A Season of Thankfulness 2013

      Do you ever remember seeing the red funnels at a children's museum where you drop in a coin at the top and it slowly goes around and around, and then picks up speed as it drops further down into the funnel until it is going very fast by the time it drops out of the bottom?
     That is how I am describing how fast out mission seems to be going as we have passed the 15 month mark. If these last few days of events are any indication of how fast it's going I know that Sherrie and I need to hold onto our hats as we complete the last 3 months.
     On Saturday one of the most wonderful highlights of our mission occurred. We were involved in escorting and the witnessing of eight Marshallese Branch members who attended the Sacramento Temple for the first time for their individual endowments. The word "Endowment" is a sacred terminology used in the LDS church when church members go to a temple to make covenants or promises with the Lord to live a righteous life while here upon this earth. These covenants or promises help us as members to focus on the Savior, understand His role in our Heavenly Father's plan, and to understand our commitment to follow Him. We believe these are the greatest blessings available to all of us through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
     Six of these people were husband and wife and we watched as each couple was sealed to each other for all time and eternity. Then the children of two of the couples were brought in all dressed in white to be sealed to their parents. There is something special about little Marshallese children who normally are what I would say are "little hellions" at church, but now come into the sealing room looking like angels as they kneel around the alter with their weeping parents. For that matter we were all weeping. It was a wonderful experience that we will never forget.
     Earlier Saturday we also attended the funeral of a 91 year old man who had lived a wonderful life of love and service to his family, the church and to the Lord. His wife of 67 years, 7 children and spouses, 39 grandchildren, and at least 60 great-grand children were all in attendance. The entire center section of the church pews were filled by his family. What a tribute to such a wonderful man! We had been visiting weekly with he and his wonderful wife.
      This past week we were in attendance at what our mission calls "zone conferences". It is an event that lasts pretty much all day with about 100 missionaries in attendance each day. Elder Baxter, a General Authority of our church, was in attendance. He and his wife are British. He provided wonderful spiritual guidance and direction to the missionaries. At these zone conferences Sherrie and I also assist in inspecting the missionary cars that the young missionaries are assigned to drive. A unique experience. All were in pretty good shape.
       This Wednesday Sherrie and I go down to the home of our daughter Amy and her family who live in Walnut Creek CA, to be with them for Thanksgiving. Can't wait.
       Last but not least it looks like we are taking a round about way of coming home in February. The kids have given us an early 50th wedding anniversary gift and we will be going to Hawaii at the end of February 2014! We are excited! And hopefully by the time we start home the winter weather will have passed.

Got to go. Love ya,

Elder John