2024

 


The first full day of 2024 was spent on the sands of Corona Del Mar Beach in Newport Beach, California with the best senior missionaries ever. We have grown to love everyone of them. 
In front, Elder and Sister Merkley Left to right back row- Elder and Sister King, Elder and Sister Cooper, Elder and Sister Crawford, Elder and Sister Fowers in front, Elder and Sister Hughes, ourselves, Sister and Elder Spencer, and the Kearsleys





So our year started out with a miracle, after our bonfire on the beach, most of the senoir missionaries had left for home except for us, the Crawfords, and the Merkleys.  The Kings had just left and walked up the hill to their car where they discovered that she still had her car key but Elder Kings had lost his. They called Sister Crawford and asked us to look for the key. It was very dark and he had been several places on the beach.  Everyone turned on their lights on their phones and started looking around.  I said a quick prayer and felt I should look close to the wall where we were looking at the channel.  Sure enough right away I saw the key fob halfway buried in the sand close to the wall.  My prayer was answered quickly and the Kings were able to get their key and head home.  I love God's tender mercies. 
Good thing we were able to relax and enjoy a slow pace on New Year's Day because the rest of our week got crazy busy even though the Family Search Center was closed and we didn't work there.  Apartments in the Carlsbad Zone hadn't been inspected for a bit, so in addition to our zone's ten apartments, we were asked to inspect ten apartments in Carlsbad which we did this week. 


Elder Prater makes sure everyone signs up for their apartment inspection. 




Sister Rees and Sister Knippers had a very clean apartment in Carlsbad

We had other service and lesson opportunities this week but I would say the majority of our week was spent in young missionaries apartments.  We always love getting to know these different missionaries.  This week we asked them how they have seen the power of the spirit come into the lives of those around them.  Their answers were varied but they all expressed great joy as they were witnesses to the experiences that they shared.  The joy of missionary work is real. 

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