2nd Transfer Week Nov 3rd

November 3, 2013

Well, we made it through our 2^nd transfer week….the 1^st on our own.  Not without stress, though.  

On Tuesday,  the office was crazy busy with missionaries in the halls and our offices.  In fact, had one phone call that we actually had to close the office doors to hear!   

The stress level was so high this day with some things that needed to to be taken care of, that I actually hit the point I was about in tears.  Sister Clayton came in at one point to talk about something, could tell I was totally stressed so she left me alone for a bit.  Later, when I got my composure back, I went to explain what had caused the stress of the day.   She said, we have all been through days like that at one point or another.

But, all in all, we made it through the week!  And, the next 2 transfers are smaller, so hopefully they will be a breeze to get through compared to the last 2 we have been through!  Maybe the numbers are leveling out now, so no more big increases of numbers.  In fact, Sister Clayton told me that her husband said he is actually looking forward to the next transfer, as it should be so much easier!!  Crazy guy!

Talked to Kori, Buddy, and kids today.  It was Buddy’s 40^th birthday. 

Got my flu shot this past week.

2nd Outgoing Devotional, Oct. 27

October 27, 2013

Tonight was the 2^nd Outgoing Devotional we have attended.  I love these meetings!  They are the spiritual high of our experience here.  In the mission office, we spend so much time on the necessary busy work of the mission, that it is wonderful to have this opportunity every 6 weeks to hear the testimonies of the missionaries who are going home, and the new converts that share their experiences.  I counted up, and we will be here for a total of 14 transfers.  We have now been through 2 of the Outgoing Devotionals, so we will be privileged to be able to attend 12 more.  Of course, the last one I will be too nervous to enjoy, since we will have to speak.  But I will thoroughly enjoy 11 more!  Elder Hammond, who has been our Zone Leader (though for us that is name only because we don’t participate in District or Zone meetings..we are too busy with our jobs) spoke, and bore a powerful testimony.  I can see him being a great leader!  He talked of one person he worked with, who was from pioneer heritage, but not a part of the church.  That person had spent 6 or 7 years trying to understand that part of his heritage….and decided that those people, to do all they did for the church, and all they gave up for the church….were either crazy, misled, or the church was true.  He decided that they weren’t crazy people, so it was either they were misled or the church was true.  After studying things out for that time, he finally decided the church was true.  Elder Hammond challenged those in attendance to make the decision for themselves. There is no middle ground……the church is either true, or not.  80,000 missionaries serving throughout the world know it is true, which is why they give up 18 months to 2 years of their lives to serve the Lord.

Other powerful testimonies were shared.  One being a senior couple, the Cardon’s, who leave this week.  Elder Cardon spoke of the time being not too distant for each of us to see the Savior and the nail prints in his hands, and be able to worship him in person.

Well, this is going to be a busy week.  Transfer weeks are crazy in the office.

Today, we had 2 baptisms in the Vietnamese branch.  So, in 8 days we have had 3 baptisms there.  Great news for the branch!  I think it had been a year since they have had a baptism.  And, of course, dinner after…..I took taco salad this time, and had lots of compliments.

Yesterday, I made bread and apple pie.  We invited our Elders….Elder Hullinger and Elder Bruggeman…to stop by when they day was done for them.  They got here at 9 and had pie and ice cream with us, and we sent them home with a loaf of bread.  They enjoyed looking at our genealogy charts on the wall, and we even got online so they could see how to trace their family back.

October

Oct. 20th:

Okay, trying this again.  I had typed up quite a bit, then the computer acted up on me.  One of the reasons I am so far behind on this journal is I have had several computer issues, and will need a new one soon.  Just been debating whether to just go for a Mac, since I am so tired of PC issues!  But, the cost will be so much more.  I knew I had some issues when we left on this mission….my “L’’ key was broken, but I could still type using the plastic piece, but now that piece is broken, so I have to stop and adjust it occasionally.  So it really slows down my thinking and typing.

Also, I am not used to being a full time worker and still do my regular chores.  Usually in the evening, it is close to 6 by the time we have dinner, then clean up, preparing lunch stuff for the next morning, laundry is a constant, as is ironing, I need to make bread frequently too, and shopping.  We usually hit the hot tub around 8:30, then are in bed around 9.  But, sometimes, I am so tired we go a half hour earlier.

Well, that outing awhile back that we took with the GPS was the big escape for us, and even then it was sort of work related, as we were testing out the GPS for Gary.  As a side note….it is a Garmin, and it is turning out to work VERY well for him.  He says the directions are easier to follow than our cars version of GPS.  So, that is GREAT news, as he is on the road so much, and that was one of my worries….him being able to find his way around safely.

Conference weekend.    THIS was our big escape from missionary work and our normal routine.  Tim had a conference to attend in San Francisco from Wed. Oct. 2 to Sat. Oct. 5^th.  Melissa few in to San Jose on Friday, the 4^th.  I picked her up at the airport….my first trip to that airport.  Brought her back to see the office and meet the people there, and to see our apartment.  Since it was slow, Sis. Crawford told us to just leave the office and visit.  We couldn’t do too much, since Gary wasn’t done working yet, but I showed her our building where we meet for church, and our old place on Woodmoor.  Gary finished around 5, and we picked him up and went to the apt. to change and finish packing, then we headed for San Francisco.  They had booked a room for us at the hotel they were staying at.  We spent Sat. site seeing around San Fran…….took a trolley, saw Lombard Street, went to Ghirardelli Square, Fisherman’s wharf, took a cruise out in the bay under the Golden Gate Bridge and around Alcatraz.  Because of the government shutdown, you couldn’t go to Golden Gate park or to Alcatraz, so that was as good as we could do.  Went to China town in the evening.  We did a LOT of walking!  I bought me a Chinese hat in China Town (which is like the Vietnamese hats too), and earlier in the day, we got some Ghirardelli chocolate, and I had gotten a Christmas ornament—a trolley—as a souvenir from SF.   On Sunday, we slept in a little, then checked out of the hotel and drove. We drove across the Golden Gate Bridge, decided to check out a beach, but the first one we could come to was closed….again, the government shut down, so drove a little farther.  It wasn’t very far, but it was a very winding road, so took longer. Especially because we were behind someone who must have been a foreigner and didn’t understand what the pullouts were for to allow faster cars to pass you!  So he never pulled out the whole way, and drove VERY slowly.  We had a line of cars behind us too.  After that time at the beach, we decided to head back to SF, get a bite to eat on the way to the airport, and then we were to drop them off.  Actually, this whole time Tim was the driver.  But, got in some traffic, so we ended up just going straight to the airport, dropped them off, then we headed home.  It didn’t take as long going home as we had thought.  We kept thinking it might be over an hour, so were going to stop and get a bite to eat, but it only took about 40-45 minutes, so we just drove straight home!  Going to SF we took 280, coming home we took 101.

Wed. Oct. 9^th was the last day for the Crawfords.     On our own now!

Most days are pretty steady, but some a little slower.  I am still working on adding a new Vendor…a new apartment…that Gary secured.  I have been having some issues there, but it should be straightened out Monday.  I will call Salt Lake again if it isn’t in the system on my computer tomorrow.  I will need to to get that rent set up to be paid for November’s rent!  

I have been put in as a Relief Society teacher in the branch, and taught my first lesson Oct. 13^th.  The lessons are short, as you have to allow for translation.  Gary has been put in as Sunday School President and teacher.  He is teaching every other week, alternating with Sister Kim.  His first lesson was today.

Last Thursday night, we both had to attend Stake Auxilliary meeting, so that night was gone! 

We had a good thing in the branch.  We had a baptism on Saturday….the first one in over a year I think they said.  And, we have 2 more next Sunday! Yeah!  That is great news for the branch!  So, Sat. we went to the baptism, then they eat afterward (I took lasagna and garlic bread).  After that, we came home, I did some laundry, then we left for a bit.  Decided to see if the beauty salon close to here had an opening so Gary could get a haircut.  They had time, so he did. They asked if I wanted one too, and as I was debating, the lady suggested I get my eyebrows done……must have looked bad!!!  So, I did both.  First time ever to get eyebrows done.  I told her I couldn’t see close any more to pluck them myself.  They look good!  The haircut was maybe a little shorter than usual, but it is fine.  After that, we went and got the car washed for the first time here.  Bought 2 hats…a straw one for me, and a sporty one for Gary…at the car wash place.  Then went to the mall to shop a bit.  Was looking for coveralls for Gary.  He got paint on one pair of slacks while working, and another time got grease on his white shirt while working (cleaning an oven that day).  So, he definitely needs some protection for his clothes.  It is crazy that he is required to wear white shirt, tie and slacks for that kind of work!  He has ruined some ties already too, and we just hit the 2 month mark!  We couldn’t find overalls at Penney’s, Sears had some, but not his size, but they told us another place to check, down by the Blossom Hill mall.  So we can check there, or just order online.  

Let’s see…..another thing in the last few weeks. We found the Chick-fil-a to use the gift card Miss had sent us.  Never saw such a long line for a fast food place in my life!!! But it went fast.  It is the only one in SJ currently, though another is opening soon in Sunnyvale.  Melissa sent us 2 more gift cards recently…..Subway and Walmart.  She is spoiling us!  Kori has sent a Subway card too.   We used that one in SF.

Well, hopefully that catches me up somewhat.  We hope to soon have some Saturdays that we can just relax and not have to go shop or do anything.  I am just beat.  I took a 2 hr nap today even.  This type of mission is harder than we realized.  No time off, really.  The MLS missionaries take things at a slower pace if they want. They schedule their appointments and time themselves.  We have our time scheduled for us.  9-5 (at least, sometimes longer) in the office, Monday through Friday.  Sat. we have had ward things….baptism, wedding, reception.  And some Sunday’s after church are things…mainly dinners for major events….Elder Atkinson before he left, the Crawford’s.  

Even though we thoroughly enjoyed spending the time with Missy and Tim, it was sad to miss the days sitting and listening to Gen. Conf.  Now we need to spend time and watch online to catch up!

We just learned yesterday that Buddy’s grandpa Doxey passed away.  His funeral is tomorrow.  I guess he passed away last Sunday, but we hadn’t heard from Kori.  We were glad we knew him....he was a great guy!

Sept. 23-28

Monday Sept 23

Started the day good…..got up and exercised to my Biggest Loser DVD, which I played on my computer.

I had made cookies yesterday for the Elder Bruggeman and Elder Hullinger, but they couldn’t get them till this morning.  They stopped by about 8 a.m., while I was fixing breakfast.  They stayed just a few minutes, then left with a dozen of my chocolate chip cookies.  I learned later at work that when they got back to their apt., they each had a cookie in their hand, ready to take a bite, when one of them said to the other “this cookie will determine the next 18 months for Sister Yearsley”  or something to that affect, meaning either they would like my cooking or not, and then I guess if they didn’t, how they would react when I gave them more!  But, they said I passed the test!  I said, “well, I figured they would be okay, since all my family always raves about them, asking which are mine at family reunions”. 

Monday at work was steady busy all day for both Sister Crawford and I.

After work, when we got home, I made  bread….3 loaves.  I had decided before we came that I would only bring 3 bread pans and would only do a half batch (my batch is usually 6 loaves), since freezer space would be limited.

Went to the hot tub just before bed….hopefully, this can be a good routine to get into.

Tuesday,  Sept 24

Today at work, it was kind of slow today.  Late morning, the Pres. told Sis. Crawford that he needed her to run a missionary to a Dr. appt. in Stockton.  So, she left just before noon, and was gone till the end of the day.  But, it was slow with just me too.  I had time to read the help on IMOS to figure out how to change the check settings so that the name shows better in the window opening in the envelopes.  Also, spent some time looking at Google maps, getting an idea of the location of the zones and some of the cities I hear about in the reports we print out.

After work, had dinner, cleaned up, and was doing some ironing when Hope called.  Had a great visit with her.  She told us that Kim had her baby today….a boy named Austin Kelley Parish.  She had to have a C-section.  I forgot to ask how big he was. I will have to email her to find out I guess!

Went to the hot tub again tonight!  Ah, I could get used to this!  

Thursday, Sept. 26^th, was Sisters Retreat.  The young sisters where there all day…it was held in the San Felipe building, where we meet for church.  They had talks, workshops, lunch more speakers.  We, from the office, arrived just before lunch and stayed for the speaker after lunch.  It was very good.  The speaker was Sis. Watkins’ visiting teacher.  Her name is Sister Peterson, I think.  Anyway, the theme of the retreat was Finding Joy in the Journey, and Sis. Peterson spoke about challenges in her life, but how you can still find joy in them all.

I have learned a few more new things at work this week, but mostly things are getting pretty routine.  It is the odd things that happen that can throw me!   

On Friday, also, we stopped at Best Buy after work to get Gary a GPS so he will have one in the mission truck when he is alone.  Then spent the evening programming apartment addresses in it.  Went to bed too late!  Oh, did our grocery shopping that evening too.  Took too long grocery shopping, so we missed our hot tub tonight.  We have been making it every evening about 8:30 usually.  Well, technically, we still were going to jump in for a few minutes, but a sign on the pool  gate said it was closed for the day for repairs, so we stayed out.

Two evenings this week, I worked on ironing.  Did laundry in there a lot….it is a tiny washer and dryer, so I have to do more frequent, smaller loads.  Starting to get more used to that.

Sat.  Sept. 28^th….we finally left the city to see some new places.  We decided to test the new GPS, so visited a couple of the apartments, one in Gilroy, one in Seaside….the GPS worked fine.  Just need to fine tune it a bit, figure out how to lighten up the screen and keep it light so we can actually see it!  While in Seaside, we stopped at a Dollar store, and picked up a few items.  Also, stopped at the beach so I could get my feet wet in the ocean!  It was a little cooler than I thought it would be, but then, it is the end of September!     Sat. morning, as we were leaving, traffic was terrible!  In fact, cops had Capitol blocked off, which caused a traffic jam.  So, it seemed to take forever to get to the Credit Union which we needed to stop at, and get out of SJ!  But, once we left the city, it was great.  And, it didn’t take many miles to be OUT of the city, into the country.  One highlight…..on the way home from the beach, we took hwy 1 (we had gone down 101 to get there earlier), and stopped at a fresh produce stand and got LOTS of fresh fruits and vegetables for a great price!  Can’t wait to taste them to see how they taste!  We miss fresh stuff from the garden.

When we got home from our outing, we put the produce away, then I started on bread…..we go through a lot, and I can only make 3 loaves at a time because we don’t have much freezer space.  Plus, I had to make banana bread since the bananas were over ripe.  Then, made more cookies for our lunches for the week.  So, a busy evening.  Finished up in the hot tub, then bed.

Oh, last week, I forget which night, I had a phone call from President Shelton, our branch president of the Bayshore Branch.  He asked me if I would be able to lead the music in Sacrament Meeting this Sunday.