Questions, DC & Institute, Temple, & Camp Wildwood

Elder Hardy, Stan, had the opportunity to answer lots of questions this week.  When we walked into the Church for FHE on Monday evening, Marco, a young man that the missionaries are teaching, came up to Stan and told him that he had a bunch of questions.  So they sat down in the foyer and started talking.  Marco had read the first 12 chapters of the Book of Mormon (we found out from the missionaries, that he did this much reading in just a day!), and had several questions about his reading.  They talked for 20 minutes or so, answering questions.  It was great to see Marco's excitement for learning about the Book of Mormon.   

Two days later, the Elder's invited us to meet with them with a young lady named Jacklynn.  She was a referral from the Sister Missionaries.  The Elder's weren't sure what to expect.  We met at a park.  Apparently her Dad was going to come, but wasn't able to, so he called and was on speaker phone.  He basically took over telling us of his beliefs and asking questions geared towards what day of the week we practice the Sabbath, and if we believe in Christmas and Easter.  He basically took over the conversation and didn't allow for many comments.  The Elder's got pretty quiet so Stan tried to share some of our beliefs, which didn't go very far.  After he got off the phone, Jacklynn apologized  for her Dad.  I think she felt bad that he had taken over the conversation.  The missionaries didn't really get an opportunity to share a message.

Then, two days later, the Elder's called us again to meet with a young lady named Jean.  When we arrived at her home, I recognized her from a previous meeting.  She also had lots of questions.  You could tell she had come up with her questions from things she had read on the internet.  Her questions took the whole time, and the Elder's didn't have an opportunity to teach or share much of a message.

That night, I was thinking about these three experiences.  I felt like with the last two experiences, we should have talked about our purpose as missionaries.  We should have shared our personal testimonies of the Doctrine of Christ; at least this would have left them with something to think about.  I realized after talking with Stan and the missionaries, that it is not uncommon to have this type of experience in meeting with people.  Everyone has their right to their ideas and opinions and beliefs, but I felt that I should have opened my mouth and shared my testimony.  

Tuesday was a day of cooking and being fed by the Spirit.  We held District Council in our apartment; there were 8 of us; two of the Elder's were sick and not able to come.  We had our DC meeting first, including the bearing of testimony, since it was our last meeting for the Transfer.  I love to hear the testimonies of the missionaries.  It's a sweet experience.

I made a Sausage Egg Casserole and Pancakes and melon for our Brunch.  

We were in charge of Institute again so we decided to show the YSA Fireside with Elder and Sister Godoy.  We had our dinner of Lasagna, Salad, and homemade bread, then moved into the RS room for the video.  Elder & Sister Godoy did such a great job of sharing their experiences (when they were young adults) of Loneliness, Dating, Spirituality, Missions, and Marriage.  I prayed that each of our young people in attendance felt the Spirit prick their hearts with what they needed most.  

We were able to drive up to the Newport Beach Temple on Thursday and attend a session.  It's about an hour and forty-five minute drive, but so worth being able to attend the temple and be taught by the Spirit.

This weekend was a Regional YSA campout and Sacrament meeting.  Camp Wildwood is a Church owned camp, and has lots of fun activities to do.  Some of the young people went up Friday night for the evening activities, camped overnight, and spent the day Saturday.  We drove up Saturday morning and spent most of the day with them.  They enjoyed axe throwing, archery, volleyball, soccer, etc., and a couple of Devotionals.  And food, of course!  Those who attended had a great time, mingling with young people in their age group.

The Sacrament Meeting was held up in Poway, about a 45 minute drive for us.  They had a Linger Longer afterwards with refreshments.  It's so good for these young people to meet their peers and realize there are many their age in the area that have the same goals and desires.  They are blessed with lots of great leaders and missionaries to support them.  We are blessed to be a small part of this.

We enjoy all the spring colors and blooming plants.  These purple trees are just gorgeous!