Lots of firsts, interviews, and speaking!

What a wonderful week we had, interviewing the missionaries from the Lake Elsinore, Corona, and Mt. Rubidoux zones. We appreciated all of the conversations and their willingness to share their thoughts and testimonies with me and the time they spent visiting with Sister Hammon, waiting their turn to be interviewed. She loves visiting with these missionaries and becoming better acquainted. We have been providing cookies and milk! Great tradition, we hope!

We had baptisms this week in Temescal Canyon with Sisters Wilde and Butler (now two weeks in a row):

 

Members of the family, Sister Wilde, and Sister Butler at the end

Canyon Hills with Sisters Greenhalgh and Keith. Mt. View with Sisters DiPietro and Price

Sister Diamond, Sister DiPietro, Sierra, and Sister Price

Tres Lagos with Elder Sánchez and Hansen. Congratulations and many thanks to everyone who helped prepare these children of Heavenly Father for baptism.  We know all of our missionaries and the members are working diligently to bring more of God’s children to the waters of baptism.

Sister Hammon and I had the privilege of speaking in the Del Ray and Auburndale wards on Sunday, July 23, 2017. Sister Hammon and I both spoke in Spanish in the Del Ray Ward. We enjoyed it thoroughly. Now, whether anyone understood, that’s a different story. 

Elder Patterson, one of the zone leaders, spoke with us in the Del Ray Ward. He did an outstanding job, and his Spanish is buenísimo! 

Miguel, and his family, Elder Patterson, and Elder Eldridge, 

Also, la Hermana Padilla and la Hermana Buitrago sang! They sang like angels! (Cantaron como angeles!) 

Hermanas Padilla y Buitrago

We also had the opportunity to attend their Gospel Principles class. One of the rewarding parts of the Del Ray Ward was the new convert Miguel was confirmed. It was impressive to us because we had attended Miguel’s baptism the week before. It is so wonderful to see the fruits of your labors.

Sister Hammon and I also attended two Missionary Correlation Meetings (MCM) this week, one in the Moreno Valley Stake and one in the Corona Stake. Special thanks to the Corona Zone missionaries who all came at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 23, 2017. Elder Patterson and Elder Eldridge sat on a panel discussion titled: “Missionary work and building unity between missionaries and ward members.” What a great topic! We know we can be more effective in our work when we work with members.

Incoming—The arrival of our first missionary happened Tuesday, July 25, 2017 from the MTC—Elder Gallacher. We meet him when we were in the MTC. He is learning ASL (American Sign Language). His new companion is Elder Clark. Both are wonderful young men. Amazingly, we took picture of Elder Gallacher coming down the stairs:

Elder Gallacher arriving

and then at the Mission Office. We immediately sent those to his mother and received an instant response. Technology is so incredible!

President and Sister Hammon with new arrival Elder Gallacher in front of the Mission Office

Outgoing—The departure of our first missionary also happened on Tuesday—Elder Phipps. We took him to the airport and watched him walked up the escalator. We haven’t known Elder Phipps that long, but tears came to our eyes. It was like watching a son leave. Like with Elder Gallacher, we took pictures of Elder Phipps last night with President Crippen, a member of the Missionary Presidency, who gave Elder Phipps a blessing before he left; 

Elder Phipps and President Crippen

pictures at the airport; 

Sister Hammon, Elder Phipps, and President Hammon

and pictures as he was ascending the escalator. We sent them to his mother who also responded immediately.

Elder Phipps ascending and then home to SLC and Logan

When Elder Phipps landed, she returned the favor and sent us a copy of the homecoming with his family. Joyous!

Sister Phipps and Elder Phipps. Who is the most happy here?

The whole Phipps clan. A glorious welcome home for a missionary who returned with honor!

We had a great evening with him and two of the senior couples working in the Mission Office—Elder/Sister McCracken and Elder/Sister Thorne. What a delicious meal and program on pioneers! Then, Elder Phipps shared his strong testimony with us. After everyone had gone, Elder Phipps and I had companionship study. Is there anything better?

Sister Hammon and I continue to enjoy our mission! We love our missionaries and continually marvel at their goodness and willingness to serve. 

From the Mission Home's backyard: Light = Hope!