Nov 21-27, 2021

 SUNDAY

We went to the Laveen Ward today with Charles. He was able to meet the Missionaries there along with a member of the bishopric, Jake Bell, (son of Elder and Sister Bell in the Mission Office). The Thorson's. Jones', and Kaufman's are all in this ward. Plenty of friends for Charles and Melony. We hope they will continue to come, see and stay.

The High Council speaker today in the Tempe ward was David Erickson (formerly in the Northpark YSA ward in San Bernardino). It was so good to see him and meet his wife and children. It's always so good to see someone after several years and, like the sons of Mosiah, it adds more to your joy to find they are "still [your] brethren in the Lord..." (see Alma 17:2)

Matt and Mary had us over for dinner again. (We sure hope they don't get tired of having us!) It has been so nice to see them often and count it as one of the many blessings of serving in Tempe.

The New Convert Devotional (NCD) is held once each month. Tonight, our friend Wendy McWilliams was one of the speakers. She has a sweet conversion story and we felt her spirit as she shared it. Other speakers were powerful as well. Ian Schells and Sister Vang both shared their conversions stories. Israel is being gathered - one by one! We are so grateful to be part of this great work.

MONDAY

The Giving Machine is starting! This morning the Machines were set up and made ready for this Christmas Season. A few dozen missionaries from the Gilbert Mission were asked to give up part of their Preparation Day to help. We wanted to see the operation from the beginning so we went as well. This really will be an amazing humanitarian effort. We are excited to be part of it!

We volunteered at another Food Bank today along with Elder and Sister Kaufman and Elder and Sister Jones. We had a good time together as we sorted vegetables in preparation for their holiday bags. So many people doing good things in this world!

Sister Jones, Elder Jones, Elder Glauser

Sister and Elder Kaufman, Elder and Sister Jones, Sister and Elder Glauser

Sister Jones and Sister Glauser

In the afternoon we got a call from Sister Thorson at the Mission Office letting us know that another Senior couple had just arrived and would be serving in Yuma. Earlier we had noticed that David and Yoko Ludlow from Spanish Fork Utah would be arriving in the ATM in November. We live close to the Mission Office and so we quickly went over to see them. David was good friends with Walt in High School and it was good to see him and his wife again. They will eventually go to Japan to be Military Relations missionaries but will be in the ATM until the country opens and visa are granted.

The members of the Tempe Ward donated enough food to give 15 families in the ward a Thanksgiving dinner. We assembled the donations into boxes for delivery.

TUESDAY

District Council was held today. We love meeting with our District and learn from these wonderful young Elders and Sisters. We feel blessed to associate with them and feel of their love for the Savior and His work. They are motivated, devoted disciples of Christ. 

Elders Tappen and Oyervides came for dinner tonight. Elder Turley is one of our Elders but was on 'splits' today. We love serving with these outstanding young Elders. They love the Lord and their countenances shine bright. It is a pleasure to be around them!

WEDNESDAY

We were trained on the Giving Machines today and introduced to representatives of the local charities associated with the Machines this year. We're excited to be part of this wonderful humanitarian effort of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It works just like any vending machine. Just choose the product you would like to donate, swipe your card, and done! I love that you can donate to any number of charities and a wide range of prices.  Anything from a box of produce for a local Food Bank for $5 to a bicycle for a refugee for $200. Or a beehive, or 3 cases of Mac n Cheese, or polio vaccines for 100 children, or ..... The Church covers all costs, including transaction fees so that 100% of the donation goes directly to the charity. The Charities agree that no more than 10% will go to administrative costs. 

We went with Elders Tappen and Turley to teach the Miranda family tonight. This is a good family. I love that they are already participating in the Tempe ward. Hopefully they will continue to read the Book of Mormon and pray to know if it is true. This is the simple process for all of us. If we will read the Book of Mormon and pray to ask God with the intent to know if it is true, we will know that it is the word of God.

THURSDAY

Our missionaries started today at the Giving Machines so we wanted to be there for the first day. It is Thanksgiving, so not many people were there donating, but we had a good time setting up the area, getting donuts and snacks for the missionaries and just seeing how it all works.

One of the blessings of being in Tempe is that Matt and Mary are in Gilbert waiting for visas to the Philippines. Thanksgiving dinner was delicious and being with family was wonderful. Thanks to Bobbie for hosting and to Mary, Bobbie and Brianna for the food. We are so happy Ryan and Brianna could come from Florida and Nate could come from Utah. It was great to be together.   #missingafew

Front: Brianna, Libby, Fin, Sawyer, Cecily, Remi

Back:Ryan, Bobbie,  Quincy, Mary, Matt, Nate, Lydia, Doug, Marcia, Ethan

FRIDAY

Mostly a quiet day. At Zone huddle we talked about the need to have a plan and set goals. It helps us stay focused on the most important things. This is good for missionaries but also good for everyone. Without a plan or goals we soon find we have wasted a lot of time.

We did stop by to visit a sister we have tried to meet but no one home today.

We connected with Noemi, Athena, Brianna and Charles. We have plans to meet to set up FamilySearch  for Athena and Brianna and take Charles and his wife Melony to dinner next week. Hopefully Noemi, Raul and family will be at church this week. 

SATURDAY

Three trips to Gilbert to help with the Giving Machines today. First to help set up. There is the Gilbert Art Walk on most Saturdays (all of December) with lots of vendors and shoppers so there is no space for the sandwich boards, flags or stanchions. Those of our family who live here or came for Thanksgiving joined us and donated items to the Giving Machine Charities.

After we left to pick up Larissa Tom's mother and return her to her care facility, we came back to Gilbert to paint the uprights for the #LightTheWorld photo-op back-drop. The first one did not hold up in the breeze and so the volleyball net uprights were used. Doug put on work clothes and spray painted the poles and concrete base.

We had an appointment with the Elders to visit the Hernandez family at 7:30, so we hurried there. Bro. Lowder (chair of the Giving Machine) texted and asked if we could set up the photo back drop. So back to Gilbert we went. With the help of the Elders it is all set!

We love this mission! We are busy and happy and grateful!