Our New Address and More Wonderful People

 Before I forget, we have moved to San Marcos, California which is close to our ward boundaries and church building.  Here is our new address-

975 Woodland Pkwy

Apt. 242 

San Marcos ,CA  92069

This week, we did some more apartment inspections.  As we did so, we asked the young missionaries what has helped them on their missions come closer to Christ.  Elder Barfuss said teaching the new converts and seeing their lives change as they heard and accepted the gospel plan really helped his testimony increase.  Elder Nielsen said that it was the people, the other missionaries that strived to serve the Lord that has helped him come closer to Christ.  He especially mentioned a companion that was so humble that he was always ready to change and accept correction.  

                                           Elder Nielsen       Elder Barfuss 

I would like to introduce you to a few people that have increased my testimony as I have rubbed shoulders with them. 

This is Sean Marshall, he was just released from the Bishopric as his family will be moving out of our ward soon.  He has a great sense of humor and is constantly keeping us all laughing.  But more than that he has a love for all his fellowmen and his Savior.  He bears a strong deep testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  At a recent baptism, a mother and her son were being baptized.  Her husband was not ready to make that covenant yet.  Bro. Marshall talked at the baptized and asked the husband to be aware of how he was feeling at church, at the baptism and to be aware of how the gospel was changing his wife and son.  I was so impressed with Bro. Marshall's inspired words.  He and his family will be missed in this ward. 

This is Elder and Sister Pettingill along with  Elder and Sister Summers.  We all met in the MTC, with the Pettingills being in our district.  Today marks six months that we have all been in the mission field, and we all serve in different missions in California.  Yesterday we met at the Redlands, California Temple to attend a session together and enjoy some time together.  We all have loved our missions and can testify that we are each in the areas that the Lord wants us to be in.  My testimony is strengthened as I listen to them talk about their missions, how they have served and how they have witnessed God's hand in their lives.  There is a shortage of Senior missionaries, the church could use twice as many seniors missionaries as what are serving now, which means there are many members that are missing out on rich blessings.  Let me just tell you from my personal experience that most senior missionaries that I know right now have extended the length of their mission.   Including all three of us couples in this picture.  We know the joy that comes from serving.  I love these two couples and their example. 

One of the benefits of serving as a senior is you get to have great P-days.  We do our best to enjoy the area we are serving in.  We tried once again to catch a glimpse of a whale on a whale watching trip.  This time we left out of Dana Point.  The score is whale watching trips taken- 5, whales spotted- 0.   I am beginning to think we are jinxed.  But the dolphins were out in full force, we spotted both bottle nose and common dolphins.  We still very much enjoy the trip even if the whales have evaded us. 

And to make the day perfect, we stopped at Mrs. Taco on the way home.  So far she has the best Mexican food around.   The Newport Beach, California mission is the best!