Magnifying Missionary Work

     I marvel at the sisters in the mission.  They take up to 4 tours a day and maintain their enthusiasm for each tour.  They truly see our guests - each one - as children of God who can be touched by his message of faith and hope.  
     They pray to be an influence for good in turning hearts to the gospel.  They sincerely want each person to feel the joy that comes from the gospel of Jesus Christ.
    They have experienced that joy in their own lives and know of its power and peace.  They are truly grateful and humbled to be able to serve their Father-in-Heaven here and it shows in the countenances and in comments of people who have been here.  
"Thanks so much.  The Battalion journey was really challenging, yet totally worth it.  I'm so happy to be part of their great pioneer family"  wrote one person who came through the tour.

  Another wrote "The sister who took us on our tour was very excellent.  She explained everything so well.  She was so kind to my kids."  
    We are grateful to serve here with them and to feel of their enthusiasm and spirit. 

    I remember thinking it would be hard to leave our family for a year.   We've not only been able to keep in touch with our family and see them here; but, we've been able to serve and experience the gospel in action.  It's hard to describe the joy that comes from seeing others find happiness and purpose in their lives.

Christoffersons and Tadjes come to San Diego

    After a week in Hawaii the Christoffersons headed for San Diego and beach house for two weeks.  Polar bears, elephants, dolphins, airplanes, sand and sea were all part of their visit to San Diego.  We loved going with them to the zoo, Sea World, the Midway and hanging out at the beach with them for two weeks in August.  A visit to San Diego isn't complete without a trip to the Battalion to march 2000 miles and pan for gold.  It was amazing to see how much Kiersten, Gunnar, Tyson and Jett had grown.  They are such good friends and so kind to each other.  Its so fun to see their family together doing family kinds of things. 






      7 inches of rain in New Jersey almost kept the Tadjes from coming to San Diego.  After a mad dash for the airplane with only a few minutes to board (holding Brynn, a car seat and three bags), and  6 hours on the airplane to get to San Diego - they finally arrived.  

As you can see, we had lots of fun at the beach, on the Midway, and at the Battalion.  a bonus was eating cindy's good meals at the beach house. 

 The trip to Utah was just as exciting.  After a 2 hour drive to Long Beach for the flight, we found it had been delayed 3 hours.  David came to the rescue and picked them up in Salt Lake at 1:30 A.M.  They were really glad to be home.  They too, have all grown lots.  Ellie starts 2nd grade and Crue will be in PreK at Alpine Elementary.

August

President and Sister Clayton, our new mission president came to the Mormon Battalion.  They are enthusiastic, humble servants who show love and acceptance to everyone. 

     Sister Clayton’s parents are Elder and Sister Ballard.  Elder and Sister Ballard visited our mission and spoke to all of the missionaries.  Sister Ballard expressed her gratitude for the missionaries. .  “We are grateful for people who want to serve and thank you for all you do. That you want to give your time to your Heavenly Father.“   Elder Ballard then told us that “we are all on the same errand.” He told us  our primary role is to teach.  We have a message that no one else has.  We know who we are.  We know where we came from.  We know about premortal life.  We know where we are going and what will happen next.  Because of Joseph Smith we have this knowledge.  He went on to say that “You cannot buy for money what we have to offer.  This wonderful gift of the gospel. “ We have the opportunity to teach this to people who the Lord leads to us.  


    I was standing outside the door of the Mormon Battalion Historic Site when a family walked by.  As they walked by the father motioned to one of the boys to come up the steps.  As he came up the steps he said, "I took three too many pieces of gold so here are three back."  I thanked him as he handed me three tiny pieces of pyrite.  The size of the pyrite didn't matter, but the importance of doing what's right does.  Yea to his father for encouraging honesty.  Then a few minutes later his brother came running down the porch.  "I have three too many, too." he said.  What a good example of honesty they showed and what a great father to help them realize that integrity includes little things as well as bigger ones.
  

     Sister Seguin and Sister Nielsen left today.  Last night we had a farewell for them at the Battalion.  They both told of how they had grown in the gospel and grown personally from their experiences during their mission.  They have strong testimonies and have touched many lives while they have been here.  The sisters in the San Diego Mission are such examples of service and stewardship.  We are fortunate to work with them.

Shawn, Roxane, Max, Abby and Alia at the Battalion

They arrived Saturday night and Sunday they came to our apartment and had breakfast.  Grandpa fixed his famous waffles with fresh fruit and whipping cream.  Then we went to church at our ward in San Diego.  It is a diverse ward.  There aren't enough deacons to pass the sacrament so we have adults who help.  One is a man who has just received the priesthood and is so excited to be able to pass the Sacrament.  

Max, Abby and Alia dressed up like soldiers and laundresses and panned for gold at the Mormon Battalion.  Five more of our family went on the 2000 mile march with the Mormon Battalion and we went with them.

Panning for Gold

We are so glad they could join us in San Diego.  

Max played in the US Junior Golf World Tournament at Torre Pines

Max played the Rancho Bernardo Course

Abby, Max and Alia waiting to play

Three generations

Mormon Battalion Moments

     July brought a new Mission President, President Clayton.  We spent the Fourth of July at the Battalion.  We watched the fireworks from the tower and sang around the campfire in the campfire room of the Battalion.
     The senior couples go out to dinner each Tuesday to a new San Diego Restaurant.  I'll have to admit that we  have experienced some good San Diego cuisine.

     We feel the blessings of serving in the San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site every day.  We have the opportunity to work with 22 amazing sister missionaries and three other couples.  We meet people from all over the world who are friendly and gracious.  Taking them through the Mormon Battalion gives them the opportunity to experience the 2000 mile journey of the Mormon Battalion from Council Bluffs Iowa to San Diego.  It is an interactive adventure of service, sacrifice and faith - and we never grow tired of it.  We love it all and feel blessed to be experiencing it.
 

They're here!

Last Monday Evening Becki and Quinley arrived at the Mormon Battalion Site and we had a great time together.  Becki flew into Long Beach, rented a car and drove down to San Diego to visit us for a few days.  Quinley promptly charmed us all, smiling at everyone, talking up a storm (ok, maybe not quite talking - more like babbling), and making friends with everyone she saw.  The beach was one of Becki and Quinley's favorite places to visit.  Becki loved the tour and was fascinated with the presentation and said it was amazing.  What we found to be amazing was how much Quinley had grown and changed in 5 months and how much we enjoyed visiting with Becki.