission finances. Van is an admirer.
The Wednesday conference was here in Tacoma so Sister Harwood and I helped Sister Weaver with the lunch that day. Always a treat to be with the missionaries. They sang to us at the end of lunch.  They are so appreciative, but it made me cry. Also got to see Sister Whitney Jenkins that day.

Sister Jenkins & Sister Brady

Big event this week was a special mission conference on Saturday morning.  Knowing that an apostle was to come speak, we've been anticipating this event for a couple of weeks.  As we arrived at about 9:15 a.m. I as really impressed with how quiet it was in the chapel -- despite it already being full with missionaries. No one was chatting. Wow! If we could be that reverent and focused in all our Sacrament Meetings, the spirit would not be restrained. 

We didn't know until we were at the chapel which apostle was coming.  At about 9:20 a.m., President Weaver announced that he'd just received a text that Elder Neil L. Andersen, accompanied by Elder Craig C. Christensen a member of the Presidency of the Seventy, had just arrived at the Seattle airport and were on their way. He requested that we take 30 minutes to read, ponder, and prepare ourselves.  

Elder Anderson had everyone come up to shake his hand before the meeting began.  Elder Christensen, President & Sister Weaver and a Brother Call gave brief remarks.  Then Elder Andersen spent an hour talking with the missionaries. He talked about many things, but I'll mention two points that most impressed me.

One, each of us will experience, in our lifetime, some kind of trial, difficulty, disaster, tragedy, heartache, etc. No one is immune to life’s experiences, not even the righteous and faithful.  He emphasized that through it all, Jesus Christ is the ONLY source of peace and strength.  He said something like:  “If you will seal in your heart a testimony of the Savior, Jesus Christ, you will have no issue with the message of Joseph Smith and the restoration. – It is this firmly planted faith in Jesus Christ that will get you through life’s experiences and difficulty. He talked about the mercy, merits, and grace of Christ.

Two, what I’ll remember most is what he said about the seen vs the unseen.  He used 2 Corinthians 4:18: “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen:  for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.”

As we serve the Lord and become more sensitive to his spirit, we see and discern things that are unseen.  We should focus on the things that are not seen.  The atonement is not “seen,” but it is very real.  We can sense through the spirit (the unseen) what is real. We are here to learn to understand things through the eye of faith.

I think he might have been trying to tell us (me) that we need to learn to rely on the spirit more.  We need to learn how to discern through the spirit what is right, not necessarily rely on what we see, touch, etc. That's my take on it.  

Wish I had a picture of Elder Andersen, but I wouldn't have dared try that one.   Anyway, it was an "A" week for sure.  Happy Thanksgiving everyone.

Week 6: Sweet is the Work!

Focused on the Road

Tuesday was especially memorable.  It was Transfer Day and a day for new arrivals.  Van and I were asked to go to the airport (SeaTac) to help pick up 14 new missionaries.  We drove a ten-passenger van and pulled a trailer.  (That alone was an adventure).  The freeway (I5) between here and Seattle at 9 a.m. is not a fun place to be, let alone be traveling in a huge vehicle pulling a trailer.  But, Van's an excellent driver, and I'm a pretty good navigator; we made it.  It was fun to greet these new missionaries and then be with them when President & Sister Weave took them to a beautiful spot overlooking the Puget Sound.  

A van full of newbies

Blue Sky on the Sound

Then we took these young elders to the Tacoma Stake Center where we had lunch and began their orientation.  Later in the afternoon, all the Washington Tacoma Missionaries came in for Transfer Meeting.  The new missionaries met their new companions/trainers.  Other missionaries who were given transfers met up with their new companions.  Then they all gathered in the chapel; it was full of missionaries--about 220 of them.  Senior missionaries and visitors had to sit in the over flow.  The 11 missionaries who were to leave on Wednesday were given time to share their testimonies.  Some of them had me in tears.  Here are some things that were said that I hope to remember:  "Let the mission change you." "Be grateful for the time you get to wake up and put on that badge."  "Don't hurt yourself today by anticipating a bad tomorrow." "Don't die with music still left in you."  A wonderful meeting, a sweet day.

Elder & Sister Jones left for home on Wednesday.  That leaves just us and the Harwoods in the office now full-time. There are two local residents who serve as part-time service missionaries.  Elder Bingham takes care of finances & Elder Quiton is over bikes. It can get quiet in the office, but never boring. The "To Do List" grows. (Yes, I'm still keeping lists; it's a hard habit to break.)

Elder Hadlock has yet to have a dull moment either.  In the nearly four weeks we've been here, he's had to deal with four accidents involving mission cars.  Nothing serious, thank goodness.  Seems like they usually happen at night though.  Tuesday after transfer meeting, a car with Sisters was side swiped by a semi as they were traveling home (that made for a really long day!).  Last night as we left a Ward Party (Soup & Bread!), we got a call from Elders who had hit a deer.  No one was hurt, but their car is out of commission. Van will have to deal with that one tomorrow. He has about seven cars waiting to go "into the shop" and now two more!

There are some challenges, but we're loving it. P-Day was especially "sweet" this week.  We went with our neighbors, Elder & Sister Quillon, to the Almond Roca Factory whose headquarters are located right here in Tacoma.  We didn't get to tour the factory, but the Outlet Store was almost as fun! Free samples and bargains not to be passed up!


Nearby is the LeMay Car Museum.  Of course, we couldn't resist that either. Four floors of vintage, classic, and custom made cars.

Candy, Cars -- and missionaries, sweet is the work!

Week 5: Birthdays, Baptisms, Bye Bye

This week's main events included celebrating Van's 59th birthday, attending a baptism, and attending a "going away dinner" for Elder & Sister Jones.

Van has caught a nasty cold -- the one I brought with me from the MTC.  He coughs a lot, and now that my hearing is better following the operation, I hear him either coughing or snoring all night.  Poor guy.  But, he continues to plug along as usual.  We did get to celebrate his birthday this week though.  I took German Chocolate cake to the office for the occasion.  Then in the evening we went to a movie--"Ender's Game".  We really liked it.  I'd say it's one of the best sci-fi movies I've seen in a long time -- and a little thought provoking.  The theater we went to had huge recliners to make our viewing all the more pleasant.  Popcorn wasn't great, but they did let me put my own butter on! -- Probably not a good idea.

Plenty of things to do at the office in preparation for new missionaries who will be coming in next week.  Van will be trained soon on the new program the Church is going to be using to track mission vehicles.  In preparation for that, he has been asked to input a ton of data.  That has consumed most of his time this week.

On Friday night several of us went to dinner at the Red Lobster.  This was a "going away dinner" for Elder and Sister Jones who will be leaving next week.  Elder Jones has been the Housing Coordinator, and Sister Jones has been the other Office Secretary/Receptionist.  I really hate to see them leave; just love 'em to death despite knowing them just a few weeks.

Elder & Sister Harwood arrived this week to take the Joneses place.  We look forward to getting to know them.  Had them and the Joneses over for clam chowder after church today.

Didn't do any touring this weekend, so not many photos to share.  Needed some time to clean, do laundry, get groceries, and catch up on bills & paperwork (some things don't change!).  We did visit the YMCA and two other fitness gyms in search of a place to go exercise.  Van is especially anxious to get a good work out. I'd be happy if I could just find someone to walk with.  I really miss that routine and those friends I walked with in Vernal

On Saturday night we attended a baptismal service at our ward.  An elderly gentleman, Victor, was baptized as well as a young boy.  The spirit was strong.  I particularly felt it when Victor was baptized.  He is not in good health, but has recently seen a bit of improvement that made it so he could be baptized.  I guess he and his wife were both scheduled to be baptized a while back, but then she passed away.  He was determined, though, to follow through.  After the baptism, the Sister missionaries asked us to take one of their new investigators home -- a young man named Rodney.  He has had a rough life, but has been searching for something better.  He wants to be a good example to his family.  We pray that he will continue to progress in his knowledge of the Truth. There really are people who are hungry for the truth.  God bless us all in our efforts to find them.  And bless them to embrace it.

Mt Rainer in backgroud.  Rare view. Usually overcast.  Terrible pix, but .....

Elder & Sister Trotter and Sister & Elder Jones

Week 4: Halloween to Hallowed Halls

Still plenty to do and learn at the mission office.  It's all good.  I'm loving it.  Van has been getting the hang of what it takes to keep a fleet of cars on the road.  But then this week he received training on a new computer program they're implementing for mission vehicles.  Computers may be the death of him!  He got to deal with his first "accident" this week.  Some sisters were in an accident.  No one was hurt, but they were pretty shook up.  They had to come in to the office to fill out a report, etc.  It was kind of entertaining to watch the Elders (other senior missionaries) as they dealt with the emotions (tears, drama, worry, ... ) of the two young sisters.

On Saturday, a few of us Sisters went to the Museum of Glass in Tacoma to see Dale Chihuly, a world-renowned glass sculptor, who grew up in Tacoma.  Here's a link so you can read more about him: http://www.chihuly.com/.  If any of you have every been to Abravenel Hall, you've seen the huge orange glass sculpture near the entrance.  It was done by Dale Chihuly.  Anyway, we got to see his "team" work on some glass pieces.  We toured the museum and walked on the Bridge of Glass (but not for long, because it was very cold and windy)

Sisters Clark, Jones, Trotter, and me -- on Bridge of Glass

The men didn't go with us, but joined us for lunch.  Van is such an awesome husband.  While I was gone, he did the laundry, vacuumed, and changed the sheets.  Then later that night he took me shopping for clothes, and put together a computer desk for our apartment -- not an easy or fun task.

The highlight of the week, however, was getting to spend time with the young missionaries.  Between about 3 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. the missionaries were to be with there Zones at a Ward or Stake house.  They were not to be out proselyting or anything.  I guess in some areas of the world there have been problems with people dressing up like LDS missionaries and then getting into trouble.  President and Sister Weaver wanted all our missionaries to be at a safe location and be accounted for.  We were glad to join the group at Gig Harbor when we got out of the office. They'd already had meetings, an activity, participated in the trunk or treat, and had supper.  We were able to watch Ephraim's Rescue with them.  Great movie, of course.

Then on Sunday we drove about 1 hour south to Chehalis for a Missionary Fireside at the Centralia Stake Center.  Van took some of the missionaries in the mission van.  I took a few sisters in the Yukon.  What a treat.  The entire fireside was done by missionaries in the southern part of the mission -- lots of music, lots of testimonies.  There were group musical numbers and some by the missionary choir.  Because the Elders out number the Sisters, a few of us Senior Sisters were asked to sing with them.  It was amazing to be with them.  Not only are these young people talented, but they are also enthusiastic and eager to bear testimony.  The sound was incredible. My favorite part was when we sang the "As Sisters in Zion/Armies of Helaman" medley. -- Just imagine the sound and spirit of about 100 missionaries as they sang this song and others -- including Called to Serve.  Unforgettable.  I felt so "enlivened" that I was almost tempted not to take an Excedrin to keep me awake on the way home.  Life is good.