Solar Eclipse, Opened My Mouth, District Council, Donkey Story

 I have been anticipating the Solar Eclipse for weeks; even though, here in San Diego, we probably had only about 60% Totality.  I purchased some solar glasses a few weeks prior to the event so we would be ready.  We were at the Pickleball courts during the Eclipse.  Stan had his glasses on to peek at the sun, and soon was sharing them with the people on his court.  Before he knew it, he was walking from court to court sharing his glasses.  He made probably 20 - 30 new friends just by sharing his glasses.  I walked over to the park and sat on a stone ledge.  I pulled on my Solar glasses, and saw the beginning of the Eclipse - a Pac-Man bite was taken out of the sun!  I watched the Eclipse off and on for several minutes. While I was sitting there, a young man walked by and commented on my glasses. I asked him if he wanted to view the sun, so he sat down beside me and we shared the glasses and talked. I told him I was a Missionary serving with the YSA. It then dawned on me that he looked YSA age, so I started telling him about church and our activities. I wrote down the activities, times and locations for him and invited him to come and join us. Stan came over about that time and I introduced them. His name is Kyle, and he gave me his phone number, too! So, now I need to, in addition to my prayers, follow up with an invite. 

We got home just in time for me to drop Stan off and I headed over to get my hair cut and colored. I decided to take a Book of Mormon and Restoration Pamphlet with me, just in case. The salon was empty, besides me and Sharon (Stylist). So after she washed the color out of my hair, I decided I better have courage and talk to her. I don’t remember how I began, but I told her about Joseph Smith’s vision, and the Book of Mormon and how the resurrected Christ appeared to the Nephites. She told me her sister had given her a nice Bible for Christmas, that was in Spanish, and she liked reading it. I told her I had a Book of Mormon to give her, but if she wanted a Spanish one, I could bring one back to her later that afternoon. She agreed, so I went home and got Stan and a Spanish Book of Mormon. We went back, and she had a customer, but she wasn’t busy with her at the moment. So, we talked to her about the Book of Mormon and I showed her the scriptures that I referred to in the front cover (I had written a short testimony with some scriptures for her to read) and told her about them. She said that she would read it with her Mom, whom she lives with. So, now I have two people to pray for! What an incredible day! I hope Heavenly Father blessed my faltering words so that she heard them through the Spirit! I forgot to mention, that she colored my hair a pretty copper red color, and then she straightened it; I looked quite different when I got home. I think Stan liked it. 

I did follow up with a text to both Kyle and Sharon a few days later.  I have texted Kyle twice, and haven't heard a peep!  Ghosted!  I did receive a short reply back from Sharon; she thanked me and said to have a great weekend!  At least she has a Book of Mormon, and I can continue to pray for them both.

We had our last District Council of the Transfer.  We all shared our testimonies, which is a spirit filled time.  Afterwards, Elder Legg, our District Leader, had each person sit in a chair with their back facing the chalkboard.  Then, each person took turns writing something about the individual in the chair.  Elder Legg took a picture of it, then erased it before we could see it.  Later on that day, he messaged us our picture.  Here are our pictures:

This group of six missionaries have been a lot of fun.  They have been a very cohesive group, and are great missionaries.  All but two of them were transferred out of our District on Friday, so now we'll have a new group to get to know and love.  

After DC, we took them out to In n Out Burger for lunch. That’s become our fun tradition.

On Thursday morning, we drove to the Mission Valley Church where we met with many of the Senior Missionaries.  We gathered together for a light breakfast and to hear from our four departing missionary couples. It’s sad to see them go. I hope we get to get together again someday. We were closest to the Stringham’s; we served in the kitchen together making meals and feeding missionaries. Sister Stringham told a story that left an impression on me. 

"There was a farmer who entered his donkey in a horse race. A man asked him if he thought his donkey could win. He hemmed and hawed a bit, and then said, 'No, I don’t think she’ll win a race, but at least she’ll be able to mingle with the Thoroughbreds.'

Then Sister Stringham said that she has felt like she’s been among the Thoroughbreds with such amazing senior missionaries. As I’ve pondered over her story and statement, I agree with her. But I also feel like I’ve been blessed to have my Sweetheart, family, and friends who’ve been like Thoroughbred’s to me - I’ve learned so much from the examples of others.  Thank you all!