"By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." John 13:35

Happy Valentine's Day! Your first thought might have been, "You're late." Or perhaps you thought, "Chocolate? Candy?" Hopefully, you also thought about Love. That has been our focus for the last month or so. Pure Love.

At times, Christ's teaching to love others as the Lord loves us seems easy, other times difficult. This transfer cycle we have focused on God's pure love and how we can better feel and share His love with all those around us. We have shared scriptures, studied passages and stories and practiced charity. There is so much joy in loving others!

Since we last posted, our missionaries all enjoyed a service-day at the beach. Normally the beach is off limits for missionary work. So this was an extra special day to experience as a mission. We began our beach adventure by picking up trash for 40 minutes or so. We then shared thoughts before enjoying some volleyball, football and visiting, all while downing donuts and hot chocolate. These were two days like none other. A wonderful tender mercy of the Lord that we experienced was that our New Years Day visit occurred as tides had been dangerously high. The afternoon hours we had selected weeks ahead of time were the lowest the tide had been that week. We felt the Lord's blessing upon our beach day.

Following our beach day, we had a special zone conference featuring Peter Vidmar, Olympic Gymnast and 2-time gold medalist. He shared messages about staying true to one's word, which is something he practiced diligently throughout his life. After shaking hands with his coach on an agreement he would work out every morning, he never missed - rain or shine, even when sick, he would exercise every day except Sunday. He said, the extra effort consistently applied made all the difference and his handshake agreement with his coach kept him focused. Peter also shared the story of Namaan from the Old Testament where Namaan was suffering leprosy and sought the Prophet of Israel to be healed. When Samuel told him to wash seven times in the muddy, puny river Jordan, Namaan was offended. How could something so simple be the answer? He at first refused but his servants persuaded him. He dipped seven times and was healed. Peter then relayed how we should all be "seven dippers" by following through on simple, faithful tasks God asks us to do. A highlight of these zone conferences was when Elder L challenged Peter to a handstand. Peter, in his early 60s, outlasted the very-fit Elder L by performing a perfectly still handstand for longer than Elder L. Peter later admitted he was very glad there would be no re-match as those never went well. (see video below). Peter was also the featured speaker at a Why I Believe Devotional with about 700 people in attendance and our missionaries provided the bulk of the music for the evening. We are so proud of them.

Towards the end of the month many of the California San Diego Missionaries participated in the commemoration of the arrival of the Mormon Battalion into San Diego. Elders, dressed as soldiers, and Sisters in period clothing helped with the parade and festivities (see photos below). This is a favorite event for many people and the photos below depict why.

With all of the rain, and thankfully only minimal flooding, we received in the area many missionaries from zones 4 and 5 were able to assist with clean-up efforts in the areas most affected. There was a bit of excitement when a tornado warning was issued but it was canceled a few moments later. We pray that no further flooding occurs but remain ready to assist as needed.

Below is a photo of our sister missionaries the morning they received training in order to attend church services at the Marine Corp Recruit Depot. Historically, only elders have taught there. President asked why and learned it was a practice not policy and felt impressed to assign sisters. Since this change was implemented two female recruits have entered the waters of baptism. An occurrence in which we rejoice.

At the beginning of February we received a visit from Elder Adeyinka Ojediran and his wife Funmi. Elder Ojediran is the first general authority from Nigeria. He stressed the importance of spiritual power coupled with teaching skills. Our missionaries learned many useful things about how we can improve and have been motivated to stretch further on both the spiritual and skills planes within which they operate.

We were delighted to have Noah Yuvienco return to San Diego with the express purpose to participate with his past companion, Elder Aguilar, in an Inspire: Music and Messages of Hope program at the Mormon Battalion that was held February 9. They were joined by Sister Caro for one number and did an amazing job welcoming the spirit through the music they shared. You can view the program at the link above, but disclaimer, we need to fine tune our filming and broadcasting effort from this location.

Our missionaries continue to see God's hand in their work. As you would expect, they receive a lot of rejection. They are looking for those in need of God in their lives. While most say "No", our missionaries often tell of miracles. Recently, as example, a man was praying for help - he was feeling very discouraged. As he got up off his knees, the Elders knocked on his door. He immediately felt God's love. Occurrences like this often come after many doors knocked but the missionaries persevere knowing their sustained and continued efforts are when they experience those miracle moments. The true miracle is seeing the peace and joy that come into the lives of those who make and keep commitments with God, their loving Heavenly Father.

On a personal note, we were thrilled to learn that grandson number 7 is due in July, bringing our total number of grandchildren to 9. Norm fondly says, "If children are the investment, grandchildren are the return on that investment." Our two granddaughters boldly hold their own as the only girls in their respective families. We have seen miracles in the pregnancy already and continue to pray for a safe and healthy delivery come July. We welcome your prayers to this end. Please also include our missionaries here and throughout the world in your prayers that they may continue to practice the pure love our Savior taught us to feel and give.

Sending our Valentine's love to you this month of February!

Handstand challenge with Peter Vidmar!