MISSIONARY PREPARATION CLASS

Luis Olivera, Nefi Chavez, Nathan Brown, Angela Molina, Karime Silvan and Daniel Hernandez

Elder Alan Treasure and I were recently asked by Bishop Miller to teach a missionary preparation class in our ward. Elder and Sister Treasure, from Washington state, are records preservation missionaries that have been assigned to our ward. It has been an enjoyable experience working with him and these fine young members of the ward. They have a great desire to serve our Father in Heaven and prepare themselves for the work. I have gained an even greater appreciation for Preach My Gospel in the process. The current group of missionaries are so much better prepared than I was.

I think back to my missionary preparation almost 50 years ago. Compared to today, it was pretty much 'non existent'. It mainly consisted of learning Spanish in the LTM by trying to memorize a few of the 6 discussions, and then off to Argentina. After six months in the field, I was just beginning to get a handle on the work. The Lord is certainly 'hastening His work' today.

Role playing 

Role playing

TEACHING THE PLAN OF SALVATION

Andrade kids

We are so blessed to have such a wonderful and supportive family. When Mom came to visit us a few weeks ago, she brought a wonderful 'object lesson' to help us teach the plan of salvation to children. Nancy put this simple but very effective presentation together along with instructions in Spanish and English and even a link to a YouTube video showing us how to do it. She has made one for each of the family's missionaries as they have gone out. You should check it out.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qfMuM1n320&feature=em-upload_owner
We had the chance this week to put it to use with two of the families we have been visiting. The kids loved it, and learned so much more about of the Plan of Salvation.
Thank you Nancy !!

 BAKING 101

This week for scouts, we all met over at the home of the scoutmaster, Derrick Dube. His wife, Lillian, taught the boys the fine art of baking and bread making. I'm not sure they will remember everything, but they sure enjoyed mixing, kneading and eating the bread and cookies. Her whole wheat bread is almost as good as somebody else I know. ;-) 

Jesus Rodriguez & Jayro Silavan

Nefi Chavez

THE PERFECT WAY TO CELEBRATE A 'PERFECT DAY'

Bylaws of the Perfect Day Club

A ‘Perfect Day’, as any good Trojan will tell you, is when our favorite team is victorious, while our major foes - UCLA and Notre Dame suffer losses on that same day.  To date this has only happened 39 times.  To celebrate, there is an impromptu gathering of the Club’s members prior to kickoff of the next home game.  The meeting usually takes place near the “naked statues” in front of the Coliseum.  The 3 winning teams are toasted with Sparkling Apple Cider and, Little Debbies Chocolate Brownies.

--- Pete Arbogast, founder and president of the Perfect Day Club

We sent Mom some Sparkling Apple Cider and a box of Little Debbies Brownies to celebrate the 'Perfect Day' that occurred on October 16th. She invited anyone to come over to her home last Thursday evening, to watch the SC-Cal game and to properly celebrate the 'perfect day' by toasting USC and the victors of UCLA and Notre Dame. We joined in on the celebration via Face Time. The game started at 7:30 pacific time, so by half time we were in bed - fortunately, SC was comfortably ahead. ;-)

HOME REPAIRS

Before

After visiting with a wonderful family in the ward for Family Home Evening on Monday, we decided to return and do some work on their front door. With winter fast approaching, the door was in need a few minor repairs... Fortunately, James has every tool that Home Depot sells, so I was able to borrow all the necessary equipment. With the help of my home teaching companion, we made short work of the repair. 

After

KAW RIVER WARD SEMINARY CLASS

The Kaw River ward seminary class meets at the home of Noe and Elizabeth Chavez at 5:00 am. Yes that is right, 5:00 am. Brother and Sister Chavez team teach this wonderful group of young people. We are proud to know them and love their example of dedication and commitment to the Lord. Bishop Miller and President Pryday were visiting this day. 

Standing left to right: Bishop Scott Miller, Noe Chavez, Noe Chavez Jr. Jayro Silvan, Jesus Rodriguez, Andres Molina, Mariana Molina, Angela Molina, Karima Silvan, Elizabeth Chavez, President Bruce Priday.

TEMPLE BAPTISMS

A while back, I heard some counsel from the Los Angeles temple president. He said that if we had a choice to make between participating in an endowment session as a couple or going to do temple baptisms with the whole family - he would recommend the latter. I have to agree. On Friday, we met James and Kaui and Noah at the temple with some family file names that needed baptisms. We were the only ones in the baptistry at the time which made it even more spiritual. James and I performed the baptisms and then baptized each other. Confirmations followed. What a beautiful and sacred experience, something we will always remember.

District Meeting

NEWLY WEDS

We were privileged to attend the Sealing of Filiberto and Alma Vasquez Torres on Saturday. Filiberto and Alma attended our Marriage and Family Relations class a few months ago. They are great examples of how the gospel blesses lives. Filiberto is a fairly recent convert, while Alma served a mission in Mexico. They both have a great love for the Gospel and each other.

FALL IS FALLING

The weather is definitely changing and winter will be here soon. We both have come to love the changing colors of the leaves that this season bring here in the Midwest, something that we do not see in Southern California. I'm just glad I don't have to rake up the leaves.

NEW 'SENIOR' COMPANION

SPRINT TO THE FINISH

We were finally able to talk Mom into coming out for a short visit. It was such a treat for us. We went to the temple, visited Adam-Ondi-Ahman and Haun's mill, went to James' ward to hear Noah play a piano solo in sacrament meeting, introduced her to members of our ward and spent hours visiting and catching up. It was a wonderful week. 

We were having so much fun, that I think she felt guilty about taking us away from our work. I assured her that the mission president was OK with her visiting for a few days. However just to make sure we were not slacking off too much, she reminded us of what Dad said to her as they neared the end of their mission in Scotland. She said he told her that he intended to 'sprint to the finish'. Mom wanted to make sure we were not 'sitting on our suitcases' but working hard right up to the end. Mom and Dad are a tough act to follow. 

Mom has been sprinting her whole life. We will do our best to follow her counsel. 

FOUR GENERATION PICTURES

WINDY DAY AT THE KANSAS CITY TEMPLE

LINDSEY STERLING CONCERT

For Kelehua's birthday a while back, we told her that we were going to buy her a ticket to see Lindsey Sterling in concert this weekend here in Kansas City. When we found out that Mom was going to be in town, we decided to make it ladies night out.
Our niece Emily, has been Lindsey's roommate in Los Angeles for long time. When we told Emily that they were going to the concert, she called Lindsey and arranged for them to go to the 'Meet and Greet' right before the performance. Kelehua was in heaven - pictures, autographs and a signed poster made for an even more special evening with Mom, Grandma and Great Grandma. Thank you, Emily!!

'SAM' DAY

James sent me this photo that he took in Noah's seminary class room. The teacher decided to have a 'Sam Day'. We read in the Book of Mormon that Sam, the brother of Nephi, was faithful and righteous just like his younger brother. He kept the commandments and helped his father Lehi, and Nephi in their journey to the promised land. Even though he was a good man, he never got the notoriety or praise that was bestowed on Nephi throughout the Book of Mormon. The teacher asked her students to nominate a 'Sam' that they knew and write his name on the board - someone who was always faithful and true, but not famous and well known. Noah wrote the name of his great grandfather, Lynn Brown. I think he made a good choice.

COLD, HARD CASH

We asked Kaui what we should get Noah for his 14th birthday. She texted us back that all he ever wants, in his own words, is 'cold, hard cash'. So with that in mind, we went to the bank and loaded up on pennies, nickels and dimes, along with a few quarters. We found a U.S. mint bag on eBay and his gift was ready.  Now all he has to do is exchange his 'cold, hard cash' for money he can carry in his wallet. ;-)

Noah turned fourteen on the Sunday before conference, and Robyn and I were able to attend their ward where Noah was sustained to be ordained a Teacher. Being in the circle, as James ordained him, made for a wonderful day.

LAS VEGAS

FUNERAL FOR CARL J. CHRISTENSEN

at the cemetery

Robyn's stepdad, Carl Christensen, passed away last week after a long illness. We received permission from President Vest to fly to Las Vegas on Saturday to be with Robyn's mom, Ellen, and to attend the funeral. Three of our kids were also able to come - Christopher, Matthew and Amy. It was sad to say goodbye to Grandpa 'C', but we had a wonderful visit with the kids and got caught up on everything including lots of grandkid's hugs and kisses. 

family luncheon following the service 

Since the funeral was the Tuesday after general conference, and Matthew was in town, we were able to attend the priesthood broadcast together at a local stake center (Christopher had not arrived yet from Provo). Of course we had to go out to eat, as we always do, following the session. And as there are no 'In N Out' restaurants in Missouri and Kansas (much to James' exasperation), I treated Matthew and sent a picture to James so he could see what he was missing along with a copy of the receipt. :)

Eat your heart out James - 2 cheese burgers, animal style with fries

GENERAL CONFERENCE TICKETS

Carlos and Perla Toraya asked us what they had to do to obtain tickets to attend a session of conference. They had never been before and really wanted to experience it. We told them to talk to their stake president. Unfortunately, all the tickets had been spoken for. We told them that we might be able to help and so I contacted President Hales back in California and asked if he had any extra tickets. He was so generous and said, "No problem." After Carlos' twin brother, Moroni, heard about the tickets he said he needed to ask me a question. Apparently, he had also planned to go to conference with his girlfriend, Elsa and was hoping and planning to propose to her while they were there. It was supposed to be a big surprise for Elsa. So with no tickets available in Kansas, he was hopeful that we could also help out so that his 'proposal plans' would come together. Again, President Hales came through for us. The four of them were able to attend the Sunday afternoon session. Carlos and Moroni attended the priesthood session. And Elsa said, "Yes". ;-)

Carlos and Perla

text message with photo: She said, "Yes !!"

Moroni and new fiance, Elsa Jeronimo

NEW NEIGHBOR

Our good friend, Karen Kanalu, just moved here from California. Karen and I, along with her brother Warren, grew up together in the Westdale II ward back home. Years later, she moved into our home ward in Torrance. And now she is living in Shawnee Mission, Kansas in the same stake we work in. Her brother Warren flew out from Georgia to help her move. We were able to visit with them and catch up. Karen has already begun working at the Bishop's Storehouse here in Kansas City, like she did back in LA. It will be fun to see her from time to time there.

DISTRICT LUNCH

Once a transfer, Robyn fixes lunch for our district after district meeting. This time it was Indian Fry bread and homemade lilikoi/passion fruit jam. There were no left overs...