Week of March 6 - 12

Our mission increased by 7 new elders (5 of them Spanish speaking) and l new sister on Monday. For lunch when they arrived, I made a big salad and we had a potato bar instead of pizza. I figured that pizza and salad costs about $3.75 per person compared to baked potatoes and salad at only about $1.65 per person. We also enjoyed having dinner with them in the evening at the mission home.

               Elder Cruz has only been in the country about five months from Mexico and does not know English very well, so James was translating for him. Elder Pena is from Columbia and has lived in Texas the last six months and can speak some English. James also showed the vehicle safety video and gave a presentation on driving safely.                       Elder Atkinson and Elder Cruz are assigned to our ward.

                Elder Chamberlain, President and Sister Layton, Elder Atkinson, Elder Cruz
             Elder Stewart, Elder Rindlisbacher, Sister McMinn, Elder Pena, Elder Thomson

On Tuesday the two sisters, Sister Newhouse (or Sister "Old Shack" as some people like to tease her) and Sister Romero who have completed their missions had their departing interviews and instructions.  Then we, the Balls, and the Laytons had a repeat lunch with them like the day before. They flew home early the next morning.

Mario, from our ward, called James crying and upset because the CPS had taken his little seven year old sister and fifteen year old brother from his mother. They live in Oxnard, California and his sister had called him crying pleading with him to save her. What a tear jerker! He had been on the phone all day with other family members who are all fighting among themselves and the case worker trying to see what she can do. Mario called again later and we went over to his house to talk to him and James gave him a blessing.

On our afternoon off on Thursday we bought a new mini fridge for the office since we apparently ruined the other one. Ever since we came, the tiny little freezer compartment was caked in about five inches of solid ice. When we were chipping the ice off, we made a hole that let all the Freon out. So now we have a nice, new fridge.

Then we went on a teaching appointment with Elders Rowley and Hulett to visit Mary Vega. She grew up in McFarland and ran track for a couple years with Coach White (McFarland USA coach).  We also found out that Cesar Chavez was her godfather. She is an older woman that uses a wheel-chair. Her electric wheelchair had been at the shop for repairs for sometime because she could not afford to pay for it. We found out where it was and went and paid for it anonymously. Mary was very surprised that someone would do that. She said she had been praying for an angel to help her. She attended church Sunday and said she really liked it and would be back.

We enjoyed the beautiful day on Saturday sitting outside by a pretty fountain sharing a chocolate banana shake. We also went to the movie, "The Shack". It had a lot of good messages in it about our relationship with God (he was called "Papa" in the movie) and Jesus including; we don't have to do it alone, we can turn to them, forgiveness, and getting rid of guilt. I liked when "Papa" said, "Anything is possible when everything is possible".

The last couple of weeks we have gotten more new Toyota Corollas for the missionaries. President Layton called Salt Lake and told them he did not want them to send us any more Chevy Malibu's.  As a matter of fact, he asked them if they can trade our Malibu's out with some other mission for Corollas. He thinks the Malibu's are too fancy for our missionaries to be driving because there are many poorer areas here and they don't fit in very well.

Scattered around downtown Bakersfield you see these power boxes on some of the corners that have been painted and look so pretty. It is much better than just leaving them in their natural gray metal state.

THE LORD LOVES YOU AND SO DO WE!

Week of February 27 - March 5

Tuesday morning we joined some other members of our ward at the Bakersfield airport to send off Wesley Schmidt with well wishes. He is flying to the Provo MTC to start his mission, and has been called to the Tacoma Washington Mission. Wesley is a well prepared, twenty year old young man who has been diligently working hard toward this day for over two years. He was told he couldn't go on a mission because he weighed too much, so he worked hard to loose the weight. His mom and dad are divorced and his dad has cancer and probably won't live too much longer. His dad lives in Utah and Wesley recently went to visit him and say his goodbyes. Last Saturday, I hemmed six pairs of slacks and a pair of workout pants for him. He is quite short and can't buy pants the right length to fit him. This is his first time flying also, so he was kind of nervous and excited about that. Both Wesley and his mom were overwhelmed and got tears in their eyes when we told them we were going to put money into his mission account each month to help him.

 

Another sweet missionary, Elder Beckstead, was released to go home to get better. He has been sick for weeks and not able to keep food down. He was trying to tough it out and not let anyone know. He has been on his mission since September. He left most of his belongings here and is planning to come back soon. Even though he doesn't feel well, he always has a smile on his face.

James finally received his new glasses in the mail the other day from the VA.  He has been anxiously waiting for about three and a half months. Can you tell which pair of glasses are the new ones? *

I finished the 30 day challenge again! I swore I would never do it a second time, but for some reason I did. The last day was 50 dips, 150 squats, 120 sec plank, 150 crunches, 50 pushups, 50 burgees, and I finished in 21 minutes, 2 minutes faster than the first time. Hallelujah!

Thursday we went to BYU vs CSU baseball game in Bakersfield. BYU lost 4 to 5. Elder Larsen called James during the game because that was about as close as he could get to the game. He played for BYU before his mission and hopes to again when he is released. He asked President Layton if they could attend, but the answer was no.

Friday night we had another potluck dinner at the mission home with President and Sister Layton and the mission staff. President Layton shared three wonderful experiences some missionaries shared  in their weekly letter to him. He reads each of the letters from the missionaries every week and responds to them all. That is quite a feat! We learned that Sister Layton is usually the driver as they go to Zone Conferences, meetings, and interviews all over the mission. President Layton has a laptop desk that he puts his computer on and works while his wife drives. We also learned that while her husband is having interviews, Sister Layton teaches their companions and  the other missionaries that are waiting how to polish and shine their shoes (elders) and how to apply makeup (sisters). Also, President Layton told us the sad and interesting fact that probably five missionaries in his eight months as president have gotten the news that their parents are divorcing. It is rough on them.

Our stake center was a busy place Saturday afternoon and evening. There were nine baptisms one after the other; four converts and five 8 year old Primary children. We attended the baptisms of three different teenagers. This is Emma Gillian (18). She was first on the program and told a little about her conversion and bore her testimony. She first went to church with a friend when she was 14. A couple years later she had some kind of accident that put her in a wheelchair and the Relief Society came to the aid of her family. She said over the years she has had the help and support of many members and missionaries.

Sister Seiuli and Sister Isom are in the photo with Emma.

Then Chris Ocegueda (18) from our ward was baptized. He wanted to be baptized over a year ago, but his dad wouldn't allow it and his baptism was cancelled. Other than his dad (who is not around much) his family is happy about his decision, but they did not attend his baptism. We picked him up and took him home after. Some of the young men from the ward gave the prayers and talks and the young women participated in a musical number, "A Child's Prayer". Chris is a senior in high school and a great guy. He is going  to study culinary arts in college, and serve a mission in about a year.

Elder Rowley, Chris, and Elder Crane make a handsome trio.

Chris said he wanted to stay for the next baptism, so we did. Megan Posada (17) was baptized. She has been living with her uncle and aunt, who are members of the church. The missionaries told us that at first she told them she was an atheist and didn't want to listen to their message. Over time, her heart softened and she came to know that there is a God, our Heavenly Father, and His son, Jesus Christ, sacrificed His life for her. She was so excited to be baptized!

Here Megan is with Sister Newhouse and Sister Kuang.

Guess where those "Wonderful Pistachios" that we all love come from? Yep, you are right - good, old Bakersfield is the place. It was back in 2007 when they first arrived in Safeway stores. Now they are everywhere. We even have some in our pantry.

THE LORD LOVES YOU AND SO DO WE!

(*on the right)

Week of February 20 - 26

Elder Egbers broke his leg down near his ankle a week ago on P-day playing some kind of game. He just came down on his foot wrong. He will have to be off his foot for six weeks or more, so he was sent home to heal. He is planning on coming back to finish the last part of his mission. We found out something interesting. If he had broken his leg a week later, he would have been sent home honorable released from his mission and not be able to return. Apparently, if you have been out eighteen months or longer and get hurt or become sick and have to go home, you don't come back again. Elder Egbers six weeks at home will be counted as part of his mission time and he will be released on his original release date.

I went to lunch on Tuesday with Ingrid Ball and Lynette Thomas (one of the mission housing inspectors) at the Guild House Restaurant. It is a non-profit, all volunteer operated restaurant that benefits children and families of Kern County through mental health counseling and other services. It was a very, fancy gourmet lunch in a beautiful old house built in 1909.

That evening James went visiting with Bishop Butler. They visited several investigators and their families. One of them is Chris who is a senior in high school and his mother. His mother was investigating the church a couple years ago, but then she got cancer and was going through the treatments and was too weak to continue visiting with the missionaries. She is in remission now and they are both planning to be to church on Sunday. Actually, Chris was going to be baptized but the day before his dad said no. Now Chris is eighteen and has committed to being baptized next Saturday. Another was a newly married couple who just moved into the ward. The Bishop used to teach Gabriela in Seminary, but then she became inactive. Her husband who is a nonmember said they would try to be to church on Sunday. They also had two short visits at the doors because it was getting late and they had to get their kids to bed.

The last few weeks I have been working on organizing the "Secretary's Manual" and writing instruction pages for the different responsibilities the mission secretary does. I wish I had had this information when I came to Bakersfield. I think it will be helpful to the people who come after us. James is also writing a step by step procedure for the vehicle coordinator to follow.

One of my gifts that the Lord has given me is organization and I really like it. I was thinking about what other gifts I have been given and I came up with planning, observant, a listening ear, a discerning eye, and a mind and heart that forgets and forgives and does not hold grudges.
James's gifts are a loving heart for everyone, problem solver, organizer (especially in his mind), kind motivator, good bilingual communicator with anyone and everyone, and has the ability to make concepts and principles understandable.

Friday we went to the Los Angeles Temple to be there with President and Sister Layton and our two departing sisters, Sister Romero and Sister Newhouse. There were a bunch of departing missionaries from the San Fernando Mission attending also. We all enjoyed a late lunch in the temple cafeteria before we left.
One of the temple worker ladies looked so familiar to me, but I couldn't think from where. Then I asked her what her maiden name was and discovered I graduated from high school with her; Maile Roberts. We only had a moment to talk, but I found out she lives in Bakersfield. James was talking to her husband who was at the desk on our way in. He said they used to live in Sedalia, CO. We are looking forward to getting together with them sometime here in Bakersfield. The two houses we own in Logan are next door to the house she lived in. Her brother, Roland, also graduated with us, and her older brother, Brent, was James' friend. Small world!

James and I stopped at The Getty Center which is on a hilltop overlooking Los Angeles just two or three exits from the temple. It is a huge complex that includes the J. Paul Getty Museum and the Getty Research Institute. We only had about two and a half hours to explore before it closed at 5:30, but you could spend much longer there. It is all free with a $15.00 charge for parking. You park and get on a tram which takes you up the hill to the center.

Everywhere you look is inspiration and beauty. The architecture of the buildings is amazing in itself. The stone is travertine that comes from Italy.

The views are spectacular.  You can see all of the Los Angeles area and even the ocean.

The gardens and outdoor landscape is beautiful also.

The galleries are full of sculpture, decorative arts, manuscripts, antiquities, drawings, and paintings. Even we, who are not very savvy in the arts, recognized many famous names. The two paintings below are by Von Gogh; "Haystacks" and "Irises". Below those is a portrait painting by Renoir and the sculpture, "The Sleeping Faun" by Bouchardon, who was a royal artist of the enlightenment. Bouchardon's art was a special exhibit on loan from the Louvre Museum.

Saturday evening we went to two baptisms from the same ward; Carl Christopher a 50+year old man and Chase Powers, a 9 year old boy. Chase has severe hydrophobia, a real fear of water. After two attempts, they decided to wait till after the program was over and most of the people had gone. Then we heard he did just fine.

The other day we drove past the almond orchards and it looked like a beautiful field of white as far as you could see. It was sad to see quite a few trees down. The roots are pretty shallow and we had some very windy days recently that took a toll on the trees. Even though "the field is white" it will not be ready to "harvest" until the fall. (D&C 4:4, John 4:35, Alma 26:5)

A couple weeks ago the white blossomed trees (not the almond trees) were blooming and now the pink blossoming trees are so pretty. It seems like there is always some kind of tree, bush, or flower in bloom around Bakersfield year round. It is very nice!

THE LORD LOVES YOU AND SO DO WE!

Week of February 13 - 19 (Valentine's Day)

We were pleasantly surprised Monday morning when we showed up to the mission office and saw that we had been "heart attacked".

Everybody loves a good love story, so here is one. Sky Holmgren and Jesse Holmstead both served their missions in the California Bakersfield Mission. He went home on November 17, 2016 and she left on December 28, 2016. They both secretly liked each other while on their missions, but kept it to themselves. They started dating in January 2017. He proposed down on his knee by the fountain at the Provo City Temple last week. They are getting married May 26, 2017. How sweet! We are all so excited for them!

We went to Zone Conference in Palmdale on Wednesday and in Lancaster on Thursday. Palmdale and Lancaster are about an hour and a half from Bakersfield, but only about 10 or 15 miles apart. We spent Wednesday night in a hotel so we wouldn't have to drive back and forth. James had a little time at each Zone Conference to instruct the missionaries in driving safety. Then we all went out to the parking lot and James demonstrated how not to back out of a parking space. He said it was kind of fun running over the cones and poles. Then they talked about the proper way to back out and be safe.

The Lancaster California East Stake building is quite unusual with it's big pillars.

President Layton called us up to the front of the room and asked us to bear our testimonies. We were not expecting that, but we did it. Sister Layton taught the missionaries about how to win the hearts of the members of their wards (Alma17:29). She said to be mature, prompt in arriving and leaving, be grateful and appreciative, find some little way to serve, and plan how to build their faith through a scripture, song, personal experience, etc. after dinner. President Layton reviewed with the missionaries about how to help someone recognize the Spirit. He gave us a scripture chain that could be used to teach the doctrine of Christ. Then he talked about the three reasons investigators don't come to church:  They are unfamiliar with the building, they don't know anyone, and they don't know if they will be asked to do something. He showed us all how to put those fears to rest and how to give a good church building tour. Then he talked about the mid teens to mid twenties age group and how they are especially open and prepared. He showed how to use social media to share gospel messages and find referrals.

Between Palmdale and Lancaster there a lot of Joshua trees. According to legend, Mormon pioneers considered the limbs of the Joshua trees to resemble the upstretched arms of Joshua leading them to the promised land. So that is how they got their name. To us they seem to be a cross between a tree and a cactus.

                

                                                        

Saturday afternoon we stopped by "Grandma's Tamales" to eat. It is kind of a small, unique place that was recommended to us. James ate a tamale plate and I had pork soup and homemade corn tortillas. It was pretty authentic Mexican food and very good.

Saturday evening we went to one of the eight baptisms our mission had. The baptism we went to was for Paulina Mazariegos, a nine year old girl. Her mother came back into church activity recently.

We spoke in the Spanish group Sacrament meeting today on service. I managed to say, "Buenas tardes hermanos y hermanas. Nos ha pedido hablar sobare el servicio." I did the rest of it in English with  Elder Vellver translating for me. He was almost more nervous than I was since it was his first time translating. James gave his talk in Spanish with no problem and was very impressive. Everyone hugs and kisses us all the time.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       

THE LORD LOVES YOU AND SO DO WE!

Week of February 6-12

Oh my goodness, Spring comes early in Bakersfield! Some of the trees already have buds and some are blossoming.

We went to a teaching appointment with Elders Vellver and Thomason again this week. We visited Navidad who is a lady from Guatemala who has three small children and a husband who apparently is not around much. Her baby, Sarah, is only a month old and so cute. She asked if I wanted to hold her. I had to tell her I would love to, but as missionaries we are not allowed. The Missionary Handbook says, "Because of increasing legal complexities, be extremely careful around children. Avoid any behavior that could be misunderstood or could appear to be inappropriate, including tickling, changing diapers, holding children, and allowing children to sit on your lap. Never babysit children."

James did seventy (70) pushups Monday morning to make sure he would be able to do them on Friday. He was bragging about it to whoever he could. Sisters Harmon and Clegg came into the office for something and heard about it. Sister Harmon said she does girl pushups and I "invited" her to do real pushups. I didn't mean right now, but she got down and did ten. So then she "invited" me to do the same and I did. Then we were talking about planks, which she hates. Sister Ball, Sister Harmon, and I got down on the floor right there and then in our office and did planks. Sister Harmon stopped at one minute because she was dying and we went on to  two minutes. High five to the old women!

James did seventy (70) pushups again on the morning of February 10th to mark his 70th birthday!
He can do it!






We had a staff meeting Friday morning. I gave a short inspirational thought based on our personal mission scripture, D&C 64:33. All of the small things we do are building the foundation of a greater work. Sister Layton told us about Brother Gonzalez's (a mission president trainer) recent visit and training. He told them they found there are three reasons investigators don't come to church: everything is unfamiliar, they don't know anyone, and they are afraid of what they will be asked to do. He gave the missionaries a lesson on how to give a church building tour to lessen their fears. Sister Layton brought James a mini cake and we all sang "Happy Birthday" to him. The Layton's also gave him a present - a selfie stick.

We took Friday afternoon off instead of Thursday and drove the couple hours to Ventura. The hills and mountains were so pretty and green. We went to the beach to look around, but it was cold, windy, and rainy so we didn't stay long. However, it was cool to see the ocean. Then we drove on to Simi Valley. We had a nice birthday dinner to celebrate James' birthday (grilled shrimp and fish) at a fancy restaurant. We spent the night at the Grand Vista Hotel and enjoyed watching a little TV. We don't have a TV at our apartment.

The next day we visited Ronald Reagan's Presidential Library and Museum. We were there four hours and probably could have spent more time. It was a big place with lots to see.  The museum is on a hill and the views are spectacular. Thank heavens there was a break in the rain so we could enjoy the views. It started raining again when we were driving back to Bakersfield.

 This picture of Ronald Reagan is made out of jelly beans, his favorite candy.

Saturday night when we got back, we went to dinner at Brother and Sister Godinez's. Our four Spanish elders were also invited. We ate guajolota, which is a special dish that comes from Guanajuato, Mexico where they are from. That is also where James' ancestors on his dad's side lived. It is a big bread roll dipped in a chili sauce and fried in oil. Then they cut them open and spread mashed potatoes and chorizo (sausage). Then you add what you want; avocado pico de gio, fresh cheese, lettuce, sour cream, and hot sauce. It was really good! In other parts of Mexico it is called pambazo. It is kind of odd that in Guanajuato it is called guajolota, which means female turkey, but it has nothing to do with turkey. The Godinez's said they are probably going to return to Guanajuato before long because they are worried about their future since Trump became president. They have been in the United States about thirteen years. Their five children and grandchildren all live here and will stay.

 

Elder Thomason, Elder Barney, Elder Labrum and Elder Vellver (on the ladder)

The Lord loves you and so do we!

week of January 30-February 5

Dustin, an AT&T employee, was at our mission office for nearly half a day doing some work and changing the fax connections so we could move that new printer from one room to another room.
When he was leaving he gave us his card. Almost automatically, I gave him a pass-along card with Christ's picture and said, "Here, we want you to have one of our cards." He kind of hesitated or mumbled. I asked, "Do you believe in Christ?" He said, "Oh yes." He then told us he was actually baptized into our church when he was a youth, but I guess his family was not very active. I told him we could have missionaries stop by to reteach him. He said missionaries have come by before and he asks them questions and they never come back. Just about that time, President Layton walked in and heard the tail end of the conversation. He told Dustin he was not inactive because there was something in there (pointing to his heart) because he was baptized once and believes in Christ. He asked him if he had ten minutes to spare and took him in his office. We had to leave soon after, but the next day we got the rest of the story. President Layton said Dustin had been filled with anti-Mormon stuff, but he gave him a lot to think about. Dustin said he would think about it.

A few days later, a man walked into the office selling chocolate bars for a fund raiser for a men's rehabilitation center. James came out and bought one and then said, "Here, let me give you something." He gave him a pass along card and James told him to read it and act upon it and it would be the best chocolate bar he ever sold.

Then we also found out that Matt, the man who cleans the apartment carpets for the mission, is taking the lessons. We all thought he was a member of the church. He actually came into the office on Friday to bring some receipts and we talked about his visits with the missionaries.

The mission got two very nice new Toyota Tacoma trucks that went to some lucky elders in a more mountain's area. Some sister missionaries were presented with the new Toyota Rav4.

Sister Zambrano and Sister Gillespie brought in a homemade cheesecake for us in the office. It was delicious and so thoughtful.

Tuesday evening we attended the Kern County School District honor band, orchestra, and choir concert "It's A Grand Night For Music" at the Rabobank Convention  Center. Bakersfield's mayor was the master of ceremonies. We were invited by Jayline (cello) and Grace (violin) from our ward. They were very excited that their "grandparents" were there to see them perform.

Friday night we enjoyed a potluck dinner social with the mission staff at the mission home. The Balls brought their daughter, Melanie, who is here from Arkansas visiting for the weekend. We had appetizers, prime rib roast, mashed potatoes, spinach salad, rolls, and desert. I brought "Luscious Lime Squares" for the desert.

Saturday James and I drove to McFarland and Delano for a little adventure. They are only twenty and thirty miles away. McFarland is a city of 19,000 and most famous for the movie, "McFarland, USA". I wanted to run around the high school track but all the gates were locked.

Delano is a city of 62,000 population. Cesar Chavez was born there. It has two state prisons. It has a lot of agriculture and is famous for table grapes and Halos mandarin oranges. It has a large Filipino American community. We have six elders serving in Delano and as we were driving down the old town Main Street we saw them. They had a table set up with signs, Book of Mormons, and pass along cards and were waving and talking to everyone. They said they usually do this a couple times a week and get a lot of good contacts that way. We went into the old fashioned JC Penney store and found a great deal on white shirts and two other shirts for James for only $3.99 each after the discount.

              Elder Parsons, Elder Canul, Elder West, Elder Tolman, Elder Sant, Elder Greenhalgh
                    They told us a member of the church painted the beautiful mural on the wall!

Saturday evening we went to a fiftieth birthday party and dinner for Petra. She is the lady in the Balls ward who has invited us to other dinners and parties at her house. She had everything decorated in leopard print, including herself. (The bottom picture is her family.)

Then we went to a baptism. Both Greg and Michelle Etheridge were baptized. They are the parents of three children who were each baptized one at a time in the past six months. Now the whole family has been baptized, and they are all looking forward to going to the temple together in a year to be sealed as an eternal family. That is what it is all about!

Sunday the Bakersfield 2nd Ward added a Spanish Group. Everything is the same except after the block of meetings there is another Sacrament Meeting just for the Spanish speaking members in their own language. The Spanish Group Leader is Brother Parada. He was born in Chili, but moved to Sweden when he was young. His father was a communist and had to leave Chili. Sweden was the only country that would give them asylum, so that is how they ended up there. His family joined the church in Sweden a few years later. He has lived in the United States for about eight years now. He is married and they have three children. There were about forty people in attendance today at the first meeting, which is pretty good. Two couples were there that had been less active and they bore their testimonies. James also bore his testimony. He told about being called as a branch president in Texas and how the branch grew from twenty-six members to about one hundred forty in less than a year. He told them that the people that were here today are the leaders of the growth of the Spanish Group. He also testified of the importance of families, prayer, scripture reading, and the love the Savior has for us. It was kind of fun to sing the hymns in Spanish and brought back old memories of being in the Spanish branch in Texas.

THE LORD LOVES YOU AND SO DO WE!

Week of January 23-29

Monday morning was exciting as we welcomed sixteen new missionaries to our mission. We look forward to welcoming new arrivals about every six weeks. This time there were ten sisters (four of whom are Spanish speaking) and six elders. James and I kind of fell into the job of official organizers and seteruppers. We had a snow theme this time; from my snowflake necklace to the pile of cotton balls for a centerpiece on the tables, to the addition of cauliflower (like little snowballs) in the salad, to the acini de pepe, snowflake stickers for the orientation checklist, and the treat bags full of snowman treats. President Layton was horrified during lunch when someone called out "snowball fight" and everyone started throwing the cotton balls at each other, but it did lighten things up and was fun for a minute or two.

     The dynamic duo: Elder Porras & Elder Morris.

That evening we had dinner at the mission home (picture below) with all the newly arrived missionaries. Sister Morris takes care of that dinner. She had Sister Medina (our substitute granddaughter's mother) make beans, rice, and tamales which everyone enjoyed.

Then Tuesday morning at 9:00 am we were back over to the stake center for transfers. The missionaries usually find out on Saturday night if they are going to be transferred. It was a hubbub of activity in the parking lot. Everybody getting their suitcases and stuff out and transferring it to other cars, lots of hugs and excitement to see each other, and some tears to say goodbye to their old companions. Thank heavens the rain had stopped and it was a nice day. James had to put some license plates on some of the new cars and take care of other business. After about an hour everybody leaves and drives off to their new areas. The trainers stay and come into the building for training and to get paired up with their newly arrived companions. They leave just before noon and are off to save souls. Then we fed lunch to the missionaries who will be departing from their missions the next day. There are only four going home this time. They have dinner and a final testimony meeting at the mission home with President and Sister Layton in the evening. Then early on Wednesday morning they take them to the airport for their 6:00 am flights. This wonderful process of arrivals, transfers, and departures is repeated over and over again about every six weeks.

This is Sister Clegg and Sister Harmon. We used to see Sister Harmon very often in the mission office. She always seemed to find some reason to come in. She brightens our day, and when she is in the room everyone knows it! She is very outgoing, crazy, and knows how to get what she wants. It is a party whenever she is around! She will still be in Bakersfield, but not so close to the office now. She was assigned to the YSA ward, and that means they cover all of Bakersfield, so maybe we will still get to see her all the time. They are great missionaries!

Wednesday morning there was a worldwide missionary broadcast that reached the 74,079 missionaries serving in the 422 missions around the world. The broadcast was with the seven members of the Missionary Executive Council. The council is made up of three apostles, Elders Oaks, Bednar, and Anderson, and four others. We watched it on the computers in the office. They gave some very good training for the missionaries. Elder Oaks said, "establish good habits in the field and they will continue after your missions." Elder Bednar said, "to get out of the way, do your best, and the Holy Ghost will operate thru us in spite of our limitations." He also said, "Talk less, listen more, be still and let the Holy Ghost do His work." Elder Anderson said, "Always speak of the Savior from the heart. It's just not words. It is representing Him." Some of the mission rules pertaining to the schedule in  the little, white Missionary Handbook were changed to give missionaries an opportunity to use their time wisely, exercise their agency, fit into the culture and time schedules of other countries better, to have more time on P-day, and to make it a smoother transition when they leave their missions and go back to their regular lives. Also, the information missionaries report related to those they are teaching, "key indicators" changed from the previous nine to only four now. They are:  investigators baptized and confirmed, investigators with a baptismal date, investigators who attend sacrament meeting, and new investigators. Elder Oaks gave good advice to all of us when he said, "Miss no opportunity to serve your fellowman."

Help, what is happening! There was only one baptism in our mission this week. Julio Jimenez, an 86 year old man, was baptized. Usually there is a whole list of people getting baptized, which has been averaging out about seven or eight each week.

James and I try to "match" if we can. He usually waits to see what color I am wearing, and then he picks out his tie for the day. Some of the sisters at transfers noticed and commented on it. They said we were "so cute".

On Saturday we went to California City with Ingrid & Bruce to deliver some medication to one of our missionaries there. It is about an hour and a half southeast of here. There is not much in California City. It is a pretty desolate place out in the Mojave Desert. It was only started in 1958 and was going to be a planned community larger than Los Angeles, but it failed. They built Central Park and an artificial lake in the center. The population grew to only about 14,500. Even though it is a small city, it is the third largest in California by land area. It boasts a PGA golf course, small airport, a prison, and a professional independent baseball team, California City Whiptails in the Pecos League.

                  Elder Killian (one of our brand new missionaries) and Elder Rindlisbacher

Then we went to Boron, a small town about 27 miles from there. Boron only has a population of 2,500, but is home to the world's largest source of the boron compound boric acid. The U.S. Borax Boron Mine is California's largest open-pit mine and the largest borax mine in the world. It is owned by Rio Tinto Minerals. The twenty mule team was made famous there. Also, the movies "Erin Brockovich" with Julia Roberts and "The Carpetbaggers" were filmed there. In addition, the TV show "Death Valley Days" (1952-1975) was filmed in and around Boron.

       Boron or boric acid is in nature and is in so many products we use everyday and see around us.

THE LORD LOVES YOU AND SO DO WE!