Temple and Airport, Transfer #12, Feeding New Missionaries and the MLC

Transfers are every 6 weeks. For some reason, it seems like they roll around more often than that. The assistants (plus their extra companion for a few weeks) came over the night before with the van to spend the night so we could leave from here for the airport.

They got the added benefit of Glen fixing them a French toast breakfast.

Well look at this...the elders got a hold of my phone. This just shouts, "I love you, Sister Thomas!"

Off to the airport we went to pick up 18 new missionaries--3 of which are visa waiters anxious to go to Sweden.

This sister is from Clifton, Idaho and knows my relatives up there. Her dad's brother married my cousin Melanie. So we're related...by marriage...kind of...

We took the missionaries to the mission office and Glen started interviewing each one of them. I did my medical instructing. The office missionaries did their training. They ate lunch in the mix along the way. Their trainers arrived. Glen announced the assignments. Then off they went with their new companions. We told them we would see them again in two days.

Off we rushed to our home so we could get the potatoes boiling. We had a dinner to prepare and serve to this small departing group of five missionaries.

back row: Elder Mangus, Elder Hopkins, Elder LeBaron

front row: Elder Rudd, Hermana Hawkins, us

The assistants cleaned up the kitchen after we ate our roast beef dinner while we moved into the living room (celestial room as we like to call it) to have a testimony meeting with them.

It was a pretty calm group and they got to bed at a decent hour to be prepared for the next morning's temple session.

We said good-bye to Elder Hopkins as one of our assistants. Elder Hadfield is staying for a while.

Off we went to the airport to the first terminal to drop off four of the missionaries.

Elder Eddins is our new assistant joining in with Elder Hadfield. We went to the other terminal to take one lone elder. He presented Glen with a new white temple tie as a parting gift. So kind of him.

Sure enough, our new group of missionaries and trainers returned for us to do our new missionary training with them. 

As their reward, we fed them lunch. Well, I should say the Radfords take care of getting lunch for them. She likes to go all out. Like putting tablecloths on the tables and decorating with purple cobwebs. And who wouldn't want a big spider looking at you as you are picking up your food?

She even does a centerpiece on the tables--edible candy corn style of centerpiece.

The very next day the Radfords had pulled together another lunch--this time to feed the Mission Leadership Council. It was IHOP breakfast for lunch.

They love each other and we love them!

Quotes of the Week

Though we will face trials, adversities, disabilities, hearteaches, and afflictions, our caring, loving Savior will always be there for us.
--Ronald A. Rasband

You must believe in yourself. Don't give in when the going is rough, for you are laying the foundation of a great work.
--David B. Haight

I testify that Jesus is the risen Christ, our Savior, and our perfect example and guid to eternal life.
--Henry B. Eyring

We truly need Him every hour, whether they be hours of sunshine or rain.
--Thomas S. Monson

Abe's Family Part 2 - Slot Canyon, Pumpkin Patch

More French toast for the little people the next morning,

along with a little play time outside in their pjs before getting ready for the day.

Abe always likes to take us on adventures. This time it was a hike.

Seemed simple enough. Interesting sights to see along the marshland.

Ocean view on the horizon.

Benches to rest upon and jump from.

Leisurely hike UNTIL...we got to the sign and had to make a decision.

We opted for the one-way, strenuous loop through Annie's Canyon.

I became a little claustrophobic when the path between the cliffs narrowed.

It was at this point where Newland turned around and declared he and his mom would be able to make it through, but he did not think his Dad or his grandparents would fit through the tight passageways. 

It was a little tight in spots, but we all made it through.

Once on top and out of the canyon, Newland matter-of-factly announced it was because of Jesus that we made it through the canyon alive and we should pray to say thanks. We immediately stopped in our tracks and listened to that little boy say a most beautiful, heartfelt prayer of gratitude.

Two minutes later as we were making our descent from the look-out point, Newland emphatically asked if we could do it again!!

I opted out and kept Wynne with me while the rest of them easily made it through the slot canyon once again.

We were ready for lunch by the time we finished our hike. Klarissa found a wonderful restaurant that served delicious food which put a smile on all our faces.

Then we were off to the pumpkin patch at the Del Mar fairgrounds.

We had coupons for a free train ride.

All the other activities required tickets to participate.

There goes Newland down the slide.

Wynne was determined she was going to do the slide as well. She was causing the stairwell to pile up with kids behind her as it took her a while to climb to the top of the slide.

Once there, all the other children waited patiently for her to go down.

Here's my favorite photo of Newland going down the slide.

We moved Wynne to the smaller slide to prevent further traffic jams.

Such a fun time for the little ones at the pumpkin patch.