President’s Last Day

Well, today was President Belliston’s last day.  It was emotional.  Even though we only worked with him for a short time, he will always be our first Mission President.  He was such as example of what service and hard work and devotion is.  The young men and women who have served under him will forever take with them the values he gave them everyday. We all cried when he left, including President and also his two assistants, Elders Hess and Barlow.  It made us even more emotional to see these two strong young men cry because their mentor was leaving.  After President and Sister Belliston take the Richards to dinner and show them the Mission Office, they will drive them to their home, which will be  where they will live until the end of their mission.  It is completely furnished and setup by the Church.  The church pays for the house, car and other necessities.  The church moves them into the home and pays their traveling expenses.  Other than that, they are not paid for their time.  You have to realize that the President and his wife (and children, if they come with them) are away from their family and home for three years.  That is a long time when you stop and think about it.  They will be doing the Lord’s work and will be blessed for it and so will their family.   Us missionaries have the same promise as we leave our home and family.  It is a sacrifice, but the blessings and guidance you receive are in abundance.

After President left, Elder Boehrer and I and Elder and Sister Gibbons straightened up the office and got things ready for the new president, President Richards.  I took a picture of his office because not only did we want to see how great it looked, but because his family sent him some beautiful flowers as a welcome gift.  Elder Gibbons is so funny, he said “Someone must have some shekels”.  I said what the heck are shekels?  He said he was trying to sound like someone from biblical times.  Geez.  There will be many changes.  Each President brings his own spirituality and ideas to their calling.  President Belliston had the most baptisms in a mission on the East Coast.  He was a real motivator for the missionaries regarding not only baptism, but also keeping the new converts and getting them the help they need to grow and progress in the gospel.  When President Belliston first came to the mission baptisms were down and the missionaries were slacking on their duties and even the way they were dressing.  For example, they were wearing their lightweight jackets when it was raining out instead of wearing their suit jackets.  The elders felt that the lightweight jackets were easier to ear, but President knew that they needed to continue to wear their suit jackets.  It boiled down to the fact that if the Elders wore their suit jackets, they would be more likely to remember that they were representing the Lord and not comfort.  Great thinking.  I am sure those young men will remember that lesson throughout their lives.  I know that some of the things our boys and Jenni learned on their mission, they still use in their daily lives. 

Tonight Elder Boehrer and I starting studying in the Preach My Gospel Manuel in the chapter “How Do I Develop Christlike Attributes”.  This will be what the Monday morning devotionals will be about starting on the 9th of July.  We will know more about how the devotionals will be conducted when the President arrives.  I KNOW we will all grow from working on the attributes.  Elder Boehrer and I feel good about that.

President Richards would like us to come by tomorrow and meet him.  We are going to try our best.

 

      

Tender Mercies

Elder Mathews

". . .But behold I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance.”

1 Nephi 1:20

NOTE:  Tender mercy is the help, guidance and grace of the Lord.  I just can’t pass up the tender mercy that happened to Elder Mathews’ family.  When he was a small boy his mother told him that when he grew up and served a mission for the Lord, he would serve in the Baltimore, Maryland mission.  This was a wish and a prayer of his mother because she was the only member in her family.  She hoped and prayed that her family would at least become interested in the church, if not join it.  All of her family lives in and around this area and Elder Mathews and his family live in Idaho.  What are the chances?  When Elder Mathews opened his mission call, just as his mother had been telling him for as long as he could remember, he is called to the Maryland Baltimore Mission!  (NOTE: A mission call is when you get your mission papers in the mail from Salt Lake City. These papers contain the information on where you will be serving and, if you are a senior missionary, how you will be serving.)

I asked Elder Mathews what his Mom did when he opened the papers and it was announced where he would be serving.  He said he didn’t know for sure because he ran into his room and locked the door to get away from his out of control (with joy) Mom!  I can just imagine. 

Elder Mathews arrived in the mission the middle of June and already he has been in contact with members of his Mom’s family.  They are excited to see him, because they feel that if he came all this way to serve a mission, the least they can do is drive out to see him.  We keep him in our prayers.

 

Annapolis–Apartment Hunting

President and Sister Richards’ Family

Today Elder Boehrer and I left the mission office early.  Since we have another new senior couple coming into the mission we need to scout out housing for them.  They’re from Arizona.  He is a retired military officer and this is their third mission.  The area they will be serving in is very expensive.  They will be working on the military base with members and non members.  Because they will be holding family home evenings in their apartment, they will need plenty of room. We think we found the perfect place for them to move into.  As soon as Elder Boehrer talks with them and gets their ‘ok’, he can move forward. 

Annapolis Maryland is a beautiful area with lots of shopping.  It has a HUGE shopping mall which reminds Elder Boehrer and I of the Galleria Mall in Roseville.  I think we helped the Mall pay rent because we bought two pairs of shoes and some orthotics for mine.  We have found that since we’ve been on  this mission we need real supportive shoes.  I guess we didn’t realize how much we were able to relax since we have been retired and now we are on the ‘go’ all the time.  It’s been great, but our feet are telling us they need help. 

The office is getting very busy.  We are still helping President Belliston to finish up his work and we are helping the new President, who will be arriving Friday evening, to get his work organized.  We’re excited to meet President Richards and yet, it’s hard to see President and SIster Belliston leave.  Believe me, they will never be without some type of work in the church.  They are a very uplifting and exciting pair to be around.  President Belliston is definitely a man of much wisdom and spirituality. 

I took a picture of the sign that takes us to the Annapolis Mall.  I am sure Jennifer will enjoy the fact that a street leading to a mall is named after her . . .ahh yes, one of her favorite places to be.

My Downfall . . .

Yes, I have a downfall – PEANUT  M&Ms.  No matter how hard I try, I cannot pass them up.  I don’t care if I’m dieting or so full I can’t breath, I always have room for my favorites!  Hey, we all have to have our weaknesses.  Even Elder Wilding (the first Elder pictured in the group of Tuesday Missionaries below) has lost 50 pounds while serving his mission.  Such willpower.  Maybe if I zipped my mouth shut.    This bowl of peanut M&Ms are on President Belliston’s desk 24/7.  I have to literally shut his door when he is not in there, or I will constantly come in and grab just one, maybe two, or maybe three – alright, alright, a handful.  Love ‘em!

Elder Cragun

Elder Cragun is probably my most favorite of all of the Elders.  He is from San Jose, California, and whenever he comes into the office we high-five each other and tell ‘California’ stories.  He smiles all the time and he makes sure that everyone around him feels better.  A good young man.

As I have said many times before, we in the office, love the missionaries. In fact, all of us senior missionaries, take care of the missionaries like they were our own kids.  Today, being Tuesday, the Columbia area missionaries come into the office and get supplies, etc.  One of the Elders came in today and said that he would make us some curry chicken.  I truly can’t think of anything worse, but he assured me it would be the best curry dish I have ever had.  That won’t be hard, because I have never had a good curry dish.  We’ll see.  In exchange I said I would bring him some chocolate chip cookies.  We’ll see who gets the better end of the deal.

I so enjoy talking with the Moms of the missionaries who will be coming home soon.  I know exactly how they feel.  It is so exciting to know that they will be walking through the front door again and that you will hear their voice and know, not only that they are all right, but that they have served a mission and done well.  They are now back home to start their life with the tools they have learned while serving. 

Whenever they come into the office, if needed, they help us move stuff.  Today we had to have them take the back bench out of the big mission van because President and Sister Belliston will be picking up the Richardsons from the airport in the van.  They will be coming in Friday evening along with their two teenage children who will be with them as their Dad serves as the President of the Maryland Baltimore Mission for the next three years.  What an adventure for them.  They will never forget this experience.

 

		Tuesday Helpers VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

The Storage Shed

Elder Gibbons and Elder Boehrer have been teasing President Belliston about the storage shed for at least two months.  President has NEVER seen the storage shed.  He has heard stories about it, but never been there.  Today, since he only had four more days left in the mission, he consented to going to the shed with the two of them.  What an eye opener for him.  He didn’t realize how much old stuff and how much there is in there that has to be cleaned out. With so many Sr. Missionaries coming into the field, we need some of the furniture to put in their apartments, but there will have to be some changes.  We have to start buying good furniture  because it will now be re-used.

For years, the Sr. Missionaries supplied their own furniture (or rented it) and they found their own living accommodations, but the policy has now changed.  The church staff finds the apartments, furnishes them, and charges the Sr. Missionaries the cost of rent,  $100.00 for furniture rental and an average of what it costs in the apartment complex they are living in for utilities.  We pay $1036.00 a month, which includes all of the above.  That’s not bad for what we have.  Any time we need another lamp, bookcase, chair, table, etc., the church will supply it. All purchases need to be approved by the President, BEFORE purchasing.  For example, we needed another fan in our apartment, so Elder a Boehrer got the church credit card and, after approval, we bought one.  Now, if you are not working in the office, as we are, then you let the office know what you need, buy it and you will be reimbursed.  You have to use wisdom in what you purchase, of course.

Gosh, President Belliston will be gone shortly.  We will definitely miss him.

		The Storage Shed VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Sunday

Today we drove two children to church – Abraham age 8 and Abigale age 16.  They are such good children.  Their Dad is the one from Sur Lanka.  It was kind of fun to have another eight year old boy in the car again.  I forget how much they talk!   On the way to picking them up, we drive right past John Hopkins Hospital.  It is world renowned. Has ranked among the nations best hospitals.  The place is huge.  I think Elder Boehrer and I are going to have to take a tour around the hospital.  I have heard of it before, but never seen it.  There are so many sights to see around here.  Fun!

I made the Elders, who are assigned to our ward, a brownie cake.  I guess I am spoiling them, but I know they enjoy it!

Jesse Stevenson, the father in the Stevenson family who were baptized on June 16th, was given the Aaron Priesthood. NOTE:  This is a level of the priesthood.  The Aaronic Priesthood is “an appendage to the greater, or the Melchizedek Priesthood” (D&C 107:14). It is often called the preparatory priesthood. As a priesthood holder serves in the Aaronic Priesthood, he prepares to receive the Melchizedek Priesthood, to receive the blessings of the temple, to serve a full-time mission, to be a loving husband and father, and to continue in lifelong service to the Lord. It was a great day for him and his family. 

He will also be given a calling in the church.  NOTE:  A calling is when you are given a job to do in the ward you are assigned to.  This is not a paid position – none of the positions in the church are paid. Quite a day for a new member of the church.  (In my June 16th post I called this family by the name of Woods.  That is because that was Brittany’s (the Mom) name before she and Jesse got married on the 15th of June.  I met her first, so I assumed that was the family’s last name).   

Out newest Grandson, Jackson Bryan, was born on May 1st, while we were on our mission.  Therefore, we have not met him yet. Today in church a family came in with five children, the youngest, a boy, with the cutest little face and the brightest red hair.  Abigail and I had to hold him!  It helped to cuddle that little guy.  I am grateful for moments like that cause I think it’s Heavenly Father’s way of letting me hold a grandbaby.   

Jackson & Cali (big sister)

Next week on Sunday Sister Boehrer and I will start teaching the temple preparation class.  I am so excited to be a part of this wonderful decision that all these brothers and sisters are making, which is to have an eternal family. Wow, the gospel is so great.

Washington DC Temple

Enter this door as if the floor within were gold

And every wall of jewels

All of wealth untold

As if a choir in robes of fire

Were singing here

Nor shout,

Nor rush,

But hush. . .

For God is here.

(Given by President Spencer W. Kimball at the re-dedication of the Hawaiian Temple)

Today Elder Boehrer and I drove to Kensington, Maryland and did a session at the Washington DC temple.  We didn’t set out to go to a session.  We started out thinking that we would go to the temple and see the grounds and then do some sightseeing around Washington.  When we got to the temple we went inside to the foyer and as we visited with the  temple workers at the front desk, one of them said to us, “Well, are you doing a session today?”  And we said we really aren’t dressed to attend the temple.  Elder Boehrer had a white shirt and tie with jeans on and I had flip flops on because my feet hurt (that is another story for later).  Anyway, the temple worker said, you are dressed to attend the temple.  He said that when he and his wife were on vacation, they stopped into see another temple and he was dressed in jeans and a colored shirt and tie, and was still told that he could attend.  NOTE:  When we go to the temple, it is very sacred to our members, therefore, we dress in our best Sunday attire, ie., white shirt, tie and suit or sport coat for men and dresses for women.  We, as missionaries, should not be in flip flops unless it is necessary.  President Brigham Young said “Gentlemen, put your cigarettes out at the door, and come into the church and worship with us.”  I appreciate that quote after today.  Not that we had a cigarette, but we weren’t dressed as appropriately as we would have liked.  I’m sure the Lord knows the heart of His children.

We are so glad we attended a session.  What an uplifting day.  We are very grateful for the temple. 

*I added descriptive tags with the pictures, I hope they show up.  Went to lunch at Subway, too. 

		Washington DC Temple VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Friday

Today we were at the office from 7:30 this morning until 7:30 tonight.  Elder Boehrer and Elder Gibbons left at 1:30 to pick up a missionary and take him to another missionary’s home who was leaving for his home in Mexico.  In other words, one missionary was leaving the mission, therefore, another missionary had to take his place in the home the departing missionary was living in.  Elders and Sisters must come in twos.  You always have a companion.  Sometimes there will be three assigned together but not for long.  You, as a missionary, never live by yourself. 

After dropping off and picking up a missionary, Elder Boehrer and Elder Gibbons then went to three different apartments to do apartment checks.  NOTE:  An apartment check is when  one of the senior missionaries goes to the apartments of the young missionaries and checks to see if all is well, i.e.., cleanliness, what type of living conditions they are living in, etc.  Some times the missionaries live in  what is called “host housing”, which is when one of the members has either an extra room they can live in or has a separate apartment that the missionaries can live in.  When an apartment check is done, one of the things they look for in host housing is if there is a good feeling in the home; is it clean; are the missionaries in the right environment.  It is hard to have the right spirit if you are in the wrong environment. Today they found, it seems, that one of the host housing situations is not good, so Elder Boehrer will have to find another place for the elders to live.  That is part of what Elder Boehrer’s ‘job’ or assignment is.

When Elder Boehrer and Elder Gibbons FINALLY got back from all of the running around they had to do, we all went to dinner at the Country Buffet.  We met up with the Clasens.  The six of us are a fun group so it was nice to sit, laugh and visit, but oh, we ate wayyyyyyy too much.  Yep, exercise tomorrow. 

Dentist Day

President Belliston came into the mission office today.  He is very busy with the missionaries.  He wants to keep working up until the last minute.  He’s trying to set an example of no matter how much time you have left, you still do the Lord’s work.  Sometimes when missionaries are ready to go home they get trunkie.  NOTE:  Trunkie means you are ready to leave – pack your bags and head out. The missionaries look up to him.  What a great example he is.  He has saved over 340 baptism pictures, plus he has a yearbook of all the missionaries who have been in the field since he was put in as Mission President three years ago.  Wow, talk about keeping records.

Again, I am so grateful our children served missions.  The strength and growth I see these young people achieve while serving, is inspiring.  Whenever you serve the Lord, you are blessed and you are given guidance for now and for the future.  I firmly believe that.  It’s up to you to accept what you have been given and to use it wisely.

Yep, we went to the dentist today, actually tonight.  Had our teeth cleaned.  Oh joy, even on a mission, life goes on.  .  .

Christ Like Attributes

I spoke with President Richards on the phone today for an hour.  He has lots of stuff planned for the mission.  We are going to have a devotional every Monday morning.  The theme will be the attributes of Christ which are discussed in the “Preach My Gospel” manual.   The attributes are:  faith, hope, charity and love, virtue, knowledge, patience, humility, diligence, obedience.   Not only will we in the office gather for the devotional, which will include us, President Richards and the two Assistants to the President, but also all of the missionaries will hold a devotional with their companions.  I am looking forward to studying the attributes.  I think the one I have to work on the most will be PATIENCE, ‘cause I have none….  That’s one of the things I am trying to get better at, but time will tell.  Elder Boehrer is working on gaining more knowledge  not only in the Gospel but in all things.  I agree with that - he has the rest of the attributes pretty well nailed down. 

P.S.  It is at least 100 degrees and the humidity is around 85%.  Wow!  I love the heat, but yep, getting used to the humidity will take some time.  Forget makeup, forget your hair, just concentrate on walking around without dripping with sweat!

Tuesday

The drivers in Maryland are unreal. They stop in the middle of the lane when they need to get out of their cars. I.e., if they are picking someone up, or have to go for a quick run to the store, or want a soda or something. Also, I have never seen so many cars run red lights. It is almost funny. In fact, I am thinking of doing it. . .only thing is, I’d get caught.

Elder Boehrer is working very hard to get inspection reports out to each of the senior missionaries so that they can do apartment checks.  An apartment check is when  a senior couple go to the apartment of the missionaries and checks to be sure that it is clean, and well cared for. These poor Elders and Sisters still have to take care of their living quarters even more than at home. You can sure tell in most cases who took care of their stuff before the mission because the others are still waiting for their Moms to come and clean up after them. It is really interesting to see how most find out so fast that their companions are not their maids.  (Elder Boehrer)

We have another group of missionary's coming in October. Exciting. The mission is growing by leaps and bounds. I talked with an Elder from California today. He asked what part of California Elder Boehrer and I are from. I told him when he gets home and gets out of the car he needs to just stand there for a minute and feel the warmth of California (of course, that won’t be for another year). There is nothing like it. Yep, it’s warm here, but in California, it’s beach warm, it’s swimming pool warm, it’s, well, it’s just the best. Love my mission, but I do love California.

 

Fireflies

Here in Maryland we have Fireflies.  I am telling you, it is magical to sit and watch these tiny lights blink in and out of the darkness.  I feel like I am in fairytale land – seriously!  They are only around  for a short time, so we enjoy them while we can.  

Since President Belliston is leaving in about 10 days, we had a final interview with him. He is such a spiritual, kind man and so in tune with how people are feeling. He loves the missionaries and their welfare is his first concern. We feel it a privilege to have served under him. He will be replaced by President and Sister Richards. They will be arriving Friday, the 29th. Anytime there is change it can either be difficult or something that happens and life goes on. Elder Boehrer and I are excited about this change. We love President Belliston and therefore, we are excited for him and his wife that they will be able to move onto the next ‘adventure’ in their lives. They have six children, five who are living, and many grandchildren that they can now, for a season, spend time with. We are sure that they will be called to even greater callings and will serve the Lord for the rest of their lives.

President and Sister Belliston with ‘their’ missionaries.

PRESIDENT AND SISTER BELLISTON WILL ALWAYS HOLD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS (ELDER BOEHRER).

.

Father’s Day

Today is Father’s Day!  After church Elder Boehrer and I came back to the apartment and just relaxed.  I made him a perfect dinner of Cauliflower, red potatoes, pork chops, barbeque sauce and, of course, butter.  I mean, what do you expect, I made the dinner.  It was really good.  Then the rest of the evening was spent talking with our children as they called their Dad.  Because we have our mail delivered to the office, and the office was closed on Friday, they said Elder Boehrer will have to wait until Monday to get his cards.  Hummm, I guess he can wait

Elder Boehrer and I have been thinking that we need to do more service.  We sometimes feel we are not doing enough, so we prayed about it and today we were able to give a new member of our ward, Sonny, a ride home.  He didn’t have enough bus money to bring himself and his two children to church with him.  So, Elder Boehrer, told him that we would give him a ride home and if he needed a ride each week, we would be happy to do so.  He was so grateful.  As we were driving him home, the Blue Angles flew over our heads and of course the noise was deafening!   Sonny explained that loud noise like that didn’t bother him because one of the reasons he escaped from his country was because of war.  He told us that the noise from the bombs going off and dropping near his home, were note only loud, but scary.  He was grateful to be in this country and have a chance to raise his children in a place without war.  Really makes us grateful for what we have.  He’s trying to find work at John Hopkins’ Hospital as an aide.  He is a good man.  I hope he finds something soon.  As we drove up to his row house, he said it was not where he wanted his family to be, but he was grateful he had something for them to live in.  His neighborhood is pretty run down and not a great place to live, but at least he has a roof over his head.  He is not looking to get rich, just to provide for his family.  He hasn’t been a member for long, but he has truly caught the vision. 

“See not for riches but for wisdom, and behold, the mysteries of God shall be unfolded unto you , then shall you  be made rich.  Behold, he that hath eternal life is rich.”

D&C 6:7

Saturday P Day

Today was our Preparation Day.  We did the usual, cleaned the apartment and got ready for the day.  Our day included the baptism of a wonderful family – the Woods.  Brittany, Jessie, their daughter.  They also have two little boys who are not yet eight years old.  NOTE:  In our church we do not baptism children until they are at the age of accountability, which is eight years old.  The baptism was so uplifting.  You could feel the joy and happiness of the family and it just made us all feel so good.  After Brittany was baptized she raised her arms in the air and shouted ‘hallelujah’ – that happens a lot in our ward.  I think it is a standard thing done by the African American members.  I sure do love it.  I don’t think I will ever get used to not hearing that when I get back home.  It is such a statement and showing of joy for what has just happened.  Makes you want to shout with them!    

		Woods Family Baptism VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

I handed out another pass-a-long card today.  The lady I handed it to was not interested, as she explained she had another church she attended, but she was very gracious. 

I love our mission.  I love this church and I know it is true.  I have a testimony of that and this mission confirms it for me everyday.  I believe in God the Eternal Father and in is Son Jesus Christ and in the Holy Ghost. 

I love my family and friends so much and I hope that some day all of them will have a testimony of this church.