Didn't See Much Of Tropical Storm Hilary

 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. 

Debi Johnson, Jay and Kathy Griffin, Amy, Pat and Richard Kaufman, Marilyn Tippitts

Sister Johnson and Christianson, Elder Nielsen, myself and Elder Prater, Elder Trimble, Barfuss and Johansson. 

At each district meeting we recite our mission purpose, scripture and statement.  The Newport Beach, California Mission statement is

I am a life long disciple of Jesus Christ. I strive to exemplify Him in all I do. I find lasting joy through my obedience sacrifice and consecration to him.

We love working with these missionaries, they do strive to exemplify Christ in all they do.  This was especially evident in the baptism which we had attended in the Young Single Adult Ward this week.  The young man being baptized had worked for a year towards his goal of baptism.  Several missionaries had worked with him and he was very loved.  I loved seeing so many young people working together to come unto Christ.  The spirit was very strong. 

We took the opportunity on Wednesday to drive up to Glendora and visit my sister Annette and her husband, Dave.  We hadn't seen her in person for over three years so it was time.  We had a nice lunch together before we headed back to our mission.  

Elder Prater, my sister Annette and her husband, Dave.  My sister lives in the house that I grew up in so I wanted a picture of myself in front of the house.  And yes that is my brother in law photo bombing as he blows his nose. 😉

One of our goals is to meet a new person or family in the ward each week that we haven't associated with yet.  One way we accomplish this is by setting an appointment with a family to do some fun family history activities with them.  The family we visited this week had three teenage children which always makes it fun because they are tech savvy.  We did Compare A Face and Map My Ancestors.  When we were leaving the dad said that was the most fun missionary visit he had ever had and they want us to come back.  I love making these connections.  More and more as we go to church each week, we are recognizing the different members of the ward. 

On Friday night we took the chance to see the Film Festival at Leo Carrillo Ranch.  Leo Carrillo was an actor and movie star who owned a ranch in San Marcos.  The City of Carlsbad preserved the ranch and made it into a park.  During the summer they have several nights where they show an episode of Cisco Kid in which Leo played the character, Pancho. They also show one of his full length films, all of this is outside on his lawn.   It was a fun and pleasant evening.  We love serving as missionaries and don't mind any of the work, but we always make sure we take time to enjoy the unique activities and places around us.  Senior missions are the best!