We all got up very early. Cary, Leiann and I picked up
Emily at 5:00 AM. I abandoned my husband on his 84th birthday. It was a long drive but it went well. We stopped at a strange new
eating place that Cary thought Leiann would like. She didn't have a very birthday-focused day either. It is called the Thick and
Thin Treat Bar. It says that it is a unique blend between a juice bar and an ice
cream parlor. It has all the healthy items along with the dessert items. It is
an attractive place that serves cereal (all the kids’s favorite boxed cold
cereal kinds) with a lot of add-ins and toppings. They make power smoothies and
every kind of breakfast drink with healthy add-ins. They have all the fresh
juices and make Acai bowls. It says we grind and press. Interesting. Leiann and
I shared an Acai bowl with peanut butter and chocolate chips in it and I’m not
sure what else. It was good. Not inexpensive but I’ll bet everyone could find
something they like there. But it might take a while to try all the things. We had bean burritos for lunch. There
was snow on all of the tall mountain peaks. It is May 1st and there
is snow! The timing worked out well and we made it to Provo. We went to get our
housing and the lines were not very long. The woman in front of us turned
around when she was finished and it was Christie!! We were able to get our
housing and move our stuff into the dorm. We also got keys for Ingrid and Sue
who were not on campus yet. We Barnards were able to get our Women’s Conference
schedules and the holders for our badges and be in place in the Marriott before
the evening talks began. Ingrid (Christie’s friend) was with extended family
and caught up with us before we went to bed. Sue was coming from the airport,
and after she got her rental car, joined us in the Marriott stadium. We helped
her get her luggage into our dorm room after the talks were over. We had the
opportunity to hear from each of the members of the Relief Society General
Presidency. Camille N. Johnson, J. Anette Dennis, and Kristine M. Yee each spoke
to us. Sister Johnson talked about our identity. They stressed that each one of us is a
beloved child of our Heavenly Parents. We can choose to be covenant women. That
increases our access to power and blessings. That power is not transactional
but transformable for us. Sister Dennis reminded us to love and care for each
other and know that relationships can heal with the help of Jesus Christ. Jesus
Christ thought that each and every one of us is worthy of his sacrifice of
blood and agony. We must understand that and reach out to help others feel
their worth and importance. We can begin again and again and again if needed. The
way we treat people is a good measure of how close we are coming to Christ.
Help each other. Come and take your place to love and serve. Sister Yee talked
about the promised blessing of rest. We are to be anxiously engaged but not
anxious. When we feel anxious we should seek the relief available from our
Savior. Learn His gospel. Don’t run faster than you can. Create meaningful
relationships. You can’t help everyone. Find the one. Know God loves you. Feel
rest in the temple. Let God prevail. He keeps his promises. What we plant is what we will grow.
Sister Snyder reminded us that life is a move and not a
snapshot. Women are very focused on relationships. Think about a covenant
relationship. Both treasure each other. It requires commitment. We are pursued
and we will be received. Do life together. God will never tire of his role.
Have a desire to spend time with God. Seek how God treats individuals in the
scriptures. Take the Savior's name upon you and practice how to interact. We must realize I am
perfection in process! My wholeness is not complete but if I bring some loaves
and fishes, God will supply what else is needed. We need to practice. Is it
worth it? We want neat and easy. That is not the Lord’s wish for us. We are the
hero of our story and we must expect the best. If we are united with Christ we
will prevail. The middle of the story is messy. But we are not powerful enough
to mess up our triumph. Don’t give up. It is not the end. Experiences are what
we came for. They are essential. The only way out is through. Lehi and Sariah
didn’t live long enough to see the happy tide of their family. Faith is looking
forward. God is the High Priest of good things to come. Don’t go back. The
middle might feel like the end but it isn’t. Your test will become a testimony.
We already know how things will end.
Thursday, May 2, 2024
Our first full day of classes. Some random notes I jotted
down. Steve Young taught us about his view of Love. He challenges us to see
others as God sees them. Everyone is a child of God. There is no place for
prejudice. To label people is offensive to God. We need to live without a
transactional view of life. That is the standard view. Look out for my
interests. We need to learn to live without that view. What does my neighbor
need? Dangers are usually found in conditions/situations, not individuals. Be an adult.
Kids need to feel special but not adults. Be humble. Being in a covenant is a state of
being. Safety is in that relationship. Go to the temple and leave ready to
improve the world with your actions. Don’t tell others you know exactly what they
should do. There is a lot of runway ahead. Be patient. Model goodness. Some
sheep are not lost but are driven out by unkindness. The Atonement is big
enough for all of us. Our hearts seek healing. In helping others, give what
meets their needs and not what you want to give. Don’t be blind. We are called
to serve our fellow men. Transactional love will not endure forever. Treat
people in a way that can last forever. Transforming love is better than
transactional love. As we get closer to God, we learn to love as God loves,
expecting nothing in return – which ironically means we receive everything.
Another class with Liz Darger. She spoke of being a covenant
woman of God. We all have the ability to make a difference by influencing
others. Leadership is influence. Do all you can. It is a gift and an
obligation. Nudges are important. The best nudger is the Holy Ghost. But we too
can see potential in other people and can nudge them to strengthen their
talents or tackle a task that will bring growth to them. Feel relational
responsibility and help others to see their worth and invite them to grow and
share. Lift where we stand. The woman at the well was not respected by her neighbors but she
chose to share what she learned and was responsible for her whole village to
have the opportunity to learn from Jesus Christ in person and find eternal
truth. Emma Smith had a great deal of responsibility. I will remind you and you
can remind me to be a good influence in the lives of those around you. Be sure
to be set apart and listen closely to the words said. Receive the priesthood power you are given
to do your calling. Be sure to give others kind help. Make the scriptures your
personal Liahona. God can magnify each of us.
We ended up at the Cannon center for dinner. Bryce came and
it was fun to talk with him and catch up. We talked with family and didn’t get
to the Service projects this year. There was a concert at the Marriott. LDS
singers were featured. Adassa was the MC. She was so tiny with big hair and so
energetic. Emma Nissen was here last year. She is making a name for herself.
The music is very different from my experience but I was impressed. What she
can do as far as making sounds with her mouth is amazing and she is very, very
loud. The Nashville Tribute Band was there and fun for Leiann because she got
to know them when they came with Marie Osman to Nampa, ID. She was one of the
communication people for our area. Truman Brothers are easier for me to connect
to. Brandon Pak is Korean and I enjoyed listening to him. It was a fun evening
for us but we were quite ready to go to bed. We haven’t broken any records for
talking all night. We missed Nancy and Susan. They are the best talk-all-night
members of our group.
Friday, May 3, 2024
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson encouraged Latter-day Saint women to let God prevail in their
life's choices and individual stories. “Because [the Savior] knows our potential
perfectly, He will take us to places we never imagined ourselves,” she said
during a keynote address at BYU Women’s Conference on Friday, May 3. Speaking
to thousands of Latter-day Saint women gathered in the Marriott Center on the
Brigham Young University campus, and tens of thousands more watching online,
President Johnson counseled women to look to reliable sources like living
Prophets and the Holy Ghost for answers, establish priorities, cultivate
testimonies of foundational truths, and not neglect or dismiss the sacred
responsibility of parenthood.
“It is a glorious day to be a woman, a
covenant woman, in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints,” said
President Johnson. Her source of optimism is knowing that “The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints is led by a mighty prophet of God, President
Russell M. Nelson, who is the Lord’s mouthpiece on the earth today — not only
for members of the Church — but for the whole world,” President Johnson
testified. President Nelson speaks for the Savior whose Church he leads,
President Johnson said. “[The Prophet] is pointing us to the Savior who is our
source of relief. Jesus Christ is the ultimate source of my optimism.” President
Johnson expressed her fear that too many women are looking to unreliable
sources instead of to “the best sources — the prophet, the scriptures and the
Spirit.” Individuals today are accustomed to quick and concise “Google search
answers,” she noted. “We ask our question and get a prompt response, and if we
don’t like the answer, we can scroll for an answer that suits us.” In contrast,
the Prophet has invited individuals to “let God prevail by living worthy of and
learning how to recognize promptings and answers from the Holy Ghost, which
requires effort,” she said. Maintaining the presence of the Spirit requires
energy, prayer, scripture study, study of the words of living prophets,
partaking of the sacrament, and repentance. “That, sisters, is how we will get
our answers,” President Johnson said.
Some might think they don’t have time
for all that. “What I have discovered in juggling my responsibilities is that
establishing priorities is critical to success and happiness,” President
Johnson shared. In her own life, love of God and love of His children were first
and second. “My professional life as a lawyer was never in the top two,” she
said. As individuals prioritize the love of God and the love of neighbor and family,
then the things that don’t have eternal significance drop off the list. President
Johnson said there were times as she was raising three young sons, trying to be
a devoted wife, maintaining a law practice, and serving in the Church that her
scripture study became inconsistent. “But what I learned is that I am far more
efficient and effective when I include scripture study in my daily routine. I
get more done when I do the things that matter most, first.” Those who
prioritize daily acts of devotion to Heavenly Father and the Savior — such as
studying the words of living prophets — invite the Spirit. Then they are able
to receive answers, direction, and clarity of thought. “Please take note, I am
not saying that letting God prevail and having the companionship of the Spirit
will make your path one of ease,” President Johnson warned. “We are ascending.
It is an uphill climb. … This isn’t about comfort, it’s about growth, change,
embracing our divine nature, and becoming like the Savior.”
Cultivate a Testimony of Foundational Truths
President Johnson invited women to
cultivate a testimony of foundational truth. “As we understand and embrace
foundational truth, our desire to let God prevail in our lives will increase.
We will invite Jesus Christ to be the author and finisher of our faith and of
our stories. We will want to give our lives over to Him, drawing strength and
power from our covenant connection with Him,” President Johnson explained.
She invited women to “spend your
precious time striving to understand foundational points of doctrine” — things
that nourish the roots of the tree — such as the nature of God, the Savior and
His Atonement, or God’s glorious plan of happiness. “When I am firmly rooted in
the truth that God loves us and directs His work through living prophets — when
I know that ‘trunk doctrine’ — I can be content in not knowing the answer to a
leaf question,” President Johnson said. A woman recently commented on President
Johnson’s conviction about the Prophet and wondered how to gain a similar
testimony. “I said to my new friend, and I say to all of you — experiment upon
their words,” President Johnson responded.
Like a seed, plant the words of
President Nelson by prayerfully studying his messages, then keep nourishing
that seedling by applying his counsel. “Sisters, I promise your seed will grow
— with faith and diligence, and the reward will be delicious fruit.”
In a plea to the covenant women of
God, President Nelson said: “We … need your strength, your conversion, your
conviction, your ability to lead, your wisdom and your voices. The kingdom of
God is not and cannot be complete without women who make sacred covenants and
then keep them, women who can speak with the power and authority of God. … We
need women who have the courage and vision of our Mother Eve” (“A Plea to My Sisters,” October 2015 general conference).
During the recent Worldwide Relief Society
Devotional, President Nelson blessed the
women of the Church “to realize that your divine gifts as a daughter of God
give you the power not only to change lives but to change the world.”
After sharing President Nelson’s
words, President Johnson said, “Oh, sisters, how I hope the Holy Ghost is
teaching you how vital you are in preparing the world for the Second Coming of
our Savior. By divine invitation, we can prepare future generations of the
Lord’s Church and the world’ for that glorious day — if we are willing to let
God prevail.” In 2016, President Johnson and her husband were called to serve
as mission leaders in Arequipa, Peru. “Doug and I were giving three years over
to Him because we had covenanted in the house of the Lord to sacrifice and
consecrate our talents and time and energy to build up His kingdom,” she said. Upon
returning, she planned to practice law for another decade to ensure financial
security and spend time with her new grandchildren. Then she was called as
Primary general president. Over a year later, she was called as the Relief
Society general president. “Sisters, what if I had stuck with my comfortable
narrative?” President Johnson asked. “I would have enjoyed spending more time
with my grandchildren and I could have been assured the financial security I
don’t presently enjoy. And, I would have missed a soul-searching, stretching, and faith-building experience. Uphill? Yes. Worth it? Oh, yes.” President
Johnson testified that “because [the Savior] knows our potential perfectly, He
will take us to places we never imagined ourselves.” She then assured the women
of the Church that the Savior will take them places they never imagined. “Let
God guide you to walk you to beside someone who needs you.” By letting God
prevail in her own life, in letting Him author her story, her faith in Jesus
Christ has increased, President Johnson said. “How then will you let Him
prevail?” she asked the women of the Church.
What does that look like for a woman
pursuing education as well as marriage and family?
In addressing this topic, President
Johnson said she wished to speak with sensitivity “to those who have a sincere
and abiding desire to marry and have children in this life, who are single.”
She recognized that many women are parenting alone because of death or divorce.
And she spoke to “countless sisters who are married and desire children” and
are suffering from infertility and miscarriage. “Sisters, thank you for holding
fast to your faith in Christ and walking your path with Him,” she said. “I know
you have made righteous choices and have righteous desires. I know you are
suffering. You want the timing to change. This isn’t the narrative you have
written for yourself. My heart aches for you.” President Johnson related how
she was married midway through her legal education and had her first son the
year after passing the bar exam. She had more children and she and her husband
loved and nurtured them while both of them worked. They sought inspiration in
these choices and in the timing. “From a financial and professional
perspective, it would have made sense to put off having children until I was
more established in my career. But sisters, in letting Him author our stories
we sometimes do things that the world can’t make sense of. … We felt confident
in our course because we were letting God prevail,” she said. President Johnson
explained that she was not suggesting that other women follow her course. “Your
story and my story are not the same. I share mine because it’s what I know.
What we share is our motivation: letting God prevail.” Motherhood, President
Johnson said, has been her highest priority and ultimate joy. “My primary
identities are a daughter of God, covenant woman, and disciple of Jesus Christ,”
she said. “And my primary orientation — that is — my focus, passion, and
calling as a woman, is toward motherhood. That is our primary orientation, our
sacred calling, as daughters of heavenly parents. The orientation and focus I
feel toward motherhood are consistent with my diligent pursuit of an education. We
are commanded to seek learning — some of which comes in our pursuit of
education and much of it comes in our orientation, as daughters of God, toward
motherhood — where we learn to become god-like as we cultivate attributes of
love, compassion, and patience.” It is vitally important that women and men do
not neglect or dismiss the sacred responsibility of parenthood, she said. “As
leaders of the Church, we are concerned about recent trends in marriage and
childbirth,” she said. In many parts of the world, the average number of live
births per woman is fewer than two. The United States recently crossed a
threshold where, of adults aged 18 to 55, there is now a greater share of
single adults with no children than there are married adults with children.
Children are vital to the plan of
happiness, President Johnson explained. “The commandment for us to multiply and
replenish the earth remains in force.” President Johnson acknowledged that
there are many who desire to marry and bear children yet are single or suffer
from infertility. “My fondest friend who has never married and had children of
her own, has loved and cared for mine. It is not a substitute for children of
her own. It is evidence that her orientation remains toward motherhood,” she
said.
Whatever a woman’s personal
circumstances, she is part of the family of God, a member of an earthly family,
and preparing to be an eternal parent, President Johnson said. “The blessings
of exaltation made available to us through the Savior, Jesus Christ, include
posterity. And so, whether we are sealed and bear children in this life, or the
next, our object is exaltation — which can be ours if we make and keep
covenants.”
President Johnson continued, “As
covenant women, we plan and prepare for marriage and the bearing of and nurture
of children. What a sacred and holy calling! We love and lead and minister and
mother to show our love for God and His children — because we want Him to
prevail in our lives.” President Johnson reiterated that now is a glorious time
to be a covenant woman in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Understanding our role, purpose, and responsibility in the plan of happiness is
ennobling, reassuring, and joyful. Knowing that we have a living prophet
preparing us for what lies ahead brings me peace and even optimism amid
uncertainty. My covenant relationship with God gives me confidence. My covenant
confidence is in Jesus Christ.”
There were wonderful classes addressing scores of topics. I think I have taken sufficient room with Sister Johnson’s talk above. This summary is from Deseret News.
Mallory graduated this afternoon. The family is going out for dinner. But the timing didn’t work out. We went to the Cannon Center for dinner again. It is fun to walk around and choose what you feel like eating. They do have a very good supply of vegetables and fruits and things that I like to eat. Leiann and her family went to Payson to attend a very fancy birthday party for Troy arranged by Bailee. They said it was lovely with so much time and talent devoted to honoring Troy. 30 years old now.
Christie and Ingrid went home early because the only car
that can transport Rebecca needed to be replaced quickly. So many puzzles to
solve in this lifetime. Christie gets more than her share in my opinion.
Emily, Sue, and I went to Nancy’s house after dinner. The
kids all came as well. Such a fun and lovely family. We had a great time
catching up. Sue and Morgan had a long talk about her work and psychology in
general. Everyone loves to go to the Evans house. It is always full of great
people.
Saturday, May 4, 2024
We got up at 6:00 and took care of all our sheets, keys, and stuff from the dorm. All packed up we met Cary at the parking lot and got
everything into the car. Cary had spent his time with his father in St George. We
took Cary to pick up Chad’s car. Chad and his wife will drive it home after
they visit with Jim Snyder. Cary drove that car to St. George. He will leave
that car and drive his father to their missionary apartment for a week-long
visit in his father’s car. All the car switching didn’t make a lot of sense to
me but it worked for all of them. Leiann drove almost the whole way. She likes
to drive. Emily was the backup and I was the pampered one. We had fun together
but were happy to get out of the car in Camarillo. We went to the
church because the Valley Vista Ward and the Ponderosa Branch put a lot of
effort into creating a great fundraiser for the Young Women Camp this summer.
There was dinner to buy lots of homemade treats to bid on, and a silent auction
for services, some were very ingenious. I learned that President Basua is “The
Taco Man”. Edgar was delighted to be able to buy time with a lawyer to update
their will and create a trust for their real estate. We enjoyed the dinner and
watched the auction for a while. Lots of wonderful people paying top prices for
stuff they might have brought to donate. Very kind and fun too. Leiann told us
that one of Lewis’s loaves of bread went for $25.00. There were several. All of
the girls will have a chance to enjoy Girls’ Camp.
Leiann was staying with us overnight and going home after
church. Women’s Conference was a great opportunity to see three of my
daughters, Sue, and try to absorb some of all the goodness that is available there!
But I was happy to be back with Lewis again. We spend 24/7 most of the time and
I like it that way.
Sunday, May 5, 2024
Leiann went with us to the Ponderosa Branch but she joined
Emily in the Valley Vista Ward. Both are held at the same time. It was Fast
Sunday and the testimonies were heartfelt. There were several investigators and
it was a great day. Leiann left for her home after church. We did our usual
scripture reading and caught up on all the stuff we both missed.
Monday, May 6, 2024
Back to doing Referral texts to the missionaries. Lewis did
mine while I was gone. Got everything cleaned up and food made for a couple of
days. A very big package for Lewis at the mission office. He ordered it while I
was gone. We needed the mission truck to get it here and Brother Parry was kind
to volunteer to bring it. Lewis installed the parts that attach to the car.
We don’t want to add the car top carrier yet because it would prevent us from
washing the car at the car wash. But it will be very helpful for the Family
Reunion and going home.
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
We went to Subway in Ventura and enjoyed some time with
Emily. Then we drove to pick up an Elder at Burbank Airport. He needed to go
home for some medical care but is hoping to come back soon. Yay! Lot of driving and waiting
but it all worked out and we were able to travel with only the usual traffic. English class in the evening. We had Anna
Moncayo and Jose in attendance. Jose gave Lewis a coupon for a big Topper
pizza. Lewis is very happy and looking forward to enjoying it.
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
We had a great time doing visits with Pte Parra. We tried to
visit Margarita Ariza, but as always, no one came to the door. Next, we went to
see the Alarcon family. We were blessed. The family was there and Enrique the first was
there. His son is the husband we have been talking to and the third Enrique is
the young boy. The grandparents are another generation back and still in
Mexico. President Parra is great at
greeting people and finding something to share that they might be interested
in. He invited them to church and also to the Finance class that his wife is
teaching. The Dad is in college majoring in finance so he did sound interested.
Azu is an accountant and she is excellent at whatever she does. Next, we went
to Ray Silva and the younger kids were there. They remembered the bread. Again,
President Parra told him all about the church and the class and invited them to
come and see. His wife was in an English class so we shared that we have that
for free also. Afterward, the President insisted that we have ice cream with him.
We went to Baskin Robbin and enjoyed the ice cream and his company. He told us
that usually, he celebrates his birthday in Paris. This year is an exception
and that is why Hermano Rivera did the Paris backdrop and decorations. He
travels so much that it is not out of the usual to be somewhere far away. Very
interesting man. He is so good at so many things and he is certainly willing to
sacrifice to carry this new branch to new heights
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Lots of referrals. Lewis made another batch of bread. We
took one to the Alarcons and we even found Ray Silva at home and left a loaf
for him and his family. We went to Ella’s school and watched the year-end
dancing performances. Ella was in two dances and she obviously loves it. She is
graceful and dances well. So fun to watch and feel proud of her. She is a beautiful
young lady with a lot of talents. The English class went well. The missionaries
were not able to come. Anna, Martha and Obdulio is back. He is here 3 or four
days a week. So he is not here on Tuesdays but can come on Thursdays. He is so
positive and kind. Anna came early so I took her on a tour of the building. She
was impressed with how big the chapel is and how nice to have the cultural
hall. We found the Relief Society presidency meeting in the Primary room. I
interrupted them and introduced Anna. They were so friendly and kind. It would
be great if Anna wants to know more about the church in addition to practicing
English.
Friday, May 10, 2024
Referrals. Caught up on journaling. Made soup and brownies
for the baptism tomorrow.
Saturday, May 11, 2024
Did the newest referrals. We went to the Baptism. It was
beautiful again with white orchids, a framed photo of the Savior, and color
programs. Brother Zurcher gave the talk about baptism and the gift of the Holy
Ghost. We sang several songs about baptism and during the time it took to dress
again we watched one of the church videos from the Book of Mormon. The meeting
didn’t start on time because so many arrived late but it was great to have many
members there to give their love and support to Gina and her mother, Aurora who
is 90 years old. Abby was in her element with her people the stars and she
connected with everyone. There were several extra championships at the baptism.
The food afterward was the planned simple refreshments and also a full dinner
with lots of specialty items from the members. I learned about a pretty
dessert. It is a Mexican word like mosaic. You make several pans of differently
colored jello. They are all refrigerated until solid and then cut into cubes
and stirred into another white jello concoction. You can see the colors through
the white and when it is refrigerated again, then it can be cut into big bite sizes
to show off all of the colors. Sister Genovena told me all about it when I
asked. This group loves to be together and it makes it easy for new people to
feel part of the group because they are so friendly and open to share and learn
about each other.
We had a lovely afternoon with our Come Follow Me, reading, and listening to a new book about Angels on Deseret Bookshelf. I’m learning a lot about all of the experiences in the scriptures and the words of members since the Gospel was restored. We need to be more open to them. They are near even when we can’t see them. I think our ancestors do more for us than we realize.
Sunday, May 12, 2024
Did the newest referrals. I sent Mother’s Day texts to all of our daughters and daughters-in-law and went to Church. They had canceled the usual branch council for Mother’s Day. Lots of people but so many were not on time for Sacrament Meeting. It makes it hard to be reverent. I did ditch out to hear Emily’s talk. She saw me come in and said that she hadn’t thought I would be in the room. I’m so glad that I was there. I am so proud of her for everything and this talk was an excellent example. I thought it would have been right at home at Women’s Conference. I will get a copy and share it with you all. I went back to the Ponderosa Branch and listened to the talks in Spanish. The microphone has not working well and I understood less than usual. I missed the talk given by Amor. She is a remarkable young lady and is still in Primary. Lewis said her talk was very short but perfect and she also brought bright yellow flowers to share with all of the women after the meeting.
In conjunction with the Valley Vista Ward, all of the women were ushered into the Cultural Hall for a lovely meal. The Valley Vista prepared a big green salad, chicken salad on a croissant and a pretty fruit cup. There was cake for dessert as well. I sat with Xochitl, Gina, Aurora, Veronica, Genoveva, and Yolanda. It was very nice.
Gail Lassen the RS President for Valley Vista and Veronica Beach the RS President for Ponderosa
Gina and Aurora receiving the Gift of the Holy Ghost
Later in the afternoon, we went to Emily’s home for a Mother’s Day Dinner with Omar and his family as well. The food was delicious and everyone brought things so it wasn’t too difficult. We brought brownies and a green salad. We also had rolls, baked beans, steak, watermelon, green beans, and a big cake for dessert. We played the name game. Lewis and I couldn’t hold 10 words in our minds so we watched. It was fun and the whole group had a good time. The little twins came over to me to interact. I have been accepted. They are so cute. It was a lovely Mother’s Day. I honor all of our ancestors' mothers. It takes mothers to get to life and also to get through life. Being a mother is a privilege and a wonderful lifelong blessing. It can be eternal if we choose wisely.
I was treated with kind words from so many of our children:
Leiann - Thank you, Mom. Happy Mother's Day to you. I am grateful for your endless love. You have taught me resilience and to always seek to walk in another person's shoes to understand them. You are patient and kind. Love you so much.
Christie - I am so grateful for you! Happy Mother's Day. I love and appreciate you so much.
Susan - Thank you Mom! I was just sitting here thinking how grateful I am for my wonderful mother.
Nancy - Thanks Mom! I love you so much. Thank you for your kind words. I am so grateful and feel very blessed to have you as a Mother! Thanks for teaching me kindness and Love and that people matter. You are an amazing role model. So glad I got to see you recently.
The latest new referrals because it is P day for the
missionaries. I accomplished all the usual tasks. Lewis made six loaves of
bread today. We will deliver them tomorrow. I get to go to dinner with Emily
and my sisters. We were at Café Rio and one of the missionaries came over to me
and asked if I remembered him. Not specifically but always fun to chat a bit
with our fellow missionaries. Looks like they were taken to dinner by a family.
I enjoyed talking with my sisters. Their beach house week begins on June 24th
Referrals and the usual routine. I took photos of all the
loving greeting cards we have received recently. We went to Panda Express to
have lunch with Emily. One of Lewis’s favorite places to eat. We all enjoyed
it. Tomorrow is her day to leave for Italy. Both Emmett and Ella are not
feeling great and Edgar is sick. But hopefully, all will come together and
things will work out. We went to Gina’s house. Lewis promised Jose Luis at
church last week that he would make him a loaf of bread. He said he was never
home and he should leave it at Gina’s house. No one was home there either. But
we went back a 1/2 hour later and Gina’s son opened the door. We went to the
English Connect class and had Ana, Jose, Martha, and Xochitl. We are finishing
up the review and Lewis gave each of them a copy of the second book. They are
excited to begin learning more. Elder Hogge and Elder Porter came in for the
last part of the lesson when they finished their visits. We stayed with them
after the class because they had scheduled a lesson with Xochitl. It was lovely
to sit in on a lesson with the Missionaries teaching someone who wants to learn
more about the Gospel. Xochitl said that while she was in Arizona she went to
church in English. That was brave. She felt more comfortable when everyone
spoke Spanish but she said she was happy that she went. She is still looking
for a job. Lewis gave her information about several openings with the
government. Tomorrow she is going to the EED tomorrow to see if she can find
something. She needs to find something fairly soon in order to remain here. She
is still looking forward to baptism.
Wednesday, May 15, 2024
We did referrals. Lewis went to Kaiser Permanente to get
more medicine for his itching eye. It took a while but he has pink eye and got
the medicine to fix that. I packed up clothes and all the things we will need
for living at Emily’s house. We also took the food that won’t wait for two
weeks as well. We got to Emily’s house at about 3:15 but they were concerned
about a bike for Emmett for the YM activity tonight. His bike is now too small
so they adjusted a few things on a larger one. Someone was to pick him up and
take him to the church. We didn’t get underway until 4:15. Things went very
smoothly past Thousand Oaks and we were thinking that all was well. Then there
was a big accident on 101 and the traffic slowed to a crawl. By the time we passed
the accident, they had pushed the 5-6 damaged cars near the center of the
freeway. We were so grateful to not have been part of the accident. Both Edgar
and Emily were checking all of the apps to see if we could get to the airport
more quickly than continuing our present route. The plane was scheduled for
7:00. They decided that our possibilities were better so we got off the freeway
to drive through the Santa Monica mountains to the 101 highway, I had never
been on that road before. The scenery is beautiful. When we got to Malibu there
were lots of red lights, lots of cars, and lots of anxiety. When we got off the
101 we went through Venice and creeped slowly the short but very busy way to
the airport. We did get to LAX, directly to the British Airlines, and thank
heavens, Emily texted us to say that they would be able to get on to the plane
before it took off. Not the best way to begin a lovely vacation but it worked. Lewis was
starving so we got a Pollo bowl on the way home. The kids had already eaten. We had a lovely Come Follow Me
session reading the current chapter in the Book of Mormon. Lewis and I had a
lot of comments but they didn’t look too overburdened. Wonderful kids. Evan
came home after working, soccer, and going to the gym. He had some leftovers and
was ready for bed too.
Thursday, May 16, 2024
Ella pops out of bed and wakes up Emmett. They got their breakfasts and were ready on time. Excellent. Grandpa took Ella and Emmett to
school. I cleaned up the kitchen. We did our referrals and planned dinner for
tomorrow. David and Jenny and perhaps Andrew will come. We went to Target to
buy Lewis a new belt. We put Emily’s big pork roast in the crockpot and plan to
have it for dinner tomorrow. English class had only 3 students. Ana, Martha,
and Xochitl. We are still reviewing and it is fun to see how many words they
know now compared to several months ago. Ana and Martha do have a large
vocabulary but they are more comfortable now with sentence structure. Danny
Sanchez our Branch Mission Leader came and Lewis and I stayed for a lesson for
Xochitl. Elder Hogge said she has read the entire Book of Mormon. But she
hasn’t found the right job yet. We have faith that she will find one soon. Lewis put
the meat into the fridge before we went to bed.
Friday, May 17, 2024
We needed to be at the Mission Tour of Edler Braggs at 8:30 AM.
So we both took the kids to school and drove to Thousand Oaks. Elder Braggs and
his wife had all of us get in a line so they could learn our names and where we
were from. They shook hands with all of us. This is the third day. They did
this on Wednesday and Thursday also with the more northern missionaries. It
took a little while but it did make it seem more personal. He said that in a
missionary lesson with a friend, everyone should be learning. When teaching is
at its best the Holy Ghost is contributing as well. What new things do we
learn? How do we feel? Take a mental note so you don’t forget. How can I
implement this new perspective in the future? With whom should I share this
experience? Sometimes we need to stop briefly to give the HG a chance to
testify. Be sure to teach what the HG prompts you to teach. The second
missionary is praying that the other is teaching what is needed by this friend.
There are lots of tasks to do every day but add the opportunity to serve
others. Be a true missionary not merely be on a mission. We can never do enough
to repay our Savior for his efforts on our behalf. We can never be enough by
ourselves. We need the Spirit. We need the Lord’s help. Read D&C 112. Be
thou humble so He can take us by the hand and give us answers to our prayers.
Everyone is a child of God and needs your message. Have faith to be able to
find people to teach. Be open to people around you. Missionaries need faith and
humility and they can teach anyone.
He said when the 12 are assigning each new missionary to his
mission they look at two large screens in addition to the computer and they can
ask questions and the mission department people can bring up lots of
information. The letters from their Bishop and Stake President. Photos and bios
of the Mission Leaders, There are lists of missions who will need additional
missionaries at their available date, etc. etc. He said that it is usually more
of a who than a where that makes the decision. He said he watched Elder Bednar
ask to see the photos of the people the most. They take time to make an
inspired decision. I found that interesting. He said that one young man did not
say anything on his paperwork about knowing French. He was assigned to Paris.
He told the missionaries to take confidence in their calling. He said that all
of the official papers he gets are from the First Presidency of the Church.
Mission callings are from President Nelson, the prophet. You are here because
the Lord wanted you here. .0000001% of your age group are on a mission. You are
elite. You are important. Priesthood power is available to all who are working
for the Lord. Do your best. Your mission is to bless others. Remember your
purpose. Always be in sight and sound of your companion for everyone’s safety.
Study your scriptures and share what you learn with your companion.
6 points of what a successful missionary does:
1. 1. Know the message. Preach My Gospel Chapter 3
2. 2. The Holy Ghost is the one who converts, He knows
all.
3. 3.Be worthy (not perfect) Chapter 1 PMG
4. 4.Be normal, natural, speak from your heart. Speak
of your experiences of why we need a Church.
5. 5.Commitment comes when the Spirit dictates. You invite.
They decide. Always invite. Always promise blessings. Invite motivated by love.
6. 6.Teach repentance and forgiveness D&C
58:41-43 Turn to God.
Elder Bragg told a story about Elder Hogg’s older sister.
Elder Bragg and his wife were Mission Leaders in Resistancia, Argentina. During
COVID, Argentina shut down completely and travel was impossible. Long story
about getting a whole bus full safely to the airport because he had written a
thank you note to an obnoxious and unkind policeman weeks ago. Called him in the night and
he arranged for clear travel to get the missionaries home. Elder Hogge’s sister
was in a very isolated valley with several other missionaries. They managed to
get to the capitol and were on the next to the last plane out.
Sister Rodriguez recommended every one of us to have a memorized scripture ready. Her favorite is from King Benjamin. Mosiah 4:30. Remember and perish not. We have difficulty remembering. God always remembers. It is important for the past, the present, and the future. We need to do these things daily: pray, study, reflect, repent, and follow the promptings from the Holy Ghost. The doctrine of Jesus Christ is faith, repentance, baptism, gift of the Holy Ghost, and endure to the end. This is the virtuous cycle that brings us to Christ. We can have spiritual momentum to help us over our lifetime. It is dangerous to slow and deadly to stop. Be diligent. Elder Holland’s last talk in Conference. He said, ‘’I can say that part of what I received was an admonition to return to my ministry with more urgency, more consecration, more focus on the Savior, more faith in His word.’’ That is how we should treat our ministry as well.
President
Rodriguez told us all to love the person you are and the person you are
becoming. Make your days in the mission as days never to be forgotten. You live
with others. You have a companion to practice with. You are each to represent
Jesus Christ. A person can change. How can I be Abinadi in a King Noah world?
Abinadi stood up for the truth. His gg grandsons, Nephi and Lehi. ggg grandson Nephi and Thomas of the 12 apostles. Alma’s great-grandson Helaman. We never know the final results of our
actions. Share testimonies and invite others to come unto Christ.
President
Rodriguez tried to find the missionary that baptized his parents. He finally
did. He thought he had influenced very few. Not true. Just the Rodriguez family
is many and those families keep growing and their missionaries are now out teaching the same
Gospel.
Sister
Bragg. The standards of culture and the standards of the church are very
different. As the gap grows we can get compensating power. The Lords won’t take the difficulties away but we can be strengthened.
Elder Bragg.
The wards and stakes would like more communication with you the missionaries.
Share what is going on so you can work together more easily. Members in lessons
need to participate as well as be present. It is important for the new members
to gain friends and learn to care for one another. You can share happiness,
hope, peace, and purpose. This is what you can share. It changes everything.
We got back
home in time to pick up Emmett at school. We had David and Jenny over for
dinner. They had invited us out to dinner but we talked them into coming to
Emily’s house and seeing the kids. But it turned out that Emmett went on a Boy
Scout camping trip. Ella went home with a friend after school that she had previously scheduled. Evan was at work and then had soccer practice. So it was
only the four of us for dinner and Rummikubs and 5 Crowns. They got to see Ella
and Evan briefly when they got home but Emmett didn’t come back until Saturday
afternoon.
Saturday, May 18,
2024
Lewis and I did our Referrals. Evan left pretty early on
Saturday. He has a tournament in the San Fernando Valley with two skilled teams
so he was not counting on a win but he loves to play. Emmett got home and said
he enjoyed his time. It was a lazy day and everyone got to spend time doing
what they wanted to do. We went to the adult session of the Camarillo Stake
Conference. They began with an ensemble of singers. It was remarkable. So much
harmony and almost no accompaniment. Everyone commented. It was lovely. Elder
Bassett was our visiting 70. He is the current person in charge of the
missionary department. He reminded us that we all work together in the
missionary effort. Leaders, members, missionaries, and angels. Together we help
to increase testimony or help to convert those who want to learn more. We all
must be centered on Jesus Christ. All members should invite the missionaries to
teach in their homes. The home of the member will almost always have
distractions and being in the home of a member allows for a friendship to begin
and will help sustain the new member. We know that everyone will have a chance
to accept the Gospel and choose the Lord. Make it sooner for your friends by
inviting them now. He encouraged us to: invite, greet, reach out, and not judge
others. If you are new, reach out. You might be sitting next to someone else
who is new too. Show love. Bring people to the healing water of Jesus Christ.
Love everyone. All you have to say is, “Hi, I’m Jeri. Nice to meet you.” We
need each other. Help others to feel that they belong. Minister. Jesus Christ
is the healer.
President Thunell spoke also. He invited us to Come closer
to Christ. Treat others as if they were our brothers and sisters. We are on a
journey and will go through trials. We are heirs and we go to the temple to
understand and remember our possibilities.
Sunday, May 19, 2024
Evan had his High School big celebration at Disneyland all day today, actually
until 5:00 AM Monday when they come back. We told Ella and Emmett that we
wanted to go to Stake Conference early so we could get a seat in the chapel.
They said they were used to being in the very back and they were willing to try
a new experience. We did have a long time to wait but we got to listen to the
choir practice. The kids brought their books and it was pleasant.
The meeting started with beautiful music. They sang Amazing
Grace just before the meeting started. It was beautiful. At the beginning, they
sang again a medley of several favorite hymns. It set the mood for our meeting.
The first three speakers were young people. They spoke of their experiences in
the Temple. They each gave a very individual and useful perspective.
Sister Wild is one of the matrons in the LA Temple. She told
us several things I didn’t know. The LA Temple has live endowment sessions in 6
languages. They also have 130 languages available with an electronic device.
They recently had a woman come to the temple on a gurney. She was not able to
walk but she was able to perform the ordinances. There was a family of four
with an appointment to be sealed together as a family. It happened that the
father died before they could come. But with another person to represent the
father their appointment sealed their family eternally. She recommended we
listen to our heart in the temple and accept the testimony and the blessings of
the temple. We are so loved y our Lord Jesus Christ.
Brother Wild is the 1st councilor in the Temple
Presidency. He pointed out that King Benjamin did not call his people to
repentance. They were doing well. Instead, he invited them (and us as well) to
become higher and holier. With that change, they would receive greater
blessings. The Temple helps us to do this also. President Nelson is always
inviting us to improve ourselves, our families, and others. Any situations that
are broken or incomplete will be made right by Jesus Christ.
Elder W Mark Bassett echoed many of the comments of the
young speakers. He said he thought that Piper’s observation that she felt like
going to the temple was a rest for her spirit was something we all should think
about. He also encouraged every member to be willing to work with the
missionaries to invite more to join us at church and draw closer to our Savior
Jesus Christ.
He said that while the scriptures say that Heavenly Father
gave us weakness, He did not give us weaknesses. He said we could replace
weakness with the word mortality. We are mortal but we do have our spirit as
well as our body. Our body is subject to weakness. It wants to be comfortable.
Our Spirit needs to be in charge. Be sure you are listening to your Spirit as
well as your body.
Elder Bassett grew up in Sacramento and spent much of his
time on the property that now is the home of the Sacramento Temple. He and his
family would go to the pool and the recreational things available there as well
as lots of Boy Scout events. He loved it and loved the temple even more. He was
part of the brigade that had to work miracles to get the grounds ready for the
Open House. He admitted he was pressure cleaning all of the walkways on Sunday
afternoon. The Open House was the next day.
We need to learn to understand love. The higher and holier
way is for us to love our neighbor as our Lord loves us. That is not easy. It
is a major challenge. We need Christlike attributes. Love is not just an
emotion. It is action. We need to do more than a hug. We need to show with our
actions we love our family members and everyone else as well. We are to become
like Him. A Zion people. A Zion heart. Remember that 5,000 people were fed by a
boy who gave his all. Jesus Christ made it sufficient and more for all. Don’t
just look around for bread. Participate in His power. The Savior is with us.
The Sacrament is symbolic. Walk with Him.
It was a wonderful Stake Conference. Lewis made Emmett’s
favorite soup which he calls Chup. Everyone enjoyed it for dinner. We did our
Come Follow Me in the afternoon.
Monday, May 20, 2024
We had an assignment to help inspect missionary apartments.
So we took the kids to school and went to Oxnard. Lewis made bread dough and we
did the inspections and went to Winco. Came back to finish the bread. Back in
Camarillo, Lewis made an offer on a townhouse and I made the Magnetic Salad for
our Senior Missionary FHE tonight. We got all the new referral reminders out.
Emmett has been having trouble with getting his school computer to work. When
we got the password, it still would not work for him. Our FHE was very
enjoyable. We now know each other well and we got to talk and eat delicious
food. The Rodriguezs do have a flair for meat. President made a brisket roast
and it was so tender and delicious. Everyone wanted every detail so they could
recreate it at home. He gave them the seasoning he uses as a rub and told them
to only buy one that will bend over when it is held vertically. That is the key
for having the right amount of fat. When he opens it he reduces the amount of
fat if it is excessive. He says you need some but not too much. He makes his
own seasoning and uses a lot on all the surfaces. He sears both sides of the
roast in the oven with the broiler. He adds almost a can of cola soda to mingle
with the juices. He made some openings with a knife so it could penetrate. I
think that was during the oven phase. Then he cooks it for maybe 7 hours with
the temperature between 200 and 250 degrees. He drains out most of the soda. When
done, he puts it in the refrigerator to get solid again. Then he cuts it for
serving and heats it again in the oven. Sister Moon has all of the details. In
addition to that delicious meat, we had my salad, rolls, baked beans, potato
salad, cookies, strawberries and cream, and strawberry and rhubarb cobbler.
Everything was delicious. Even better
was our discussion about the things that President Nelson has added and changed
since 2018 and how it has influenced us. We had a great time feeling blessed
with prophets and the improvements that have happened in the last few years. Things
will continue to change and hopefully, we will also change and improve along
with the church. It was a lovely evening. Would that be a good discussion with
your family? There have been many, many changes if you dig a little.
Tuesday, May 21, 2023
All the kids are off to school. Lewis had to go home to get
his checkbooks. Our bid got us the 2 bed 2 bath townhouse in Meridian. He is
very happy and I feel great about it as well. Another good rental and more
depreciation we need to reduce our taxes because we are so rich these days. It
will be easier than when we bought a house when we were in Tenerife. The Escrow
people will send someone to our home to verify our signing of all the papers.
It will cost $300. That is probably what we paid the attorney in Tenerife for
just one document.
We delivered bread to Ivan Fuentes. Lewis talked with him
when he came to church. They live in Camarillo but are attending the El Camino
Ward in Oxnard. The wife, Jenny is the Primary Secretary and she does not want
to make the change because of her relationships with the women in Primary. They
have two children. She is reluctant to change things but her husband
recommended that we invite their family to activities. If she is able to make
friends she will be more likely to want to attend our Branch.
The missionaries were not able to attend the English class. Lewis taught and finished up on the review. We will start with the second book in the next class. Only Ana and Martha were there. Martha is not feeling well. She has had several medical issues recently. We are praying for her. I am having trouble with asthma.
Wednesday, May 22, 2023
We both listened to the Social Media Referral weekly Zoom
class. Interesting. The teaching rate for referrals is currently 19%. The goal
is 20% They measure every 3 months. The previous was 14%. Progress. Zone
Leaders and Teaching Area Leaders and Sister Leaders have access to the
referrals on their PMG ap. It is their job to train those they are responsible
for. Digging in a gold mine still requires work. And it is much more effective
than working in a sandpile. Ask the successful what they are doing and share
that information. Additional reports will come in the future to make it easier
to see who needs help and who is doing well. There is a priority 1. Facebook
Mission Ad 2. Headquarters Local 3. HQ Paid Ad 4. HQ Non-paid Ad. If you can’t
do it all today, focus on the most productive referral types.
Ella and I went to an activity for Relief Society women and
Young Women girls. We went to a lovely home on Camarillo Drive up in the
Heights. There were many of us. Lots of treats to eat and we all had the
opportunity to make bookmarks, glass cups to hold a small candle, or framed pictures.
There were beautiful pressed flowers that could be laminated or adhered with
Mod Podge. Ella made a beautiful bookmark. She also enjoyed playing on the
trampoline with her friends. All of us enjoyed conversation with others and
this lovely relaxing time together. I unfortunately can’t remember the names of
all the people I knew well 25 years ago. And there is a whole new generation of
adults that I knew as children. It was a fun evening. Evan took Emmett to the
church. The Young Men went on a hike and Emmett said it was all uphill and very
steep. But he made it.
We have been doing Come Follow Me with the kids and I’m
enjoying it. They are very cooperative.
Thursday, May 23, 2023
I am still struggling with coughing and runny nose and
clogged breathing but I can function. I just don’t want to. The kids are great
with getting themselves up and ready for school. Evan brought Isabell – Issie
over after school. They played video games and card games and enjoyed each
other’s company. Lots of giggling from Issie. I like her. We had dinner with a recipe of Emily’s. Sweet
and Sour Chicken with rice. It was very good and I think everyone liked it. We
had English Connect class so Evan had to take her home earlier than he wished,
I guess. We did Come Follow Me afterward and Evan eventually came home. Our
class began with only Ana but then four young men came. They are related to
each other and were very happy to find a free way to improve their English.
They are beginners so Lewis started over with Book 1. I took Ana to the room
across the call and did the first lesson in Book 2. I loved having time to talk
with her. She is a lovely woman who loves to learn. She has three children. One
is a daughter and she has four young children and is living with Ana. I’m sure
it is a lot of work for Ana as well as her daughter. I invited Ana to come to
the Ponderosa Branch on Sundays. She said she might so I look forward to that.
Ana reads and understands English quite well but she wants to improve. It is
wonderful when a person is always eager for more knowledge. I look forward to
getting to know her better.
Friday, May 24, 2024
Lewis took the younger kids to school. We went to our house.
Lewis made another batch of bread. I did my referrals but the Missionary Portal
was not working well. Gave up after the brand-new ones. We went to Costco to
buy chicken pot pies for Martha. She has been sick on top of her insulin
problems. We took them to her thinking that she could rest instead of making
dinner at least for a meal or two with her sons. She was happy to see us. She
had been to the doctor, He is testing and hoping to target the current problem.
We got back to Emily’s house before Ella and Emmett got home. The kids are not
sad to have school over for this week. Emmett is still working on his overdue
work, his current work and his Scout Badge work. He is being pretty diligent.
We went to the celebration party for Andrew’s bachelor’s
degree from Channel Islands. He told us that he made us a non-alcoholic whisky
something. He said we could know how it tastes without the alcohol. We
conveniently forgot to ask for it. It was very kind of him. So many good people
there to celebrate Andrew. Several people I don’t know said kind and admiring
things about our grandson. So nice to be related to great people. We sat next
to Pat and Colin and had fun chatting for a long time. Pat and I agree that men
who buy hearing aids should wear them even if the difference is not large. Oh
well. It was fun to hear them talk about things that happened a long time ago.
Jenny and David are such good hosts. It was a pleasant evening.
Saturday, May 25, 2024
The kids didn’t come down or appear till late morning.
Emmett was first and ate his cold cereal. It is his favorite. Seems that Ella
agrees. Emmett went back to work on his projects for much of the day. Evan and
Ella watched White Colar. We watched that show years ago and enjoyed it. A
skilled thief helps the good guys to find the bag guys. We made another Chicken
Asian dish. I don’t remember its name but it was good. I am doing a lot of
coughing and taking a treatment at least once a day. I’m looking forward to
going home permanently. We went to bed and were asleep very early.
Sunday, May 26, 2024
We had meetings both before and after church. I took a lot
of notes. Things are progressing. We have a counselor for the Sunday School
presidency. Carlos Ramirez will be the first counselor. They are coming almost
every Sunday and I hope are feeling happy and included. Vianey looked very
happy after he was set apart by President Parra. Many of our investigators did
not come to church. I was sad that Ana didn’t make it. She knew Martha was not
coming because she is ill. I hope she will come soon. Xochitl has a job but it
is 7 days a week with very long days. Good money but crushes her ability to
come to church or English class. I hope she can find a better job soon. Lewis
is assigned to be the Family History leader for the Branch until they can get
someone else ready for that job. President Parra gave Lewis access to the
Library so we can take members from our branch to do their family history work
at whatever time of day works out.
Monday, May 27, 2024
We delivered bread in the morning to Lourdes, Yolando, and the Ramirez family. We gave Mi Familia booklets to the first group as well. Lewis is responsible for family history in our branch until they find someone to take the calling. I spent most of the day with the referrals. I always do the brand new ones but I did all of the biggest list. Takes a lot of time but hopefully it will help the missionaries to get to their referrals as well as all the other things they need to do. We left the house about 3:00 because we thought they would get in at 5:00. We texted and were able to communicate. Edgar was very sick with pain and chills on the 10-hour ride home. Poor guy. The airport was so jam packed it took us about a 1/2 hour to get to the international terminal after we got to the arrival line. We did get them and their luggage and got home finally. The traffic makes Boise look like paradise. Poor Edgar fell into bed. The kids were glad to see their parents again. And we were happy to go home and fall into bed ourselves. They did have a wonderful trip and Edgar has his usual pain in his knees and back but he did well until the very last day. Hope he can recover soon.
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Didn’t get up early. We went back to our walks but only one
time around was enough for me. Did the newest referrals. It is nice to be home.
I caught up on a lot of small things and did all of the laundry. We did get to
eat lunch with Emily. We went to Subway and she gave us each a beautiful
printed container for a big chocolate bar. It is wrapped in ribbon and has the
most popular ruins or buildings in six cities in Italy. I would let Lewis open
his until I got a photo. I’m still not feeling any better but we went to
English Class. Lewis had one other family member. So, there were five in his
beginning class. I had Ana in the English Connect 2 booklet. She is very good
at vocabulary but unsure of herself with pronunciation. Actually, she is doing
well but practice always helps. We had fun together. The missionaries came at
the end of the class and gave the scripture thought. After everyone else left
they told us that they had a lesson with Xochitl. She is still doing the
avocado job. It pays overtime so she is working up to 16 hours a day. She gets
overtime on the weekends as well. She said that the person who started with her
quit at the end of the first day. She is still doing well physically but no one
should be doing manual labor for that much time every day.
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
Still weak. Walked and did referrals. I forgot to watch the
Social Media Zoom meeting today, Drat! Lewis went to buy salad makings, get gas,
and talk with the Family History people if they are in the Library today. Lewis
didn’t find anyone in the Library but he let himself in and was able to get
into the computer. He figures that all is fine. I hope President Thunell
agrees.
Lewis made a big salad. That is his usual breakfast or lunch
meal. I ate a small salad and a sweet potato.
I called Jo Ann Stockwell for about an hour. That is a short
visit with her. She is amazing. She will turn 84 next month. She is still
leading the music at church every other week and loves it. She too is allergic
to Guinea Pigs.
I was feeling very low energy and coughing a lot. Lewis went
to the missionary visits with Hermano Law. I stayed home and took a nap before
bed.
Thursday, May 30, 2024
We went to Kaiser. I saw Doctor Moya and really liked her.
She has coughing asthma instead of wheezing asthma also so she was helpful. She
asked a lot of questions and recommended that I take a calming inhaler instead
of a rescue inhaler. She prescribed 3 boxes of the one that is supposed to
reduce the inflammation and therefore the coughing over time. I take it every
morning and every night and rinse out my mouth afterward. She also said I
should continue to take an allergy pill. Hope that will make a difference. My
coughing sounds really bad. Not good with other people around.
Friday, May 31, 2024
We got up early to go to the LAX to pick up Beverly. She is spending a week with her mother and we are enjoying her company and taking her back and forth to the airport. We did enjoy our time with her. We went out to dinner to Panda Express. Or rather, we picked it up and ate at home because that is more comfortable. Lots of real conversations about her life and ours and what is hard and what is good. She is very tired of her extremely taxing job with all of the special needs children in their elementary school. She has done so much but it is taxing. She has some health problems and her eyes are getting worse. She has a condition where one eye can’t be corrected. They said that perhaps a hard contact in her bad eye would allow it to be corrected, so she will try that. She has spent months eating with only a 4-hour window of eating in a day. She has taught her body how to become fat-adapted. Her body transfers easily from using glucose to fat for energy. You have to use up all of the glycine storage in your liver as well as the glucose first. Have to think more about this. She doesn’t keep it up all the time but she is much more in control of her body. I think that is good. I should be in more control of my body.
David, Beverly Lewis, Jenny, Jeri
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