Last 6 months of the mission

Jared was in Las Lomitas until March 24th with Elder Segundo.  He taught Elder Segundo many basic life skills, helped him learn Spanish, and introduced him to pizza and chocolate milk (which he hadn't had before).  Jared liked how happy Elder Segundo was despite his background and the many challenging things he faced in trying to serve a mission.  Elder Segundo came with basically one white shirt and pair of slacks.  He borrowed some of Jared's clothes until he got some more.  Jared also ended up giving him his rain jacket.  

Jared spent the next 12 weeks (until the middle of June) in Pirayu with Elder Garcia from Argentina.  Then he served 4 weeks in Itau with Elder Walker from Idaho.  The mission split from 2 to 3 missions in July.  There was a newly formed Paraguay East Mission, but Jared stayed in the South Mission.  He spent his last 6 weeks in Itau with Elder Barentsen from Montana.  Jared was able to be a part of 32 baptisms during his mission, but he also taught and served many others who didn't choose to be baptized.  One of the more memorable people that he taught didn't get baptized, but Jared witnessed this man make great changes in his life.  A couple of the fun things he enjoyed was playing soccer and a game called piki voley on his preparation days. Piki is like volleyball except you use everything except your hands.  He got to watch Paraguay play in two World Cup soccer games (the first was won in penalty kicks, so it was a very exciting time.)  He got to go to the Paraguay Asuncion Temple a few different times.  A few of the hard things, besides people unwilling to make commitments, was dealing with roaches in his apartment, getting a ringworm, and dealing with the rain or heat.

In June, Jared asked us about extending his mission by 4 weeks.  I immediately said, "No Jared!  Don't do it!"  I was being selfish with my time with him, wanting to spend a full month with him before he left for college.  However, he went on to explain that his mission president had asked for volunteers to extend their mission to help fill the empty spots in the transition from 2 to 3 missions.  They weren't bringing in enough new missionaries to fill all the spots.  After finding out that the extension wouldn't cut into the fall semester of college, I felt a little more okay with it, although still sad that we wouldn't have much time with him.  I told him to pray about it and make sure it was right for him and not just the "helper" in him that always wants to help out.  I knew what he was going to do after talking with him, and I sent him a message expressing that I knew what he was going to do and I would be okay.  He was supposed to come home the end of July.  We later found out that the 4-week transfer happened first, and if he hadn't extended he actually would have been home mid-July (2 weeks earlier).  His extension was a normal full 6-week transfer.  His return date was Tuesday August 25th, which meant we would see him for only 5 days before he left for college.  

It was hard for me to process, but I knew he was supposed to extend his mission. I think during his last 6 weeks, he was able to help 5 more people get baptized.  As I think about those 5 lives that were changed for the better (and likely the ripple effect on others' lives), I found much peace in giving up Jared for one extra month.  Jared shared a quote from Elder Bednar that expressed this ability to focus more on the needs of others:

"As we follow, love, and serve the Savior, we gradually focus less on our own desires and interests and more on understanding and addressing the needs of others.  We do not merely perform benevolent deeds; rather, our state of being is changed and become increasingly Christlike.  Charity then ultimately possesses us."  

I know Jared was changed in the process of serving and he was able to more closely follow the Savior and be like Him.  Jared expressed his happiness to be part of the Lord's work.  He learned how to gain more success in finding people by following the influence of the Holy Ghost.  Jared also showed great faith and had miracles happen on his mission.  A story was shared about Jared (which he hadn't even thought to mention to us).  Our friend Janet called us and asked if Jared had told us the story about the locked gate.  We hadn't heard about it, so we listened with great interest when she shared what the mission president had shared with her, in the words of the stake president: 

"In the Las Lomitas branch, during a year-end dinner, I went to buy a soda from a shop located in front of the chapel.  When I arrived, I found the main door locked.  Since I have the stake key (literally), I opened the door, but I couldn't remove the key from the lock.  I spent about five minutes trying to take it out, but I couldn't do it.  So, I left the key in the gate, went to buy the soda, brought it to the table at the branch activity, and then returned to try again... This time, I tried for about twenty minutes without any success.  At that moment, the elders from Las Lomitas - the missionaries - arrived.  Elder (Jared), noticing the difficulty I was having, said:

--Can't you remove the key?

I replied:

--No, I can't.

He folded his arms and said:

--Let's say a prayer; I'll offer it.

He said it in such a pure and innocent way that I agreed to his request, even though it didn't seem like the right place or moment to me.  There I was, with my hands on the key in the lock standing by the street, while he offered the prayer.  He began by giving thanks for the day, for the morning, for the blessings we receive, and so on, while people passed by in front of us... It was an uncomfortable moment for me.  The scripture came to my mind that says, "When thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men." I even thought, "This isn't necessary; I can just leave the key in the lock and call the facilities manager to send a locksmith." 

However, it was sure a pure, sincere, and special prayer for him that I didn't dare touch the key.  When he finished, I said:

--Elder, would you do us the honor?

The elder took the key, pulled it, and it came out without any problem.  I was amazed by that experience.  I felt bad about myself for not having enough faith to believe that Heavenly Father can answer our prayers, even in the simplest and most insignificant things.  I learned that the Lord can answer our prayers if we offer them fervently, with faith, and as James says, "believing that ye shall receive."  I literally saw the scripture fulfilled: "Ask, and ye shall receive; knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

That mission president also expressed that Jared was one of the most obedient missionaries he had seen.  I know Jared's striving to obey with exactness and his faith allowed him to see miracles throughout his mission. 

Here is part of what Jared shared in his last email: "Last week we saw many miracles. Our friend's baptism had fallen through a couple Sundays already, so we weren't so sure if it was going to happen on Sunday. Her mom was determined to do everything she could to help her though, and her mom isn't even a member of the Church of Jesus Christ. We didn't see our friend all week until Saturday when we passed by to confirm plans. We left not very convinced that she was getting baptized... what a miracle it was when her mom told us over the phone that they were all up and getting ready! God is good and taught me to have more faith in Christ and in our friends...

I want to testify of the love of our Heavenly Father. I have felt it as I've served His children. I have been here to help others to receive the restored gospel of Jesus Christ through faith, repentance, baptism, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end. Living these principles has blessed my life, and I have seen the change they've had on others. I know that the Book of Mormon is true, and the words it contains in 2 Nephi 25:23 "...for we know that it is by grace that we are saved, after all we can do." I know that Jesus is my Savior and the Christ."

He had a great mission and served faithfully for just over 2 years. Well done Jared! I made a video but it's too large to share here. I chose a couple songs that seemed to be a theme for his mission. Here are the words:


Walk With Me
When you're walking through the fire and your feet are worn and scarred, there's a source of living water that can heal your weary heart. You see the Savior's footsteps and you feel His guiding light. He is calling out to you. He says, "Walk with me, and I will calm your troubled waters. Walk with me; I will make your mountains move. Oh, take my hand when you're feeling heavyhearted. Walk with me, and I will walk with you."

He walked on desert highways to go and find the one. He lifted up the broken and showed the world His love. And when we walk beside Him, He gives His power to us. He is calling out to you. He says, Walk with me...


Witness
I see the waters part when I kneel down and pray. I've seen my selfish heart soften and change. Through all the silence I can't stay quiet. I'll shout it out to the sky wherever He takes me, every day of my life. I will try to be like Him, shine a light in the darkness. I'll be a witness and live the way He lived at all times and all places. Whatever happens, I'll be a witness of all His love, a witness of what He's done. I'll stand and tell everyone in all times and all places. I'll be a witness.

I'll raise my hand and say I've been saved by His love. My Savior took my place, and after all He has done, through all the silence I won't stay quiet. I'll shout it out to the sky wherever he takes me, every day of my life. I will try to be like Him...I'll be a witness.

Friends and Missionaries

We had 5 missionaries return home this summer an 1 head out on a mission.  Grace returned from Mongolia, Tru returned from Columbia, Justin returned from Michigan (Spanish speaking), and Stephan returned from Brazil.  Becca left for her mission to Dominican Republic the same day that Stephan returned home.  

Jared was the final missionary to return this summer.  It was so amazing to see these great missionaries and celebrate with good friends on their accomplishments.  Nathan and Jared got to catch up with their friends Shawn and Nathan at the end of August.

 

Nathan Misc

Nathan stayed in Provo over the summer to continue working full time at his campus job.  The first pic below is with his co-workers (one of them got married).  The other photos are from the week we did our staycation.  We missed out on seeing Audrey and Alison's families out in Utah, but Nathan got to hang out with them for a bit.  They did a nice hike and explored BYU campus.

 

Back to School

 While Alex was off traversing rivers in Samoa, the kids started school back at home.  Owen is a senior this year, Weston is a sophomore, and Savannah is in 8th grade.  She's still at the junior high and rides the bus 3 mornings a week and every afternoon.  On Tuesday and Fridays, she has 0 period choir at 7:55am, so we have to take her in those mornings.  Savannah's other elective this semester is art, which she really enjoys and is good at too.  

Owen and Weston go to a scripture study class at the church every school day from 7:00-7:50am.  Owen does the driving and also drives them to school most mornings (even though they're only about a 1/2 mile away from school).  Weston bikes in some mornings because it only takes him about 3 minutes (quicker than driving), as he found a pretty quick route through the neighborhood that avoids the big traffic light at the corner.  Weston is doing cross country, track, and jazz band as electives this year.  He did cross country this summer with the school team and had a camp week August 10-14th, with a camping trip a couple of nights as part of that.  He decided not to do marching band again this year, since it was such a huge time commitment.  He still plays trombone for jazz band, which meets on Tuesday and Thursdays after school. 

Owen's year is not turning out as originally planned, but it may be an even better year for him with his new plans.  He did varsity summer league basketball with the intentions of playing on the varsity team this year.  However, in August, he went to try-outs and didn't actually make the team.  There were 14 spots available and he was number 15.  The coach said he was welcome to keep practicing with the team in the first couple months of off-season.  There were 4 guys playing football that indicated they wanted to be on the basketball team.  Owen could try to earn a spot from one of those guys, or maybe someone would change their mind and not play.  Owen decided to work for a spot on the team.  However, during the try-outs, he also got an elbow to the nose pretty hard.  When it started bruising and still felt really tender after a few days, we decided to get it checked out.  It turns out that he fractured his nose, and the doctor said he should avoid contact sports for 6 weeks while it healed.  Well, that 6 weeks was basically the time that he had to work to earn a spot on the team... So then he started thinking more about theater and music, something he had already been wondering if he should pursue this year.  He talked to the theater teacher to see if that option was still open to him this year, being part of the musicals.  It was possible, so then Owen just needed to make the decision.  This decision also impacted his volleyball season, as he couldn't do both volleyball and the spring musical (both 4th period electives).  Basically he was giving up his senior year sports to try out something new.  In his father's blessing before school, it mentioned that he would have to make some hard decisions this year.  I know this was one of them.  He did decide to go the music / theater route this year.  I think it was a good decision.  He didn't actually have a spot on the basketball team and there was only one volleyball senior last year, so it's possible that he could have not really done anything this year if he didn't make the volleyball team either.  He may have regretted not trying theater AND possibly not participated in sports either.  All his best friends are also doing theater and music as well, so he's going to have a lot of fun doing this with them.  

When talking about this with him after he made his decision, we realized that Owen breaking his nose was probably the best way that the Lord could have led him to make his decision.  He didn't break anything that would impact his ability to do music or theater or keep him from doing all his daily tasks, but it was just enough that he couldn't participate in basketball.  Getting that elbow to his nose seems like an odd catalyst for a decision, but it was what pushed him into doing what he probably would find the most joy in this year.  But he does really love sports too and wanted to finish it out without feeling like he quit, so it was a tough decision.  We just remarked at how the Lord works in mysterious ways.  I know he'll have a great year because he's willing to be led by his heart and recognize the hand of the Lord in his life. 

Here are some pictures of Owen and his friends.  

Samoa

 Just a few days after our anniversary trip, Alex had another work trip.  This one was to Samoa for 10 days (August 14th-23rd).  We didn't feel too bad for him when he was sending the beach photos that looked liked he was just relaxing.  He actually was tromping around through the rivers and brush and had to sleep in a mosquito tent.  One of the days, they set out with a guide to explore a river.  It rained on them and they saw a little mudslide right before them, watching trees go down not far from them.  They walked all through the water, only to discover at the end of the day that they had explored the wrong river... they had to go back again another day and wade through the right river to get the data they needed.

Anniversary Trip

Since our anniversary was during our staycation week, Alex and I took a mini trip the following week for just a couple of days to celebrate our 26th anniversary.  There are a lot of little beach towns along the coast, and we hope to explore most of them.  This time we stayed in Pismo Beach and also wandered around Avila Beach - both cute little towns.  We did a jog in the morning and got some yummy cinnamon rolls.  We ate out at the Rock 'N Roll Diner, dining in an old train car. The zucchini fries, steak kabobs, and mint chocolate shake were really good. We also had fish & chips at a place called Hoagies.  It was great to just wander around, eat out, and relax. 

Staycation

The first week of August, we had planned on visiting Nathan in Provo.  I had hoped to leave on Saturday August 1st and have a full week, returning on the following Saturday or Sunday.  However, Alex scheduled a young women backpacking trip over that weekend.  The backpacking trip actually got cancelled, but Owen had already committed to work that Saturday since we couldn't leave until Sunday. We also discovered that Nathan's roommates hadn't moved out yet, so we couldn't even stay at the house with him.  Nathan was also working that week.  By the time we calculated the costs of renting a vehicle and hotel costs, plus not actually spending that much time with Nathan (who we would see a few weeks later), it just didn't make sense to go.  We decided to do a staycation instead, where we committed to mostly put aside work and other activities to spend time doing local things as a family.  

We had a really fun week.  On Monday we did a Spiderman movie marathon, grilled hamburgers, and had dessert at a restaurant downtown.  We walked around downtown for a bit too, which Alex really likes to do.  On Tuesday we played board games, with everyone getting to pick a game they wanted to play.  We played Ticket to Ride (my choice), Harry Potter Clue (Owen's choice), Trekking (Alex's choice), Sheriff of Nottingham (Weston's choice), and Telestrations (Savannah's choice).  We went out to eat that night.  On Wednesday morning, we biked to the beach, about 12 miles total.  We had to round up a couple bikes.  We had issues with one bike, which wouldn't switch out of 1st gear.  Savannah started on it, then Weston tried it out, and then I finished out the ride to the beach.  Owen rode the 6 miles back from the beach.  The weather was really nice, and it was actually our first time to do a family bike ride together.  In the afternoon, we went bowling, which was fun but a lot more expensive than I remember it being.  Four of us even had our own shoes, but we still paid over $100 to bowl 3 games.  On Thursday morning, we went to the Newport Beach Temple.  We watched the new Spiderman movie in the theater that afternoon, followed by eating out.  On Friday, I stayed home and did a work day while Alex took the kids to a small waterpark.  We had pizza for dinner. On Saturday, I made a nice waffle and bacon breakfast.  We had a beach day, where we played some 4-square volleyball and got in the ocean.  It was cold at first but we got used to it pretty quickly.  We had tacos for dinner at a local taco place.  It was great to spend the week together!

More Pics from Girls Camp

 I got a few more pictures of girls camp (from June) from Savannah.