Week 74: Newbury Park

March 7, 2022

It was Preparation Day, and we did our Zone activity. The activity was playing sand volleyball and getting lunch. We also skated today, Elder Johnson and Elder White came with us and rode on their penny boards. And, we went to a music store today and I played a bass for the first time since I've been here in California. 

We had a visit with Sister Keyser tonight, she is the sweetest lady, she made us pie. We also had a visit with the Johnson's. Good day, it's going to be a Spirit-packed week with the temple trip and Zone Conference. 

March 8, 2022

We started off the day with some service for a member in our ward named Dennis. Moved some shingles, moved some scrap, just helped in whatever way we were needed. We had ZLC, and then planned more of our day, and planned for our bus program on the temple trip tomorrow. Super excited!

We had another lesson with the Boyce's, they are currently praying to know what day to set for their baptism; it seems like they are just a little nervous, but they have been doing so good and learned so much. After a couple member visits, we did a Zone Zoom and now the night is at its end.

March 9, 2022

Today was the long awaited temple trip. We headed up from the mission office, and took our ride up on the bus. We drove with the Camarillo Zone. Elder Hales and I were in charge of the bus program to keep everyone focused. We included testimony, hymn singing, temple facts and things like that. Every time I go to the temple, I just think, more people need to know about this. The way you feel, the knowledge you gain is something I have a renewed energy to bring people towards. 

After heading back to Oxnard and getting Cane's for the 4th time this transfer, we headed back to our area and finished up work for the day. I also got to see Elder Marks and several other people, because it was an all-mission temple trip. 

These are the days you want to remember. 

March 10, 2022

We had Zone Conference today, our second spiritual feast in a row. There were discussions on using the scriptures, Ward huddles, technology audits, and a discussion on the language of prayer, by yours truly. During my discussion a lot of people gave really good insights on prayer and our relationship with Heavenly Father. It's good to see everybody, even if we did see them yesterday. 

We kept being effective with the rest of our night and were able to have a couple of member visits. We were especially grateful for the Merrill's tonight, they made us dinner out of the blue, really good Sloppy Joe's. We're worried they'll get translated and not be in our ward anymore. 

March 11, 2022

Today we started off with service at James' Storehouse. It's a really great place that you feel like you really are helping out. We had a really good weekly planning session, had some productive things to plan. Otherwise, it was a pretty slow day, we did a bunch of tech stuff and dot knocking. Just keeping on the grind, seeking to keep building my faith and consecrate my life further for God. 

March 12, 2022

We did a lot of service this week, and today was no different. We did some service with the Nelson's, helped them make a stack of rock to the backyard. Very similar to what I did back at home for work, funny enough. After getting Munchy Meals for lunch, we helped moved a fridge to a lady's house, we almost dropped that thing a couple of times because it was just the two of us. 

We tried something new today, we made some brownies and took them around to the people that we have been trying to reach. After that, we were able to start teaching one of our friends named Nipom, and have a lesson with our other friend named Rich. A good day by all accounts. 

March 13, 2022

We had a good church attendance today, we had two of the Boyce kids come and Lynn watched over YouTube. It was a good Ward Conference, learned about the Tree of Life and about helping us fight contention in the world with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. After church, we dealt with some more business, did some finding, and had three member visits today. We were able to have some good member work this week. 

We had a fun week, went to the temple and had Zone Conference. It's fulfilling work, just trying to become a better instrument in the hands of the Lord.