July 9, 2023

There is so much to write about this week but first I want to mention something from last week before I forget. I talked about Zone Conference last week but forgot to mention that at each conference the missionaries who are going home before the next zone conferences share their "Departing Testimonies." In August we have 26 missionaries going home. It is going to feel like a different mission when they all leave us. We have been here long enough now that we know most of these missionaries, some of them well. It was so sweet and the spirit so strong as they each shared their testimony. They talked about how much their testimony has grown on their mission and specifically about their testimony of the Savior. How he has helped and strengthened them when they have become discouraged and the joy they felt when they were able to share the message of the gospel! Being a missionary is hard, really, really hard! I think I am only just beginning to understand this. But these young people are amazing and we love them!!

Another thing I have never mentioned is the generosity of our Mission President and his wife. Each Monday we have an office staff meeting with them, everyone in the office, and the Assistants. More often than not the President & Sister Phillips treat us all to lunch afterward. They always find an excuse--it is a holiday, someone's birthday, etc. They are kind, humble, loving, generous servants of our Heavenly Father who work so hard to help the missionaries succeed.

This week was the 4th of July. For all those who know Jack, you know this is his favorite holiday. This year was no exception even if it wasn't spent in the normal way. The 1st Tuesday of the month is MLC which means we feed about 40 of the missionaries. It just happened to fall on the 4th of July so we proceeded as if it was any other day. We started out attending a ward breakfast to celebrate the holiday, then worked for a few hours before starting on the dinner. In honor of the 4th of July we decided to barbeque hamburgers and hotdogs. It was a huge hit! Barbequing for a big group is not Jack's favorite but he and Elder Larson were good sports and did a great job! We asked lots of locals where they went to watch fireworks and no one had an answer. Apparently fireworks in not a thing in Newberg so no fireworks for us. We were tired anyway so we were in bed by 10:00. We are so grateful for this great nation that we live in and for the freedoms we enjoy and those who sacrificed so much so that we can have those freedoms! Happy 4th everyone!!

Here is our Missionary Leadership Council as of July 2023.

This is the ward breakfast we attended.

The 4th of July was special too because our grandson Parker got his mission call!!! It was so exciting! We joined them on Facebook Live and watched him open his call. Below is my reaction when he announced where he is going. He is going to the California Ventura Mission, leaving October 9th. He is very excited. His mission takes in some of the most beautiful places on the California coast. It includes Santa Barbara, Carpenteria, Morro Bay, to name a few.

On Tuesday we also got a chance to be movie stars. Elder Larson, our Housing Coordinator, is very talented in making movies. He and Elder Rowan have to provide a film clip for training that t'hey show at District Councils once a transfer. Elder Larson made one last transfer that was fantastic and the missionaries loved it so now he has set a high standard. He has decided to make one to the Ghostbusters Theme. "Who you going to call?" and talk about who they contact for specific problems. He wanted all of us to be in his movie so we spent a little time filming on Tuesday. Here is the picture from his opening frame.

On Wednesday it was Sister Larson's birthday and she decided she wanted to go to the movies for her birthday. This is a 1st since we have been on our mission. Of course we had to go see Indiana Jones since it just came out. We had a fun time. Our local sister missionaries wanted to do something to surprise Sister Larson so they got a key from Elder Larsen and were hiding in her apartment when we got back from the movie. They jumped out and truly surprised her. They decorated, had a crown and sash, and even made a Nutella Pie! They are the best!!

Thursday we had the chance to attend the temple with our District again and on Friday I got to go to District Council. Our District Leader talked about Mission Culture and being "Joyfully Diligent." It was so good!! How do these 20 year old kids come up with this stuff? While I was at District Council Elders Rowan and Larson were off for the day delivering a washer & dryer, mattress, picking up unused proselyting materials, and taking care of other needs. Not only do they help the missionaries with what they bring them but it is also a chance for them to show the missionaries they are loved and cared about.

By Saturday we were pretty tired and I told Elder Rowan I just wanted to go sit by a body of water somewhere and relax. We checked out the Willamette River near us. It was pretty but didn't have a good beach to sit at. So we ended up at Henry Hagg Lake and it was just what we needed. It was a fun day to be out exploring, relaxing, and rechanging our batteries!