We have been called by a Prophet of the Lord to serve another Mission & have been called to the California San Diego Mission to serve with the YSA (Young Single Adults).  Our setting apart for our Mission by our Stake President promised specific blessing that would be ours as we serve the Lord, so we left for the MTC on July 9th of 2023!  Our experience in the MTC was inspirational!!  Here are some of the pictures that we took during our first 2 weeks:

We loved the many murals found in the MTC depicting various Biblical portraits.  This one is of Christ with disciples in a boat.

Here is one depicting the Sons of Mosiah on their Mission to the Lamanites.

This is a fairly new chandelier representing the plan of salvation - the blue sphere is representing the earth with small pinpoint lights rising upward.

Here is the invitation from Jesus Christ to share the gospel with the world.
The MTC was filled with the Spirit of the Lord - it was amazing to see the hopes, dreams, & testimonies of the young missionaries, some 2,000 strong preparing to serve the Lord.  We enjoyed the firesides, devotionals, and classes with the purpose to help us focus on our Mission:  "Invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ & His Atonement, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end."

By the end of the 2 weeks, we were strengthened although a little tired with the busy schedule, and ready to head out to our mission field.

We drove out to San Diego and arrived on July 24th - Upon arrival, there were 10 Young energetic Missionaries that promptly unloaded our rented u-haul trailer in a matter of minutes; we were quite thankful!!

Our First week in the Mission field in Chula Vista, California

We had the privelege of attending the San Diego Temple with a number of Younger Missionaries, Senior Missionaries, and President & Sister Merritt.   It is such a beautiful temple & will be closing for remodeling in a few days. 😓  The House of the Lord is one of those special places where His Spirit is strong.

During our first week with the YSA groups, we were invited to a Friday night "bonfire" activity so this is Debbie at the beach in Coronado

The Mission bought tickets for the seniors & all the young Missionaries to see a Padres baseball game that they had been planning for months, & we just happened to arrive the day before!

The week ended meeting the YSA Ward Bishopric & about 50+ YSA's (ages 18-30) that came to Sacrament meeting on Sunday.  The Young Single adults want to be there and have a spiritual experience - it is refreshing to see their testimonies & desire to do what is right!

By the way, we did manage to find some pickleball courts within 10 minutes of our apartment & have already met a number of new friends who also LOVE to play (I mean exercise) the game!!