Week 8, 20 June 2016

MISSIONARY MULTI ZONE CONFERENCE/19 MAY 2016

Our first Multi Zone Conference with Elder Zwick and Sister Zwick was held in Raleigh.

Sitting in second row are Lane, me, President James, Sister James, Sister Zwick and Elder Zwick.

Peggy (green skirt) and Vaughn are in the from row.

WILMINGTON ZONE CONFERENCE/21 JUNE 2016

Lunch at our conference. President and Sister James attended.

SENIORS AT LUNCH

Left to right: Elder Peterson, Sister Junker, Elder Madeo, Sister Madeo, Elder Martin, Sister Martin, Sister Hyde and Elder Hyde

WILMINGTON ZONE CONFERENCE

President and Sister James, Elder and Sister Martin, Elder and Sister Hyde

FAMILY VISIT
SUNSET BEACH/SHALOTTE

We spent the day at Sunset Beach in Shalotte with Ben, Rachel and the kids. Rachel''s family all get together at this beach, every year for one week. It is a gorgeous beach with soft sand and warm Atlantic Ocean water!!

RACHEL, RUBY AND NORAH

As we arrived we were met by Rachel on the bike with Ruby and Norah in tow! So cute..

BEACH CONDO SHALLOT

This is the beach condo that they were staying in. It sleeps 17 people.

BOARDWALK DOWN TO THE BEACH

Lane, Rachel and the children on the long wooden boardwalk that leads down to the beach. Norah is peeping our from her little seat in front of Rachel.

MAX ON THE MINI TRAMP

Caught in mid-air. Ruby looking on as her brother bounces off the tramp.

RELAXING IN THE SUN

Rachel, Ben and Norah enjoying some quiet time on the beach chairs.

SWIMMING IN THE ATLANTIC OCEAN

There were super warm tide pools left on the shore as the tide receded. My first real swim in the Atlantic Ocean.

WINDY DAY

Lane and I enjoying a bit of sun and wind!!

BAPTISM

Saturday 25 June we traveled to Morrisville with the Elders to attend the baptism of a Chinese young man called Miao. Elder Chiu had "found" Maio while offering English lessons to the Manderin speaking students in Raleigh.

ELDER CHIU SPEAKING AT THE BAPTISM

Elder Chiu spoke at Miao's baptism. The whole service was in Manderin and all the English speakers were provided with headsets. Sister Katie Hoskins translated for us. Her husband, Joseph Hoskins, conducted the meeting. President and Sister James were also in attendance. It was a special day for all of us and both Lane and I felt the spirit strongly. I think this is a special young man. He came to the US to study and has just graduated with a Biological Science degree. He plans to do his masters this next year.

BAPTISM

Miao was baptized by Elder Lin. These Chinese speaking elders have learned the language on the job. They are taught one hour a day by Sister Hoskins and Brother Barrow. They are amazing.

MISSIONARY WORK
As you can see from the above photos two days were occupied with District Meeting and the Baptism. We also used our "P Day" to visit with Ben and Rachel. Apart from that we had a wonderful visit with Mary Butler, her sister Anne Scott and her daughter, Wanda. We also visited with Brother Garst again. We meet in his air-conditioned garage where he potters around each day. He has a very faithful old dog who follows him around everywhere. He lies quietly behind Roger's chair until he moves, then he follows wherever Roger leads. We went by Harold and Nancy Honeyman and were able to meet their son Chris who works for the forest service. Harold was at work. Sister Honeyman has a number of health issues and is not able to get around very much. She told us about their interesting lives, having lived in Japan for 4 years where they were able to adopt Chris who is of Japanese descent. He is a really nice young man and we challenged him to start reading the Book of Mormon. On Friday we visited Tammy and Danny Skipper. They were very welcoming and we enjoyed getting to know them. They have invited us to dinner next Wednesday. We are excited about that. Today at church the Elders had an investigator by the name of Eden. What a nice man. He is Spanish speaking and already knows the Book of Mormon is true. The Elders played the movie of Joseph Smith and his first vision. We all enjoyed watching. It was in Spanish but we knew the story so we followed the action easily. Eden had a few questions which we answered for him. After church the Elders and us senior missionaries joined the ward choir to practice a song we will sing in church during July. Tonight there is a fireside for missionaries and investigators at Brother Bowman's home. President James will be speaking to us. We are looking forward to hearing what he has to say.

Lane and I are both enjoying feeling the spirit often and at unexpected times. Sometimes it is during someone's talk, while singing a hymn saying our prayers or just reading the scriptures. I am so grateful for this experience of serving a mission. It is truly blessing our lives and bringing us closer to our Savior and our Father in Heaven. The gospel blesses all lives and is free to anyone who is willing to study, pray and keep the commandments. 

Week 7, 13 June 2016

PROVISION COMPANY ON "P" DAY

This Monday, on "P" Day we went with the Hydes and Madeos to have lunch at the Provision Co. They serve the most delicious sea food. I had grilled yellow fin tuna salad, some had shrimp, some crab cakes. Yummy! The place was packed with holiday makers.

LUNCH ON THE DECK

We sat at a table on the "deck" with the water of the Cape Fear River right outside the window. The seagulls were sitting just feet away on the dock.

THE DOCK

Lane and me on the dock with the river and boats behind us.

THREE MISSIONARY COUPLES ON THE DOCK

Madeos, Hydes, Martins

ENJOYING THE VIEW OF THE CAPE FEAR RIVER

After lunch we went to the waterfront to relax and watch the activities on the pier and river. We saw a  school of dolphins swimming up the river. All along the path are these great swing benches where you can sit and rock back and forth while you enjoy the view.

OAK ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE

We took a drive to the Oak Island light house. Did you know that no two lighthouses in the world have the same flashing pattern of warning lights? The Atlantic Ocean and Caswell Beach are across the road from the lighthouse. 

HOMES ALONG CASWELL BEACH

The homes are usually rented out to holiday makers during the summer. They cost about $500 a night. The beach and ocean are just below these dunes.

CASWELL BEACH LOGGERHEAD TURTLES

This beach is home to the loggerhead turtles. They are protected. The females come onto the beach at night and lay their eggs in holes which they dig with their flippers. They lay between 126-200 eggs in each hole. They hatch after 60 days usually from June to July. These cages are placed around holes to prevent people from disturbing the nests of eggs.

ATLANTIC OCEAN

Lane and I could not resist the lukewarm water of the Atlantic Ocean. We plan on coming back on another P Day when we have more time, to just sit and enjoy the beach.

MISSIONARY SELFIES

At our recent district meeting the missionaries took control of my iPhone, took a group selfie and then used the phone to send copies to their folks. They cannot take photos with the phones provided by the mission.

SISTER VIOLINIST

Our sweet Sister Marshall played the violin for us. She has been learning for 7 years!

SENIOR MISSIONARY TEMPLE TRIP

Lane and me with Peggy and Vaughn Hyde at the entrance of the Raleigh Temple.
The senior missionaries in the Raleigh Mission joined together to attend the Temple on Saturday 18 June 2016.

RALEIGH TEMPLE

Elder and Sister Martin in front of the Raleigh Temple.

SENIORS ENJOY LUNCH

After our session in the temple we all enjoyed a pot luck lunch in the church building next door to the temple.

LUNCH

There was an abundance of food which we all enjoyed immensely. Lane and I took watermelon and blueberry pie with cream.

GROUP PHOTO OF ALL THE SENIORS

After lunch, just before departing, we took a group photo. It was a long day. Temple is 2 1/2 hours away from Leland so we were on the road from 6:30 am and got home at 6:00 pm.

MISSIONARY WORK
On Tuesday we were out visiting for a good few hours. We got to know Mary Butler and Cindy Collins who live almost next door to each other. Cindy lives with her Mom Anne Scott but she was out so we will go back to see her. We popped in to see Jay Child but he was just leaving to run an errand. Marie Garst was home but we took her by surprise and she asked us to come back another day. Friday we went back and had a wonderful visit with her, her son Gary jr. and his 3 girls Trinity (21), Charlie (9) and Sophie (5). They were so welcoming and before leaving we shared a video of Christ healing the blind man. This family has dealt with much tragedy recently. Marie's son passed away on 1 April and then on 20 April her husband, Gary snr., died of a heart attack. It is sad that she lost two loved ones within 3 weeks of each other.  As we were leaving Kelly, Gary's wife, arrived home from work so we met her as well. Marie has chickens and she gave us a dozen, gorgeous fresh BROWN eggs. Today was Fathers' Day and I made Lane and I each a delicious cheese omelet for lunch. On Thursday we accompanied the Elders to visit a new contact, "Holland". She was a sweet lady who has also had a hard life. The previous missionaries called on her on a day that she recalls was a "really bad day". She was pleased to meet them and felt they were sent to raise her spirits that day. The four of us had a good discussion with her and made a return appointment for next week.

We love our missionary work and feel so blessed to be here in North Carolina getting a taste of the Southern Culture. Lane and I both have strong testimonies of this gospel, the Plan of Salvation and the Atonement. We want to share it with as many people as will listen! We know Heavenly Father loves each one of His precious children and wants them to pass the test of this earth life so that they can go back and live with him in the afterlife. Be patient, trust God and endure to the end.

Week 6, 6 June 2016 Transfer Day/Raleigh

TRANSFER DAY IN THE NORTH CAROLINA RALEIGH MISSION

 We left Leland at 5:30 am and drove with Elders Hutchings and Chiu to Raleigh. Elder Hutchings was transferring to a new area called Clary, near Raleigh and Elder Chiu was going for training as a trainer of a greenie missionary. His brand new companion from San Diego is Elder Rawlins. He has completed one year at BYU and is now going to serve his 2 years in North Carolina.

HELLO AND GOODBYE

When we arrived at the Raleigh Stake Center there seemed to be organized chaos in the parking lot as missionaries arrived with all their luggage. Missionaries were just finishing unloading the belongings of newly arrived missionaries from this trailer. They had flown in the day before from the MTC in Utah and had spent the night at the mission home.

BICYCLES

The gym was filled with bicycles and luggage from the trailer. When the training was over, the missionaries were fed a sack lunch and then came to collect their belongings from the hall. Cars were loaded, bicycles strapped to trunks and off they drove to their new areas. Elders and Sisters who were going home spent that night at the mission home, ready to fly out the next morning to be reunited with their families and friends at home. 

FUN VISIT

 Lane and I had a few hours to kill while the missionaries were busy training so we drove to Chapel Hill and visited Rachel and the children who were on vacation at Rachel's Mom and Dad, Anne and Kerri Lee. The grandchildren were happy to see their Papa Lane again. Here they are with Anne in front of the house where Rachel was raised.

NOTHING BEATS FAMILY

Anne took a photo with me in it, as well.

ELDER RAWLINS' FIRST MISSIONARY VISIT

That evening Lane and I met the missionaries to visit with the Evanco family. This was Elder Rawlins first taste of missionary work.

ZONE TRAINING

This is what Zone Training looks like. It is run by the younger missionaries. We have Zone Leaders and District Leaders who hand out assignments and preside over the training. The Senior Missionaries usually sit and listen but do participate if they feel so inspired. We usually provide cookies for the 10 minute break we have during the meeting. We are amazed at how professional and smart these kids are. 

LINGER LONGER

It was our Leland Ward Conference today so all the Stake Leaders were present. It is customary out here in NC for the members to have a pot luck lunch after church. They call it Linger Longer. Here the members are waiting for everyone to get the food set out on tables.

SOUTHERN FAVORITES

Southern fried chicken and hushpuppies are very popular in the south. The hushpuppies taste like fried cornbread. Yummy!!

CROCKPOTS OF CHILI /MAC & CHEESE

There was enough food to feed an army. I could't help myself posting some of the food provided.

DELICIOUS!

DESERTS

My favorite table!

WATER MELON

The water melons this year are to die for! They are so sweet and crisp.

MISSIONARY WORK
It was a busy week. Two days were taken up with transfers and training. Lane and I continue to visit ward members - active, less active, inactive and investigators. Sometimes you have to call folks 4 and 5 times before getting a response. We have found that it is often more beneficial to just "drop in" to introduce ourselves. This missionary experience has certainly opened our eyes to life and we have come to realize that the gospel is the only way to a happiness. Those families who have faith in the Savior and live the gospel seem to have the strength to continue on and have peace and happiness despite their burdens. The folks who have let their faith fail them and have lapsed into inactivity don't have the same strength and optimism to handle the trials and challenges of life. We have also experienced first hand that EVERYONE goes through hard things, some seem to have harder times than others. One old gentleman who has not been to church for years has many health issues. has two nephews who have committed suicide, a daughter in law who shot herself, a son who was murdered and another who died of a heart condition. That is certainly more tragedy than one person should have to deal with. We will continue to visit and try to uplift if we can.

Week 5 30 May 2016

MEMORIAL DAY/30 MAY2016

Thank you to all those who have or do serve our country to safeguard our freedoms.

WRIGHTSVILLE BEACH

Lane and I had breakfast at the Magnolia Greens restaurant and then went looking for the closest beach. This happened to be Wrightsville Beach about 30 minutes from our condo.

THE PIER

We paid $2 each to walk along this cement pier. We got a good look at the beaches and the Atlantic Ocean from this pier. I love the clouds and beaches in the distance.

SEAGULLS

These seagulls were all lined up enjoying the sun. The weather was glorious with lots of sunshine, blue sky and white puffy clouds.

LANE ON THE PIER

The pier was long and there were a number of fishermen fishing off the end. We only saw two little silver fish caught in the short time we were there.

THE BEACH FROM THE PIER

The beaches stretch for miles in both directions.

PADDLE BOATS ON THE INLET

At this spot there were guys renting out paddle boats and canoes.

CAUSEWAY

We crossed this causeway on our way to the beach. It was filled with hundreds of little and big boats moored or traveling on the water. Tons of folk were out for the day, it being a public holiday today.

DISTRICT MEETING

The missionaries in our meeting today. Standing, Elders Duke, Matkin, Hutchings, Chiu and Martin.
Sitting, Sisters Buhler, Muder, Sally and Marshall.

COMPANIONS

Sisters Sally and Marshall

COMPANIONS

Sisters Buhler and Muder

SISTER MUDER IS "DYING"

This is what is like to "die" in the mission field. Sister Muder is going home next Tuesday.

OUR BABY IS BACK

Today, after our visits we drove past our pond and found our little alligator lying on the banks. First time we have seen him out of the water! It is amazing to see!

BROADWAY BEACH SOUTH CAROLINA

Three senior couples went on an overnight trip to Myrtle Beach. We visited "Broadway Beach" which  was a huge amusement park with a variety of entertainment on offer. There were boat rides, ferris wheels, swimming, restaurants, shops etc. We took photos in front of the "Stupid Factory". Have no idea why they chose that name.

FEEDING THE FISH

There was a machine from which you could purchase food for 25c to feed the fish. Lane and Vaughn decided to feed the fish. It was amazing to watch the catfish literally fighting each other to get the pellets.

OCEAN DRIVE HOTEL

We stayed overnight in the Ocean Drive Hotel. Lane and I had a room on the 9th floor! We had an incredible 180 degree view of the Atlantic Ocean. Myrtle Beach has beautiful white sand, calm waves and warm sea. It was breathtaking. My only regret was that we did not get a chance to walk on the beach.

CAROLINA OPRY

This photo was taken inside the Carolina Opry.  It was a wonderful evening of singing, dancing, skits,  music and jokes. We all thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment.

CLOGGING

This group of guys were amazing. They had white tap shoes on and did a number of clogging routines as strobe lights flashed across the theatre.

MISSIONARY WORK
In case you think we are just on vacation, here is what we have accomplished in our missionary work. On Monday, Memorial Day, we went with the Elders to visit a mom and her two teenage daughters. They are originally from Mexico but have been in the US for 11 years. The Mom did not understand English very well so the daughters would translate when she had questions. What a lovely family! They listened intently and got involved in the presentation. The Elders taught the "Plan of Salvation".  We were there for an hour. We hope they will be able to get a return appointment. Our Tuesday meeting with the Evancos was cancelled but we did call on an active single sister hoping she could help us with information we need. Unfortunately she had the flu so we said we would call again. We are trying to visit as many of the ward members as we can so that we can get to know everyone. We did have a very good visit with Brother Ronnie Child. His wife is an assistant principal at a school so we were not able to meet her this time. Wednesday was our regular district meeting in Wilmington so we collected the elders and, armed with cookies and orange juice, we headed to the Wilmington chapel. We are sad to say goodbye to Sister Muder. She will be flying back to her home in Arizona next Tuesday. Later in the afternoon we visited the single mom of two who is not a member but is separated from her member husband. We hope to be able to send the missionaries to teach her the gospel in the future. We also went back to an inactive brother but although his car was there, no-one answered the doorbell. We left a card and pamphlet in the door. Lane attended the missionary Book of Mormon class but nobody turned up so they left. The Friday appointment with the missionaries was cancelled. Saturday we went with the missionaries to call on Babbs. She is a new member. As we arrived they were leaving for the hospital. It was an incredibly hot day with high humidity and she could not breathe so was going to the hospital for a breathing treatment. We saw her at church on Sunday. She was going for another breathing treatment after sacrament. We also went with the Elders on a return visit to a new contact. The wife had invited the Elders to come back but we were met outside by the husband who kept us out on the front porch in the dripping hot weather trying to talk to him about the gospel. He was not interested and we finally gave up on him and left. This missionary work is not for sissies, I can tell you. On a happier note we visited Jeanette again on Sunday and she agreed to set a baptismal date for end of June. Well done Elder Chiu and Hutchings! We are saying goodbye to Elder Hutchings on Tuesday as he is transferred to a place called Cary, near Raleigh. We will welcome a new Elder who is going to be trained by Elder Chiu.