Elder and Sister Prater in Newport Beach, California Mission

  South Zones Conference  One thing that surprises me about serving another mission that shouldn't is how much I am learning and how much the young missionaries are teaching me. I am constantly being inspired to do something different or better by the things they say.  I like to write down their quotes and refer to them later.  My favorite this week was from a missionary who is in his last transfer before going home.  He said  A mission is a privilege not a sacrifice.   I whole heartily agree.  This week we had the privilege of attending zone conference.  We learned from the new Preach My Gospel and had great training from Pres. and Sister Carter.  After a lovely lunch, our housing missionary, Sister Scott and her husband once again entertained us as they taught us how to clean a bathroom.  This is Elder Scott preparing to clean...... Our week was busy with our usual activities which include visiting members, helping in the Family Search Center, and going to the temple.  We also te

 For several days we were advised of Hurricane Hilary in the Pacific Ocean.   In anticipation of "catastrophic and life-threatening flooding", the  National Hurricane Center  (NHC) issued an unprecedented  tropical storm warning  for  Southern California , extending from the  Mexico–United States border  to just north of  Los Angeles .  We prepared by making sure we had a full gas tank, plenty of food, extra cash, our phones were charged and our flashlights had good batteries.    We did attend church that morning because it was before the storm was to hit our area.  We spent the rest of our Sunday in our apartment, all missionaries were asked to be inside by 4 pm.  Fortunately  we did not see major rainfall or wind, and it was just a rainy afternoon.  (Here is a link to my short video on Youtube) Rain Our week started out with our monthly empty nest Family Home Evening.  Amy Mobley   taught our lesson this month and we had an excellent discussion.  Good food and good friends.

Want to know a good way to start your week?  Have a zone full of missionaries over for a BBQ on P-day.  Elder Prater grilled up some hamburgers, I made potato salad and we had a fun afternoon together as we entertained 18 young missionaries.  I asked each of the sister missionaries why they decided to serve a mission and their answers gave me great insight.  One sister had gone inactive but because of her mother's nudging and belief that she was going to serve a mission, she did turn to the Lord and prepare herself to serve.  Another sister was a recent convert and learned that serving a mission was something she could do so here she is.  And yet another sister had very strong prompting in the temple that a mission was where the Lord wanted her.  I loved hearing their stories and getting to know them better.  We had a busy week and was gone during meal time a few times so we enjoyed some tacos again this week at Senor Panchos.  During our busy week we had several family history exp

 Something that I love about being around these young missionaries is that any time we sing a hymn they sing strongly with joy.  It gives me goosebumps every time and I love to pause and cherish the moments.  They all love their Savior and want to praise him with song.  I got our zone's permission this week to record their singing for your enjoyment.  Can you feel the spirit as they sing?  https://youtu.be/sLFM2iVFGps Elders Bennion, Trimble, Sister Johnson, Christiansen, myself, Elders Prater, Barfuss and Nielsen  This week went by so fast because we were very busy.  Besides our usual activities and member visits we also fit in this week a senior missionary bonfire at Corona Del Mar Beach in Newport. We love these get togethers with the other senior missionaries, it is a good bonding time.  This time the beach was super crowded fortunately for us, Elder and Sister Weidmann got to the beach early in the day and saved a fire pit and  spot for all of us.  We enjoyed a potluck dinner