Transfer 14 Week 5  Aug 22-28   Week B15 

               What we have here is a failure to communicate

Preaching:  From Elder Bednar:  Taking action is the exercise of faith.  The children of Israel are carrying the ark of the covenant.  They come to the River Jordan.  The promise is they will cross over on dry land.  When does the water part?  When their feet are wet.  They walk into the river - act.  Power follows - the water parts.  

We often times believe, “Okay, I’m going to have this perfect understanding, and then I’m going to transform that into what I do.”  I would suggest that we have enough to get started.  We have a sense of the right direction.  Faith is a principle - the principle of action and of power.  True faith is focused in and on the Lord Jesus Christ and always leads to action.    

Monday:  Another not so restful p-day but is wasn’t from working.  Mostly from driving, it’s a three hour round trip to where we went. We picked up Diane Nardi and the Elder Sisters and drove to Northwest Trek.  The sisters had never been there.  It was a cool day with sunshine so lots of animals were out and close to the road, by the water, and in the near mountains. You ride around the park in an open air bus and see mountain goats, mountain sheep, bison, elk, caribou, deer, swans, geese and etc.  Then, you go on a walking tour to see the bears, cougars, wolves, fox, bobcats, and coyotes.  It’s not like Yellowstone but it is nice.  Made us just a bit homesick.   When we got back to the bus station a group of missionaries were there waiting to go on the trip.  We only knew one of them that we had worked with in our zone.  On the way home we stopped at the Rainbow RV Resort and got a greasy cheeseburger and a shake.  It’s owned by some members who were once in the Skyway ward.  It’s on a small lake and they rent boats and RV spaces, more homesickness.  We did miss FHE.  We did have a good time with Diane so it was somewhat of a working day or at least membership support.  Jake did call us before we left in the morning which is always a good start for the day.  Sometimes we are hard to catch in the evenings.  

Tuesday: 

We missed District meeting because of taking Eldrex to the Dr.  It was a long appointment, almost three hours.  They want to do surgery on his foot so he can walk better.  The doctor wants to put in a bone graph on the outside of his foot that is deformed to elongate that part of the foot so it will make an arch on the inside of his foot.   Ric and Estrella will decide if they want to have it done.  They are pretty nervous about staying in the hospital.  Because of the long appointment we had to cancel with Joyce Johnson.  We had a meeting at seven so we went early and stopped in to see Darlene Jones at her new place. Sounds like we will be helping her some more.  Our meeting was for the SRS committee.  It was long and not very helpful.  Mostly just a lot of talking about each other, and since we didn’t know anybody that well, we just sat there. We thought it was to plan the devotional for the 17th of Sept. and report on our last session. They did have some good refreshments.

Wednesday: We tried to get caught up from yesterday.  Northwest Harvest was in the morning and since there was only us and Sister Stevensen, they had us make extra boxes.  Just the three of us made 545 boxes.  Everyone else did pasta or corn.  We made the boxes for pears that they will do later.  They have lots of fresh produce and not enough people to pack it up.  Thats why we ended up making boxes so the next small group can just pack and not have to worry about the boxes.  After the service we picked up Joyce Johnson and rode the link light rail to the Sodo Station to the district office to register Gideon. 

We filled out lots of forms and they tested him for English, which Sister Johnson though was pretty funny since he can’t speak any.  The test lasted about one minute.  We got home just in time to start picking up for achievement days and YM.  It was a combined activity for YM/YW at Coulon Park with the Tiffany Park ward.  Bishop Munson had his boat there.  The primary kids played volleyball and played on the swings. Reymark and Ivar got in a fight over something so Dylan had to sort that out.  We took the Acostas home and they wanted us to come in for a party they were having for Nathalia’s five month birthday.  We said we would come in and say hello and then we ended up staying and eating, also. Dylan and Beverlyn also stopped in after taking Ivar home. Ivar didn’t want to ride home with us because we had Reymark in our group.  Hope they can make up and be friends again.

Thursday: We went to Sister Darlene Jones’ house with Princess Joy and picked up a few more things that she wanted taken to the D.I.  One of her friends was there with Darlene, and the friend wanted a few things but didn’t have a way to get them to her place in the Renton Highlands, so we delivered them for her.  We had picked up the twins, also, so they could help us do some service.  The plan was to take all of them shopping for a dress.  Before shopping, we went to the Bishop’s Storehouse to pick up a food order and then went and delivered it.  It was nice having the twins and Princess Joy with us so they could help deliver all the boxes of food.  Then, to the mall.  Art sat in the food court while Joyce shopped with the girls.  Somewhere the plan got changed and instead of shopping for a dress for each one, it was more for school clothes.  They are always so thankful and they did help us, so, “no problem.”  We did have lunch then took them to our place to sort through the D.I. stuff that we had gotten from Sister Jones.  They wanted a lot of it which saves us the trouble of taking it to the D.I.  We had a lesson with Ezekiel and Skyway B that went well.  We hope he will start coming to church again.  Since we were walking, Skyway B gave us a ride to the church for the missionary meeting and then a ride home.  Both sets of Elders have a lot of people they are working with but we still have the problem of not enough member support. 

Friday:  Eldrex had a doctors appointment at 8:00, which means we pick them up at 7:00 so we can get there on time.  He also had 2:00 and 3:00 appointments so we went to the Japanese Garden and McDonalds between the appointments.  Princess Joy and Eldrex loved feeding the Koi fish at the Japanese Gardens.  The garden was very pretty and would be fun it visit in the spring when the flowers are in bloom.  There was a mix up with the 2:00, so the therapist cancelled it and also the 3:00 appointment.  One doctor wants to do surgery and the other wants to do physical therapy.  They are going to work it out before the next appointment, hopefully.  The Acostas would love to avoid the surgery.  Skyway A wanted us to teach with them but we got home too late so we just stayed home, cleaned, and got things ready for the dinner appointment tomorrow.

Saturday:  Today we had to split up to cover all that was going on.  The R.S. had a baby shower for all those with new babies.  Mary Ann and Estrella picked up Joyce and Art went to Sister Jones with the Hermanas to help Sister Jones  organize her new place.  She had more things for the D.I. that she didn’t have room in her new place to store.  Those who know her can guess how much we got done. 

She is still having a hard time parting with some of her things, and she loves to visit.  Art picked up Joyce after the shower and then we spent an hour talking in the parking lot to Estrella and Mary Ann.  It made what we have seen with their family a lot clearer.   Mary Ann told us because we are “part of their family.”  Bishop Munson is going to become family real soon.  We made a call to see if Ezekiel wanted a ride to the Elders Quorum party but got no answer so we came home and got ready for our dinner party. The Smiths, Karen and Caitlyn came over for dinner in the evening.  We had a good time. Caitlyn and Jordan just moved in and live next door.  Jordan had to work so he wasn’t there, but Caitlyn was delightful and it’s always so fun to get together with Casey and Shakira Smith.  Karen even enjoyed the evening and then Karen and Joyce had a long talk when Joyce drove her home.  Pray she can find an apartment, please.  

Sunday:  It was a good church meeting.  The Martens talked, and Joyce entertained Eldrex, Princes Joy, Ruth, and Rubi.  Bro. David left for DC so we will be getting a new member of the bishopric soon.  Not a real good attendance from investigators  and less actives that the Elders are working with. Reymark, Ric, Mary Ann, Francisco, Sister Fabon, Ezekiel and several investigators were no shows.  Primary was interesting with Gideon, who speaks no English.  Last week he was pretty good, but this week he was out of control .  Joyce enlisted the help of Donella Mitchel, Beverlyn Sablon, Sheila Jackson, and we made it through the lesson.  7 students and 4 teachers - pretty good ratio!  Thank goodness for good and willing help!  We took Estrella, Eleazar and Eldrex home after church plus the  twins and Princess

Joy.   The twins and Princess Joy came over to our place because they wanted to make homemade pizza for lunch.   It was a quick lunch because we had to take Estrella  and Eleazar back to the church to visit with the bishop. (The result of our visit yesterday.)  Art did teach the kids how to eat peanut butter and honey on crackers.  They thought it was a pretty good invention.  We didn’t have much time to eat because of the appointment.  We picked up Estrella and Eleazar (for translating) and drove to the church.  Joyce went in the office with them for over an hour and Art stayed out in the pick-up.  We think it went well but there are still problems to be worked on.  In the evening we went and met with the Jacksons (Kyla and Nick) for Joyce’s V.T. and then home and the day was done.  They are the nicest young couple from Utah, and the kid’s Sunday School teachers, so it was fun to get to visit and get to know them better.

We are so appreciative of all of you at home who love us, support us, and pray for us.  We feel your prayers in our behalf and for all those we serve.  Our Primary lesson today was about putting on the  WHOLE armor of God:  your loins girt about with truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet shod with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the spirit, which is the word of God.  We had such a good visit tonight with Nick and Kyla Jackson as we discussed putting on this spiritual armour to receive personal revelation and to defend against the fiery darts of the wicked, who is Satan, and who is ready at every interval to tempt us in these, the latter days.  Kyla said her mom is constantly sending out encouragement and reminders to stay strong, so here is our encouragement and reminder:  Stay strong with your spiritual armour!

We love you,

Elder and Sister Knowles 

Transfer 14 Week 4 B16  Aug. 14-20

         They should put Reymark in the zoo

Preaching:  In our self reliance service’s class on financial management, we have been studying integrity.  This is the story from our book from Elder Robert C. Gay:  The Savior once asked His disciples the following question:  “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?”  This is a question that my father taught me to carefully consider years ago.  As I was growing up, my parents assigned me chores around the house and paid me an allowance for that work.  I often used that money, a little over 50 cents a week, to go to the movies.  Back then, a movie ticket cost 25 cents for an 11 year old.  This left me with 25 cents to spend on candy bars, which cost 5 cents a piece.  A movie with five candy bars!  It couldn’t get much better than that.  

    

All was well until I turned 12.  Standing in line one afternoon, I realized that the ticket price for a 12 year old was 35 cents, and that meant 2 less candy bars.  Not quite prepared to make that sacrifice, I reasoned to myself, “You look the same as you did a week ago.”  I then stepped up and asked for the 25 cent ticket.  The cashier did not blink, and I bought my regular five candy bars instead of three.    

     Elated by my accomplishment, I later rushed home to tell my dad about my big coup.  As I poured out the details, he said nothing.  When I finished, he simply looked at me and said, “Son, would you sell your soul for a nickel?”  His words pierced my 12 year old heart.  It is a lesson I have never forgotten.”   (Robert C. Gay, “What Shall a Man give in Exchange for His Soul?” Ensign Nov. 2012) 

Sunday: Allison left first thing in the morning for the airport. We had a good day at church.   Sister Meldrum talked on visiting teaching and Bro. Penn talked on service.  Most of the Acostas were there except Ric and Sunshine. Several investigators and less actives, also were there. The Elders are working hard.  We picked up Estrella, Princess Joy, Eldrex and Karen and also took the Acostas  and the twins home.  Karen needed to talk to the Bishop so we came back to the church to take her home.  Karen wanted us to take her to Kenmore to look at a place to live but after talking to the bishop that plan was cancelled so we came

home, ate and took a nap.  The International Festival was going on in Othello Park.  We walked over after our nap but it was over so we missed it.  Not much else happened.  Josh and his family called so we talked to them.  

Monday:  We did some of the usual things in the morning until it was time to go to Sister Jones for service at 10:00.  It was a service day instead of preparation day.  The twins went with us to help.  Not a lot was sold at the yard sale over the weekend so there was a pickup load for us all to load up and take the D.I.  We took all that we could get in the pickup that we though was worth taking, and drove to Federal Way and the D.I.  Joyce called the DI to make certain that they would take all the cd players, electronics, and microwave, and they assured us that we could bring everything.  When we got there, they said they did not take all of that, but since we had just called, we were able to leave it all.  Since we had the twins with us, we took them to lunch.  They were good help.  Joyce thinks they are her grandkids and they think Joyce is their grandma.  Art just drives the pickup and teases them when they speak Tagolog because he can’t understand them.  Federal Way has a Wal-Mart super store so we made a stop there to pick up a few things that the Wal-mart in Renton doesn’t carry. We

Missionaries and volunteers at Northwest Harvest

stopped and got some tools so we could take Karens bed apart. (The tools Art bought were cheap and broke before he could get the bed apart, so he had to find something in the house that he could make work.) We took the twins home, then back to Sister Jones to help Karen move all of her things again.  First, she needed to store a few things in our bedroom/dining room at our apartment.  So, we stored  the bed we had just got for her, and some other things.  The Bishop said we could store things at his place or at her storage unit in Tacoma, but we know we will be moving her again so our place we be the easiest for us. Next stop was back to Darlene’s house for the rest of Karen’s things that she is taking with her.  She has a lot of stuff!  Bishop Munson is helping her so she can stay in a motel until she finds a permanent place.  We met him at the motel, unpacked her things and then took her out for a late supper.  It was a long day and we were glad to get home and to bed.  Now, we just need to find time to put our place back together.

At the zoo

Tuesday:  Our district meeting was very good.  The topic was faith and works.  We made a list of what we can invite people to do that will help increase their faith  After the meeting we stopped and picked up a few more pieces of furniture at Sister Jones to store at our place, then came home, cleaned the house, made refreshments, and rested until time for the SRS class at 5:00.  This was the last class so we won’t have to facilitate the Financial Management Class ever again, maybe.  There was a small party, Joyce and the employment office sisters brought refreshment and we had to take time to fill out a survey for the church.  It has been a very good class and we would highly recommend it to anyone.  In September the stake will start another round of classes and we will probably take one of those.  The Hermana's (our Spanish Speaking Sisters for our stake) came over at nine so we could put air in their volley ball.  They are not supposed to come in this area after six, but these two bend the rules a bit.

The Johnsons

Wednesday:  We picked up Sister Beck (Sister Stevensen didn’t feel well) and went to Northwest Harvest.  Sisters Bailey and Leavitt were the only young missionaries there again.  We sacked up rolled oats, very messy.  We had to pick up Joyce Johnson by 12:30 so no lunch after serving today.  Eric had a doctor’s appointment for a check-up in Seattle so we drove them.  It was the fastest Dr. appointment we have ever seem, about 30 minutes worth.  We took everyone (us, Joyce Johnson, Gideon, and Eric) to lunch on the way home, along with a stop at an African grocery store for Sister Johnson to pick up a few things.  In the evening we took Karen to look at an apartment which didn’t work for her.  She didn’t like the neighborhood and they wanted a one year lease.  Afterwards she wanted to go walk around Seward Park.  The Bishop was out of town so that meeting was cancelled.

Thursday:  We planned a field trip with the Acostas to the Woodland Zoo.  They had never been to a zoo before.  We picked up the twins then walked to the Holly house for the others.  We had the twins (Ruth and Rubi), Estrella, Natalia (MaryAnn’s baby), Eldrex, Princess Joy, Reymark and Eleazar.  Michelle and Richelle were tired and needed to work later in the day.  So, there were ten of us all together, plus a stroller and wheelchair.  We rode the link light rail, then the bus to the zoo.  The trip home was very crowded so we had to stand most of the way home.  We even had to wait for a second link so we would have room for the stroller and wheelchair.  The zoo was lots of fun and we think everyone had a good time.  It was a little hot but most of the animals were still very active.  There is a lot of shade there.  Joyce and Estrella had brought stuff for lunch.  Reymark was a typical junior

Rubi, Joyce and Ruth at Sam's Club

high student (according to Joyce) and he was a bit out of control at the end, was teasing everyone, and kind of a problem, thus the name of our letter… We were just happy they all came.  We were glad Estrella was with us and it was good for her to be able to get out of the house a little, even though she had to bring Nathalia, the baby.  She doesn’t get out too much with tending all day.  They were good kids and very thankful to us for taking them.  They loved the animals as we went from one exhibit to another.  It was fun to get Eldrex out of his wheel chair  and spend some time, so he could get up close to see.  The twins calculated that we had been walking or on the bus for 9 hours.  No wonder everyone was tired!  After we took Holly house people home, and then the twins home, we made a stop at Sam’s Club for groceries for the party on Friday, then went to the missionary meeting.  It was lots more of the same thing.

Friday: Today was our big party at the mission office for the Young’s and the new office couple that will replace them.  We made stuff for taco salad and then everyone else did pot luck.  There was tons of food and lots of people. Those attending:  Pres. and Sister Rasmusson,1st counselor Pres. and Sister Layman, 2nd counselor Pres. and Sister Campbell, the Hunts, Draneys and us, (couple missionaries) Employment Office Sisters,

Elder Sisters, Elder and Sister Holiday (over all the housing), the Harrisons, (institute instructors) the Youngs, (going home on Wednesday from the office), the Nydegger's, (replacing the Youngs), Elder Stratton, (finance), Sister Durham, (mental health) Sister Hansen, (office) Sister Arseneau (replacing Sister Hansen) the Masseys, (housing under the Holidays), and the Milam’s who were in the office before.  It was lots of fun to see everyone and to see the number of people involved in running the mission.  After we got home we went to Sister Driggs place and installed an air conditioner for her.  We thought it was only one, but she had two plus more jobs for us, so we will be going back another time.  The Hermana's were coming over so we couldn’t stay and finish all she wanted done.  The Hermana's came over and Joyce taught they how to punch and crochet the edges of fabric to make baby quilts.  Thanks, Annie!  Art ran to Safeway for milk and ice to make a smoothy, and while he was gone, Tesloach, JB and some friends showed up.  We have been looking for Tesloach all summer, so it was good to see him.  He may come to church on Sunday, as well as his dad, Ezekiel.  

Sister Pineda, Knowles and Yost

Saturday:  We got up early so we could go to the temple with Margarita Sanchez.  We have to ride the bus there with her.  It was a hot day here with extreme heat warnings for the past few days. Not a good day for wearing a suit coat.  We planned on the 11:00 session but they were short on men and needed people for the prayer circle for the 10:30 session so they waited for us.  Only five men in the session so they wanted all to be in the prayer circle.  Margarita got to be in the prayer circle and it was her first time, so she was quite happy.  After the temple we took a few pictures.  The temple grounds are just beautiful with all the gorgeous flowers, then we went to Desert Book and to lunch.  Margarita needed to stop at a bank on the way home to send money to her mother.  She does this every week.  Then, we rode the bus to Henderson and walked home from there in the worst of the heat, but we needed to walk off the big lunch we had.  After getting home, we went to Sister Driggs and installed the second Air conditioner and then to the Acostas to help Michele with the primary lesson.  She is going to teach again Sunday, which is a small miracle in itself!  Our small apartment was hot when we got home so we tried to stay cool and work on our next week lessons. (We got a few text messages while at the temple that we need to address). Thank heaven for fans!  Hope everyone had a good week. Love Sister and Elder Knowles

Week B17 Transfer 14 Week 3  August 7-13

      If your happy and you know it, tell your face!

Preaching:  By David A. Bednar, Council of the Twelve Apostles:

Spiritual knowledge cannot be given by or borrowed from another person. Shortcuts to the desired destination do not exist. Cramming for the ultimate final examination on the Day of Judgment will never work.

Columbia Tower

In this eternally important endeavor, the Lord’s pattern is “line upon line, precept upon precept, here a little and there a little; and blessed are those who hearken unto my precepts, and lend an ear unto my counsel, for they shall learn wisdom; for unto him that receiveth I will give more” (2 Nephi 28:30).

The law of the harvest clearly applies to our individual responsibility to learn and live gospel truths: “For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7).

Sunday Dinner

Sunday:  We had to get up early and get the crockpots going for dinner.  It was a good day at church.  Most of the Acostas were there.  We gave Estrella, Eldrex and Princes Joy a ride to church and then the twins, Eldrex and Princes Joy a ride home.  Estrella went home after SS with Ric.  Jasmine was confirmed and then Art had to take her and Justine home after SS.  Something was said that upset Justine.  After church the Elder Sisters came over and helped get dinner ready and went up on the roof to watch the Blue Angels.  It was a short show. The last two days have been rainy and cloudy so the show wasn’t as good as last year because they had to put on a low show under all the clouds.  We had The Spanish speaking missionaries over for dinner, both elders and sisters, plus Diane Nardi, Margareta

Sunday Dinner

Sanchez and the Elder Sisters.  10 altogether, so it was a house full.  The Elder Sisters took Margareta home and we took Diane home so she could visit with Joyce.  She is having more problems and wanted us to know what is going on.  Josh called in the evening so we could face time with his family.  Sometimes we are hard to catch so keep trying when you call.

Monday p-day:  Mostly the usual stuff in the morning.  We wanted to catch up on a few things but plans change.  The Elder Sisters called and wanted to go into Seattle and pick up their senior Orca cards.  We rode the train there, got the cards, then walked around looking for a place to eat.  We finally settled on Johnny Rockets in one of the malls.  We had to get back for origami and FHE, so no shopping.  FHE was okay with a small turn out.  We came home and made a few calls to sing happy birthday to Tyson and Rachel since we missed them on Sunday.

Tuesday:  No district meeting in the morning because of zone conference on Friday. We spent most of the morning renewing our passports incase if we ever come back here we can go into Canada.   They are soon to expire. We rode the link to meet Diane Nardi for lunch

Lunch after Northwest Harvest

and then taught her the third lesson on the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It went well.  She is doing better and she really likes Joyce.  After lunch/dinner we rode the bus to our SRS class and found that we are the facilitators for this week and next week. Next week it is over.  We had a good class even though the numbers have dropped a bit with people moving and out town.  After class we rode the bus back to Henderson and then walked home.  The long days of daylight are about over for us and maybe the good weather ,so we need to take advantage and walk while we can.

Wednesday: We started with Northwest Harvest.  The Elder Sisters, Sisters Bailey and Leavitt, and us, were the only missionaries there again.  We sacked beans with the Kent Lake football team.  Afterward we all went to lunch with a stop at See’s Candies.  On the way home we had to make a stop at Winco and Sam’s.  The rest of the afternoon was spent trying to catch up on some paper work and then we started at 5:30, to pick up everyone for achievement days.  We never know for sure what is going on with the young mens and how many we will pick up.  It turned out that all the young men were going

with us for their activity so we picked up Princess Joy, Reymark, Eleazar, Ivar (Macapagal), and the twins and met at the church.  9 in our pick up is a load!  Amber called to say she was sick and not coming.  The Sablans took the young men so we wouldn’t be as crowded.  We all drove to the Japanese Garden to find that they closed at 7:00 so we missed it.  There are many trails around the parking lot and a nice soccer/baseball field of turf so we did have a good time playing and walking, plus refreshments.   Sister Sablon had a fun activity about the creation for the kids to do.  It is a long way there, but a very pretty drive along Lake Washington, and the park was fun for everyone, even though we missed the Gardens.

Thursday: It was a slower day than we normally have.  In the morning we walked to the Acostas and Joyce helped  Michele prepare a Primary lesson for this week.  In the afternoon we went to Joyce Johnson’s place and Joyce read the Book of Mormon with her while Art tried to entertain the kids and took a nap when that didn’t work.  The 7:00 appointment to teach English didn’t show up so we waited at the church until time for the missionary meeting.  It was another long meeting.  There is a lot going on with the missionaries but it is hard to plan much when only two of the auxiliary presidents show up.

Renton and Kent Zones

Friday:  Today was our first zone conference with President Rasmusson.  It was at the Renton Stake Center and the Skyway ward was in charge of the noon meal.  That meant mostly Sister Kemp, the R.S. Pres., and Alice Meldrum.  There were a few more there to help and it was a good meal.  The conference was very good.  It was about teaching faith and repentance.  We miss the Eatons, but are in love with the Rasmussen’s.  They are so kind, nice and caring!  After the conference we rode the link to SeaTac to meet Allison, then

Zone Conference

home for dinner at our favorite Vietnamese restaurant.  Joyce left the waiter a Book of Mormon.  We have talked to him many times when we eat there.  His family own the restaurant and they close on Sunday because they are Christians.  It’s one of the few that closes around here.  So good to have Allison!

Saturday:  Caden’s first game wasn’t until 5:00 so we were in no hurry in the morning.  We rode the link into Seattle and went to the Columbia Tower to view the city, then walked down to the shoreline for something to eat.  We love walking along the waterfront of the Sound, and we ate outside, so we could enjoy the water.  The traffic going to Centralia was terrible by Tacoma so it was slow

Zone Conference

going.  We had left early so we could maybe stop at the outlet mall, but we didn’t have time.  We did make it to the game on time and were able to watch Caden play.  It was so fun to watch him play in the first game and pitch in the second game.  We were missing watching some baseball this summer, so this was a great outing. The traffic going home wasn’t bad because it was late.  We got home around 11:20.  It was a fun day and great to have Allison with us and to see Caden. Hope you all had a good week.  Love ya Joyce and Art

Week B18 Transfer 14 Week 2  July 31-Aug.6 

Keep loving. Keep trying. Keep trusting. Keep believing. Keep growing.  Heaven is cheering you on today, tomorrow and forever

Preaching:  We missed the SRS class because of the baby shower.  Sister Kakuda and Johnson were the facilitators since we couldn’t come and  Bro. Connell wasn’t there.  The foundation principle was on seek learning and education, and the lesson was on investing for the future.  They used the example of filling a jar with rocks and sand and compared the common approach to the self-reliant approach. (Sand first vs rocks first)  “We have a responsibility and a challenge to take our place in the world of business, science, government, medicine, education, and every other worthwhile and constructive vocation.  We have an obligation to train our hands and minds to excel in the work of the world for the blessing of all mankind.” Gordon B. Hinckley

Sunday:  It was so nice to get the talks over with.  Art added a few more thoughts to his talk before church, and printed it, then during his talk found that he had printed the first page four times instead of printing the talk. Panic would be an under statement. Oh well, we both got through it (Joyce did great) without anybody leaving  or throwing something at us.  We only picked up three Acostas and Karen for church.  Joyce Johnson drove her own car and ended up leaving early.  Gideon had a meltdown in primary during class.  Church is all pretty new for him. Joyce had 100% of her class plus, 2 new members and 2 visitors.  All this on a day when she had no help, so Sister Stephens, the music director, helped her with Gideon. Plus, Donella, who has been called to be her assistant, was supposed to teach because Joyce had to talk and called that morning and was sick.  Thank goodness the Elders had been over the night before for a dinner and a lesson, Joyce could use a little from their lesson to help her teach.  For the combined fifth Sunday they talked about the day of service, then presented a program they want to try in the ward called “finding your neighbor”  like Finding Nemo.  Those who want to help will be given two or three names of members that live close to them,  They will then find if they live at the address the ward has, or go through the nine step program the church has to see if they can locate them.  After taking Eldrex and Princes Joy home we went home for lunch. 

Karen was with us for lunch.  After lunch we all went to Seward Park.  Joyce and Karen walked and Art went up to the Filipino celebration that was going on.  He did see Jane, from the Filipino Cultural Center, who we have been trying to contact for a while so that was good.  Parking was terrible.  We took Karen home to Darlene’s home now where she lives, then went to dinner with the Elder Sisters and the Hermana's and then home for the night.

Monday:  We had a great p-day with just the two of us.  We have been wanting to ride the ferry to Bainbridge Island and walk around, then come back to Seattle after the sun was down to see the  Seattle skyline at night from the ferry.  We did invite the Elder Sisters but since it would involve lots of walking they stayed home. We rode the train and then walked to the ferry.  Now the adventure starts.  It was a fun ride and we watched the cars unload then walked into the town.  The one park we wanted to see is closed on Mondays.  We had about eight hours to wait before the sun went down so we walked around town a bunch.  We visited the Art Museum, Kids Discovery Center and the History Museum.  The history museum was the best.  Bainbridge Island was the first place that moved Japanese Americans to internment camps.  We found the trail around the water front so we spent lots of time walking there, watched a seal, ate pizza for supper and ice cream for dessert.  We caught the ferry just as the sun went down and the ride back was worth the wait.  The Seattle skyline was lit up and pretty impressive from the sound!  The train home was crowed because the Mariners game had just finished.  They

Sisters Stevenson, Pinada,Yost and Beck

lost.  We came home tired but it was a fun day.  

Tuesday:  It was hard to get going this morning.  We went to our district meeting where we talked a lot about finding, which doesn’t apply much to us.  It was still a good meeting.  We came home  after a little shopping and ate then went to Sister Jones to start working on the garage sale.  We had the Spanish sisters and Sister Beck also was there.  We got a good start but had to leave and start picking up for Beverlyn Sablon’s baby shower at Coulon Park.  It was more like a ward party.  We had the twins, Princess Joy, Eldrex, Reymark and Ivar with us.  Estrella and Mary Ann we going to come later but never showed up.  There was a ton of food and several people from Sam’s Club that we have gotten to know since we go there so often. Beverlyn’s husband, Dylan, works there.  Skyway A even showed up.  We had to leave before it was over so we could get Ivar home for his lesson with Skyway B.  We thought it was going to be a slow day, then the text messages start coming in.  Keeps us out of trouble.  

Sister Bailey, Leavitt, Stevenson, Beck and us

Wednesday:  Another day that was going to be slow then got out of hand pretty quick.  We picked up the Elder Sisters and went to Northwest Harvest.  There was only us, the Senior Sisters and one set of young sisters, from the mission.  We were very busy sacking beans.  They didn’t have us do as much as normal because it is the end of their year money wise and they are short of product.  We got permission from our district leader to take Sister Bailey and Leavitt out for lunch when we finished.  There is still lots of work on the garage sale for Sister Jones so we met the Spanish Sisters and Sister Stevenson there and worked until time to pick up the twins and the boys.  The plan was to work on some primary stuff at our place.  We have been given flashlights, and the twins and Princes typed scriptures to attach to the lights. Then, we ended up at the church so Reymark and Eleazar could go to Young Mens. Ivar was invited but had something else going on.  He doesn’t like basketball and thats what they were going to play.  At 8:00 we met the Spanish Elders at an appointment.  There was a little mix up with them.  We thought we were setting up a time to teach English and they though we were going to teach tonight.  It all worked out and we will start teaching English next Thursday at 7:00, before our missionary meeting.  We also got several phone calls for things tomorrow that we need to work around what we already have planned.

Seattle Temple 

Thursday:  We needed to help  Estrella fill out some forms from Children’s Hospital so we rode Reymark and Eleazar's bikes there, since they had left them at our house on Wed. The forms were longer than we though so we didn’t get them all done because of an errand we needed to make.  We needed to go to Kent and pick up a food order.  While in Kent we also made a stop to check on more help for the Acostas at Door to Door.  The plan was to go with Joyce Johnson to the park until she cancelled because of sick kids. That was a good thing since we were way behind.  We delivered the food order, did some shopping for the baptism tomorrow and had just enough time to get some lunch/supper before going to Sister Jone’s to work on her place with the Spanish Sisters. We worked there until time to pickup the twins and meet Skyway A at the church.  They had plans to go to the Family History Discovery Center and needed us to drive , so we had invited the twins to go with us.  We had the twins, Skyway A and Chantelle Mathourn, plus us, so it was a car full, 3 men in the front and 4 girls in the back all the way to Bellevue.  The Elder Sisters took Jasmine and Justine, another set of twins, with them and met us there.  The Discovery Center went well and everyone had a good time.  Jasmine, Justine and Chantelle are investigators.  We spent some time walking around the Temple before driving home. It was a beautiful evening to walk around.   It was another long day but productive.

Yard Sale 

Friday:  First thing in the morning we were back at the Acostas to finish the forms. We ran to Sam’s Club then to the church to get a few things ready for the baptism.  Some guy showed up at the church while we were cutting up fruit.  He was looking for help and Art made the mistake of letting him in.  He had quite the story.  We gave him something to eat and some #’s to call and money for gas and he finally left. Lesson learned.  Most of the rest of the day was spent at Sister Jones getting ready for the yard sale tomorrow.  We did have to leave in time to get Ruth and Rubi, change clothes and get the refreshments ready for Jasmine’s baptism at 7:00.  Joyce was asked to play the piano for it, plus help with the refreshments for afterwards.  The baptism was great with a good turn out.  President Rasmusson and his wife came and stayed for a long while so we could all visit.  We took Ruth, Rubi and Ivar home afterwards.  Bro. Powers was waiting on the street  so he could tell me he had more stuff to give us, but we didn’t talk much so we could get the kids home.  

Jasmine's Baptism

Saturday:  The big yard sale was today starting at 6:30 with the set up.  We stopped and picked up breakfast at McDonalds for the Spanish Elders and Sisters, Elder Sisters, Skyway A and Darlene.  It was a long, slow day.  We did make a few more signs and hung them up to try and get rid (sell) more stuff.  It didn’t help much.  Joyce crocheted around some baby blankets and Art played Uno with the Spanish sisters to help pass the time.  At 5:00 p.m. we called it done and loaded most everything into the back of the pick-up. Some  things went to the trash and the rest to Federal Way for the D.I.  We made it there right before closing time.  After our long day we still needed to do a little shopping for dinner tomorrow.  It is really nice to have the yard sale over with and the run to the D.I done. They are going to have another sale next weekend but we told them we couldn’t help because we already have things scheduled on the calendar! Thank you!  Now we just need to deal with Bro. Powers stuff.  Hope you all had a good week.  We thought about the Emilee’s wedding all day Saturday.  Art left his phone at the apartment, so we didn’t get to Face time, but heard all about the wonderful celebration!  Congratulations!  We Love You,  Joyce and Art

Week B19  Transfer 14 Week 1  July 24-30

There are hundreds of languages around the world, but a smile speaks them all! 

Preaching:  Perseverance is demonstrated by those who….don’t give up, even when others say It can’t be done.  James E. Faust

1: keep a positive attitude  count your blessings

2: remember to work together…ask for help- - - friends and family

3. replace fear with faith - avoid doubt, remember the Lord has all power….call upon Him

4. Move forward with patience and courage….never, never, never give up

“Don’t fall victim to the temptation that ensnared Laman and Lemuel. When they received the awesome assignment to obtain the plates of Laban, the record indicates that they murmured, saying that it was a hard thing which they had been commanded to do. And they lost their opportunity and their reward. Rather, let your attitude be that of their brother, Nephi: ‘I will go and do the things which the Lord hath commanded’ Pres. Monson

Karen, Sister and Elder Knowles and Bro. David

Sunday:  Elder Call was at church today and taught SS so Art didn’t have to teach.  Joyce had 100% of her primary class at church so she did teach.  Ric didn’t come to church but Richel did so that was a blessing.  Several less active and investigators were there. The Bishop had sent us a text asking us to make sure that the Acosta boys came dressed proper because of Elder Call being there.  They were fine, then one of the members, one of our ward missionary members,  showed up in a shirt and tie with shorts on.  We thought it was pretty funny.  Plus, this same member was arguing with Elder Call over the meaning of a scripture in SS, so he really stuck out.  That’s why we love this ward, never a dull moment. We had to make a few different trips to get all the Acostas home.  After lunch with Karen we loaded some of her things and took them over to Sister Jones.  There is still lots to do there before she can move in.  While Karen and Joyce were unpacking, Art went out and picked some blackberries for breakfast tomorrow.   Sister Jones taught Art another magic trick. He can’t wait to impress the grandkids.  He does need lots more practice so it a good thing we have

Primary class

a few more months before coming home.   It was a beautiful day so we went to Seward Park and walked around.  It was very crowded with swimmers, picnickers, walkers, bikers and lots of boats on the lake.  We ran into the Davids, Brother David is in our bishopric and Sister David leads the music and is YW.   They walked partway with us.  We made it home in time for the kids to call.  Their calls are the highlight of our Sunday.  Art did get another call from Brother Powers but he told him to call the Skyway A Elders.  He will repent for that

Karen, Sister Knowles and Sister David

one.  

Monday:  Several of the missionaries in our zone were transferred but none from our ward.  Brother Powers didn’t get his stuff to the Elders so we will have to deal with him again.  We did some laundry, studied for our talks and normal morning things until time to go to the airport and pick up Joyce Johnson.  SeaTac is a zoo.  We waited/drove around for an hour before we could pick Joyce up.  She did have Gideon with her.  She was able to have someone help her extend his passport, so she could get him here.  His passport expires in August, and apparently, you have to get them here 6 months before their passport expires, so she was very thankful to get him here!  We drove to her place in Seattle, unloaded some luggage and then drove them all to Puyallup by way of Wal-Mart.  We thought we were picking up Eric but they were all going to stay in Puyallup for a few days with Joyce’s friend, the one who tended Eirc, while Joyce was in Ghana. It was time now for a late lunch and some shopping for Joyce. She is making baby blankets for the many new babies we have in the ward.  Since the Johnson’s stayed in Puyallup, the back of the pick-up was empty so we decided to stop on the way home and pickup a bed at the DI in Federal Way.  That was also another mess.  We didn’t know what color or size to get. We finally go it sorted out after a few calls. We stopped on the way home at Sister Jones and dropped off the bed then called it a day and stayed in the rest of the night.  

Gideon and his mother, back from Africa

Tuesday p-day:  It was supposed to be a p-day, since transfers were on Monday, but it was a working day with all the Acostas and the SRS class in the evening.  We started as early as we could get Ruth and Rubi to get up, which was 09:00. Then, we went to Holly House Acosta’s to get Reymarkl, Princes Joy, and we thought Eleazar.  Eleazar didn’t come, but Reymark invited Ivar, who we are trying to get to come back to church, and he came with us.  By the time we got all the Acostas rounded up and Ivar, it was close to 10:00.  Karen was going to go with us until we had a little miscommunication and she got left.  We wanted her to meet us at the locks but she decided to stay home.  We rode the link, then the bus to the locks.  The salmon run this year is low so not many fish to see jumping, but there were a few.  We did watch them catching a few fish that they will run tests on to see where they spent their time while in the ocean.  The kids had a great time watching the boats go through the locks.  We ate lunch at our favorite place, The Red Totem.  It had been cloudy and cool most of the morning.  After lunch the sun came out and it got hot so the kids were done.  We went home by bus then the link and got ready for the SRS class.  As we

The Family that took care of Eric while Sister Johnson was in Africa

were leaving to go to class, we checked our e-mails and found out the we were facilitating the class again.  Luckily, Sister Kakuda had all the videos on her computer since we didn’t have time to get them ready.  The class went well.  Brother Powers had called Art on the way to the locks and he told him that we would meet him at the SRS class. He got the mission office and the employment center involved so he took all his things to the employment center where we have the class, so we didn’t have to deal with him.  (Art may have suggested that he call them). The only bad thing now is that Bishop Clair and the employment office missionaries have to deal with all the stuff.   We did volunteer to help if they needed to take anything to the DI.    We should have taken a picture of the room.  Words cannot describe what was in there.  We did take home a few nice flashlights, gloves for the Day of Service, and a small cooler.  After the class we rode the bus to Henderson and then walked home from there.

Visit to Ballard Locks 

Wednesday: Another busy day.  We had our district meeting first thing in the morning.  We are in the same district with Elder Nelson, but he has a new companion, Elder Bodily from I.F.  He is a new elder.  Sister Bailey also has a new missionary and they are now in our district along with the Spanish speaking Elders.  One of them is new to Renton and has been out awhile. Lots of changes so we get to meet a few more missionaries.  After the meeting we made a trip to Kent to pick up Eldrex’s glasses and missed their lunch closing time by 5 min so we will try again tomorrow. We made a stop at the employment office and Joyce got several (50 or more) flashlight to use in primary.  She has a fun idea for them. Bro. Powers had brought more things over but they told him they won’t take any more of his things.  After lunch we loaded Karens things from Hope Place, (she is now officially moved out) and went to Sister Jones.  The Hermana's met us there to help Karen move in.  Mostly we spent time putting the bed together.  We finished just in time to start picking up for Achievement Days.  First the twins, then the Holly house Acostas, plus Ivar.  We met everyone else at Seward Park.  The girls walked around the loop and the boys played with the soccer ball and frisbee. Bro. Sablon was there so I guess it counts as YM’s. It was a long activity so we missed the Bishops meeting, again.  

Seward Park

Thursday:  We got a slow start for the day.  The last few weeks must be catching up with us.  Our first order of business was a trip to Kent for the glasses for Eldrex and to pick up a food order at the Bishops storehouse.  They are only open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and at limited hours.  That part went smooth even with the storehouse being busy.  We delivered the food order and then ran over to Joyce Johnson’s to jump her car.  We guess the battery went dead while she was gone.  We had stopped at Wal-Mart and bought some new jumper cables so we could leave them with her incase it happens again.  A quick trip home then back to the church to pick up the Skyway A elders.  There was lots of miscommunication for this outing.  We thought we were leaving at 6:10 for the Family History Discovery Center appointment at 07:00 at Bellevue.  The elders were doing the baptismal interview for Jasmine at 6:30. They thought we could drive there in ten minutes.  Silly Elders!  We ended up not going to the Discovery Center.  We have to keep reminding ourselves that the Elders are young.  The Elder Sisters were also there, ready to go at 6:10.  Since we didn’t go, Art stayed and helped them teach a lesson to Justine, Jasmine’s twin sister while Jasmine planned her baptism program.  Before going home we made a trip to Wal-Mart again for some groceries.  We are feeding the Elders this weekend. Our slow start in the morning caused us to have to hurry everywhere we went in the afternoon and evening but we got it all done, except for the Discovery Center.  

Putting the bed together with the Hermanas

Friday:  There was no sleeping in today.  We had to be at the Filipino Cultural Center at 09:00. We walked there and went to work.  Joyce works hard in the copy room and Art mostly sits in the photo room.  There were two others with him and they aren’t as busy.  We had to leave at 11:30 so we could pick up Estrella and Eldrex for his 1:00 appointment at Children’s Hospital.  Reymark came with us.  It is his birthday today so we tried a new place called Geraldine’s in Columbia City.  Not bad food but kind of expensive and weird.  Reymark wanted to go there for his birthday so it was okay.  He has a sister named Geraldine.  After dropping them off we hurried to the employment center before it closed.  Bro. Powers had dropped off a ton of batteries for the flashlights.  It will save us from having to buy them for primary.  Most of the evening was spent getting our talks ready for Sunday.

Reymark unloading Eldrex's wheelchair

Saturday:  We were at the Filipino Cultural Center again in the morning at 9 a.m., same duties.  We planned to stay until 4:00 but they could do without us as there was more help, so we left at 2:00 and came home to get ready to feed the Elders.  We did eat lunch there but not sure what it was, some kind of bean soup, rice and a fish.  The fish still had its head on with the eyes looking at us.  We did recognize the rice. The fish was pretty good but the soup had no flavor.  Joyce did eat some sweet white stuff with corn in it that she liked.  This is a good time of the year to be out walking because the blackberries are coming  on and they grow everywhere.  We stopped and ate a few on the way home.  The missionaries, Skyway A&B, came at 5:00 and we fed them waffles with fruit and whipped cream plus a few link sausages.  We are running out of meals we haven’t already fixed.  They shared a message with us and were on their way.  Their challenge to us was to tell our children and grand children how important missionary work is and that you all need to be missionary minded and invite others to listen to our gospel.  The plan of salvation is such and miraculous thing, that we need to share it with our friends and

Lunch at the Filipino Cultural Center

associates.  Our plan was to visit Karen and help her out.  We rode the train to Henderson and while waiting for the bus, we called and Karen said we could help her with her bus pass tomorrow so change of plans.  We walked home and stopped at Sister Driggs to fix a radio she has been asking Art to look at.  She also had a fit bit that she wanted set up, but the directions were that she needed a smart phone and a computer.  She has neither, so needs to take it back.  With that done we went home and to bed.  That’s another week for the book.  Hope it was a good week for all of you.  Love Joyce and Art

Seward Park and Mt. Rainier