Serendipity? NO! Miracles!

1-6-24 Have you ever had those moments of being in the right place at the right time that resulted in a 'chance' meeting or a blessing to you or someone around you?

I've often thought about all of the heavenly meetings and heaven councils organizing those chance meetings so that someone can be taught about Christ and His Gospel-- a prompt here, a whisper there. And then what of those promptings that aren't acted upon? "Well, back to the drawing board," they say. "Let's try another way."

This badge I wear proclaims me to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

People notice it a LOT! Most just ignore it, some smile. One fellow--Elias-- said "I want to go to that church." I was at a little farmer's market. We had arrived early at the DMV to change out a license plate due to one that had been stolen. I was curious and drawn to the store. He was a vegetable stocker. He didn't speak much English. But guess what! The Elders we were meeting there spoke his language fluently. They spoke with him and set up a meeting.

So what events were put in place just for Elias to hear the gospel? The gathering of Israel is happening! Hopefully, Elias will continue on his covenant path.

No photo of Elias or the store-- the elders changing out the license plate, we took them to breakfast, happy Hanukkah!

So much has happened since my last post-- the holidays bring 'doings.' The pictures will explain:

We went to the Nutcracker Ballet with 3 other SR missionaries. It was a different version from the one I've seen, but beautiful just the same. We drove to and from there in a torrential rain in the dark, but we made it there and home!

We enjoyed a Senior training day which ended with dinner at the Quinn's. "Be out and about."-- to meet and talk to people. (It paid off in finding Elias- or rather in him finding us.)

Some of the messages from home. We LOVED getting the cards, gifts and well wishes. Thank you!❤️

A beautiful day to welcome the Lemons- a fantastic new housing couple. They have jumped right in and are doing an amazing job at finding apartments.

And off we go to inspect apartments in the Ukiah zone- about an hour and a half drive-- blessed with beautiful scenery and sisters.

From Willits, we drove to Fort Bragg-- down the windy road. (Meaning zigging and zagging and going ever so slowly.) The speed limit is 55 which everyone behind us wants to go. Gratefully there are passing zones every now and then.

The weekend gave us time for a walk in the park.

Did you enjoy Christmas Eve on Sunday? We did! These are the missionaries that were serving in the Bennett Valley Ward-a great group! There were a couple of changes with transfers-- Elder Smith & Sister Karren left us. The Lemons invited us over for Christmas Eve dinner-- so generous,

Christmas Day-- Two of our children from my side --those on the left--having Christmas dinner at the hospital where she works as a nurse; on the right an early celebration in their home. We had brunch with the Seniors. The young missionaries came in for activities as we were cleaning up. Aren't these two sisters adorable!!

Transfer week-- It's an exhausting day/week for all!

So hard to let Elder Colling go home! An exemplary AP and young man!

Elders Caldwell and Poulsen will do an amazing job.

We celebrated Elder Hawkin's birthday-- he's hidden on the right. (He is one of our tech elders in the office.) Elder Dykes was helping him light the candles.

Winter brings rain and turns everything green. On New Year's Day, our ward had a breakfast! On the left are Elders Hobi and Young--our 2 youngest missionaries-- both 18; in a companionship, on bikes!

(Maybe with the new transfers they're not the youngest elders anymore, but the youngest companionship for sure.)

Elder & Sister Larsen went home to Riverton for a funeral. We took and picked them up at the airport. It's named after Charles M.Schulz, the famed cartoonist of the Peanuts comic strip, who lived in Santa Rosa for more than 30 years. The airport's logo features Snoopy in World War I flying-ace attire atop his doghouse.

On Friday, Jan. 5th we had MLCs (mission leader conference). The zone leaders and sister trainers come in for training. We fixed them lunch which was a potato bar & brownies with ice cream for dessert.

With that, I think I'm caught up.

Now onto Zone Conferences next week. We'll travel to all of the zones, give short presentations and inspect the cars.

Be out and about!

Carry on! Carry on!

Hurrah for Is-ra-el!!

(From Heber C Kimball/Brigham Young and the movie This Side of Heaven)