an activity, a movie and more paint!

And in other news....

On Monday afternoon, we had the YSA Stake FHE, which was the big box boat racing across First Dam.  Sadly, hours before, a suicidal man had held his soon-to-be ex-wife at gunpoint up the canyon, it was reported, officer arrived on the scene and the man would not put down his weapon, was making threats and an officer fired a shot, killing the man.  This was a tragedy...for the man's family, as well as the officer involved.  My heart just breaks for the officers and first responders who are diligently working so hard to protect the communities and face so many challenges on a daily basis!

The canyon was closed during the aftermath and all of the press was at First Dam, where the YSA has held this activity for years.  There was no changing plans... you need a body of water and at the last minute, you couldn't reach the entire stake.  So, we went as planned.  The press conference was over,  the 6PM news was right as the YSA kids arrived, so lots and lots of media trucks and reporters.  Doug commented that our boat races would be a great story for the nightly news.  However, the press reported and most left after the 6PM news.  So, our activity was a success!

Each ward is given the same amount of supplies and materials... duct tape, this year, two large styrofoam blocks, plastic bags and one hour to create their boat.

my sweetheart loves this calling, loves these kids, loves the gospel... always smiling!

 

This good man in the center is Norm, our neighbor, friend, bishop of one of the YSA wards,

 

These kids are from 35th Ward, the ward that Doug served in last year.  I was told by the Stake President, while the burgers were cooking, that 80% of the youth changed!  That's a huge turnover!

 

  

This is 34th Ward, Doug's ward that he is serving with as Stake High Councilor.

It was fascinating to watch as one or two took the lead with the idea and the rest just went to town getting the task done!

 

Each ward had a totally different concept!

 

And they were off!  The race itself only takes about five minutes, if that!

This cute boy had gotten inside their plastic wrapped block, however, it took him quite a while to get enough balance in the box to not topple over sideways.  The colors in the canyon are stunning!  It was a perfect evening!  We'd planned on attempting this with our YW two week ago on the one night that it got very cold, so we cancelled it.  This night was perfect!  I'd taken a sweater and never needed it at all, even after the sun went over the mountain.  I love autumn!

 

We have now put away the canning supplies and moved into the entry way to finish it up!  Last night, we got the primer painting done.  Today, we'll begin the painting in the entryway and down the stairs.  The downstairs will be our next major project, I am more than ready for this project to be completed!  I do not love painting like I used to... a sign of my aging, I suppose.  I'm just thankful for Doug!  Denise keeps saying, "I can't believe you're still alive and haven't finished that entryway yet!"  The food storage was priority but we are over and done with that!  It's time to get my home back in order! AND decorated!

It's Homecoming at both of the girls schools this week, which means overlapping activities. So many activities.  Zeej stayed home from school yesterday with a bad cold.  Today, she was off and out the door on time, so hopefully, she can survive the rest of the week.  She never moved from Monday after school until late last night.

Late last night, Book Group went to the movies to see the book of the month, Light between Two Oceans.  I had not read the book yet, but went to the movie anyway. OH MY WORD!  I HATED THIS MOVIE!!! It was as close to Sophie's Choice, in regards to a painful to watch level!  HEART WRENCHING! SO hard to watch.  Beautiful scenery.  Beautiful music... incredible score.  The romance/love story was lovely.  But, seriously.  The majority of the movie was just painful to watch.  At one point, I said, "I can't do this" and literally wanted to leave.  Carol said that had I watched the previews and read the book and not gone through what we went through with Kelly's children, it might not have been as painful to watch, but, seriously... Nicholas Sparks has met his match!  I cried myself to sleep and woke up crying again.  Please pass a movie with a happy ending and some good laughs. 

That's it for today!  This project has got to be done and the sooner the better!  So excited to see this HUUUUUUGE project coming to a close!  Life is good!

a little of Letter #6

This week's letter was lonnnnnnng!  I was thrilled!  I've been asked if I edit Quayd's letters.  Absolutely.  Somethings are personal and don't need to be shared.  Also, I edit his punctuation... or should I say, I add it!  He is not big on punctuation, other than exclamation points here and there.  ANYWAY, yes, I do edit and this week, I've had to.

Hello! Nothing really happened this week. I mean, legit, nothing!  All we really did was ride our bikes and talk to people, which was great.   

We met someone who claims he's The son of God…really, he's just insane!  He bowed down and asked for forgiveness.  Jesus never asked forgiveness. I don't think? haha Anyway, yeah, we just talked to a bunch of people.  All of our plans throughout the week backfired on us.  Not one single appointment was met, but I'm great for the fun people we came in contact with.

Monday was p-day and that was fun.

Tuesday,we went to sister Gifford’s and helped her.  She's an old lady, almost Grandma Anna's age.  She actually reminds me a lot about nana.  She's very talkative and self-centered, at times, but she is awesome! She does care for other people.  She's taking care of this one family  (actually one of our investigators). I love that family so much, but, no matter what we teach they won't get married or get baptized because of the marriage thing.  The wife's afraid of marrying someone because of what happened to her last husband.  But, they've been together for 8 years. Crazy!  They could be an eternal family forever. It's frustrating!!!!

Anyway, back to Sister Gifford.  We helped clean her porch and you cannot believe how much dust we found!  It was crazy, hard work! Definitely got sweaty and manly! haha Anyway, we did that, had an appointment, but they all fell through.  My companion is tired of this one guy, who likes to bash and talk about speaking in tongues and how the spirit allows us to do that.  It's funny… Elder Villegas makes jokes constantly about speaking in tongues.  Anyhow, I told Elder Villegas, “Just speak your natural language, Tagalog.”  Elder Rosenland’s response to Phillip’s response was this, “See!  You’re feeling the spirit.”  We laughed our heads off so much! haha   It's been great knowing these elders!  They are all awesome! Yeah, that was Tuesday.

Wednesday  was the same… just talking to cool people. 

Same with Thursday.  Oh! Thursday, we met Miguel.  His wife died and I think it's messed him up bad.  He was talking about Jesus Christ and the number thirty three… like how we have 33 bones for our spine, how there are 33 wonders in the world, like the pyramids Atlantis crazy stuff.  But, we did that for an hour then we talked to a guy who was a member, hasn't been to church in awhile.  His house is huge!  It's because he loves his family, he says he wants to come back again with his family.  Seriously, that guys house was huge and I loved that he did it for his family!  It just shows that family's are forever. I love that! Great guy!  Sadly, he did not come to church.

Friday was awesome.  We met this one lady… she's a recent convert and she has the strongest testimony!  It was awesome to hear her testimony and her story.  Then, we met this Samoan guy.  He had drums and everything.  His family fed us strawberries and bananas and the girls know how to dance!  I have a video, I just can't download it, but I know it's something the girls would like.

Saturday was the same… just talked to people, but we met Louis, the guy who claims to be God.  First, he looked happy to see us and then all of a sudden he bowed down and started proclaiming he was the son of god, which is true… we are children of our dear Heavenly Father, but not our Savior.  Sorry, buddy… nice try though.  Cool guy though.  

obviously he's enjoying his i-Pad camera.

Then we met  Steve, a drunk man. Phillip canceled on us again.  He's the one that speaks in tongues.  Now,  I don't know if you remember the scone eating contest because that’s kinda what happened.  We had 3 dinners that day - big dinners!  We were walking back after Phillip cancelled and we met the Samoan Bishop.  It was his daughter’s birthday,  the same girls that danced at the park.  They danced in front of 2000 people, by the way.  That's so cool.  But, anyway,we told them we had dinner. I think they ignored us.  They fed us and when we thought we were done, they gave us seconds and thirds!  It was chicken wings and legs.  Let’s just say chicken, rice, soup, soda, bread, salad and I had seconds.

Now, remember, we haven't had dinner yet!  Later, they gave us ice cream! We were dying and we had dinner in 15 minutes!  So, we had enough time to burn some off the stuff then we went to a Mexican food place.  Everything there was big!  My companion was laughing at me as I ate the food.  After that, we had a lesson with a Pilipino family.  They’re one of my favorites, Tito Doy and Tita Linda! They feed us every time we come over, so we had to eat their food! I think when we got home, we were on the toilet or beside it. haha I can't remember, but, we were full!

Sunday was a really awesome experience! I was praying to keep the Sabbath day holy and be kind.  Well, it definitely happened!  We got ready and picked up Tito Doy.  He was still in bed when we got there. haha He's super funny!  We got him ready and headed to church but before I go more into having Tito doy at church, I want to talk about this thing that has never happened before in my whole life!!!!

We went to church and right before we started sacrament, all the lights in the church went out, so we were in the dark except these emergency lights were on.  People were talking and the spirit had left, but we reminded the members that we were in the Lord’s church and that we should be reverent and be still.  Soon, everyone was quiet.  We did sacrament meeting in the dark.  It was the coolest experience ever because I felt the spirit!  No matter what happened, nothing can stop the Lord’s work!  Nothing can stop us from remembering the Savior and his atonement! I was thinking the whole time about our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

 A person spoke about Lehi’s dream and the pillar of darkness that was clouding the people's view along with the great spacious building.  I listened to that and I was thinking about it. Jesus Christ was abandoned left alone in all the darkness of the world and he endured all that.  Whenever, we feel alone or afraid or left in the dark, we are not! There is always a light!  There is always someone or something to look to and that is Jesus Christ.  We choose to be left alone, but not far off, there is a light and that is Jesus Christ!  If we will just take the courage to stand up and walk towards him, then we can and will find our way because Jesus Christ will never leave us never forsaken us, never abandon us.  He will be there always and always.  We choose whether we want to go towards the light or remain in darkness.  That's what I got out of this experience.

All the lights in the church building went out, but, there was a light whether it be emergency lights, it was the light of Christ.  If we didn't have that light, we could not have done the sacrament,which was, in my opinion, of the strongest sacrament meetings I've ever been to.  We could not have heard the talks being given and hear the testimonies of members and recent converts.  That was our spiritual thing that happened this week.

Now here is the funny thing!

So Tito Doy is 70.  He needs help a lot from his wife.  She was working, so, being 

occupied is pretty hard when she is not there.  So, we finished Sunday school and led Tito doy to the next class, elders quorum.  We talked to this one guy.  Next, we went to elders quorum and Tito Doy was not there.  We didn't worry too much, but after 15 minutes, it was time to look for him. We searched the whole building and he was not there.  We went around our whole area, which was a mile in a half and couldn't find him.  We prayed and then we found him.  There he was walking, alone, a 72 year old man, just on “walkabout”. I'm glad we found him!

There’s always room to improve, like my favorite scripture, “What lack I yet?”  So, I’m excited.  I love you guys so much.

Elder Corbridge

From our back&forth emails, during his prep time, he also shared about his first big bike accident: So,  I did get in a bike crash.  The handle bars got loose.  They didn't tighten it very well and they got loose.  I was on the road. I put all my strength on keeping the handle bars straight and then I hit the curb, flew over the handle bars, rolled, brusied my knee, got back up and walked back to my bike, waving at the passing cars!  It's got some crash spots and my headlight broke.  So, now I don't have a light, but, I have the light of Christ, so I'm not completely blind in the dark. haha!  Now, my front tire is loose and it's probably going to fall off one of these days.  But, it's a great bike!  

 He did promise to get the bike repaired and get a new light immediately.  I love his attitude about life though.  He's definitely his dad's boy... Doug has that positive outlook on everything.  He always tries to see the good in every adversity!

He also shared in detail an experience where he heard Josh Groban singing, "Don't Give Up", "an annoying song that Grace used to sing all the time" and he said that it brought him to "a tear",   just one though, missing his sisters.  He says that he has moments where he gets homesick but it's just great and I love what I'm learning and experiencing!!!!

 Now, how can a mom not be thrilled with those words!  Life is good!

fresh

This week has flown by!  It's crazy!  On Monday evening, we did canning.  I was able to bottle 25 quarts of homemade salsa!  We are only half-way there.  I still have tomatoes!  I also want to get two batches of chow-chow made.  We have not run out of homemade salsa in over seventeen years until this past spring, so this was priority numero uno for the week... even on top of painting my entryway!  Denise teased that she was certain that I would not go to bed until the painting was done.  But, really... Doug does everything under the sun to make me happy... I'm thinking that salsa for him is more important than painting.  We'll get to it this weekend.  AND I CAN'T WAIT!!!  In the meantime, last night, another 18 bottles with more to do today!  Thankfully, I have two daughters who love helping with canning!

In other news....

ZJ got to go over to "meet" Drake's family this week... although, technically, she knows them all, already.  But, she went and spent the evening with his family and had a great time.  It's fun to watch her as this friendship is developing.  She's not sixteen yet and dating does not happen until March, but friendship is encouraged.  Her goal is to be sweet sixteen and never been kissed and I think that they are both on board for that.  Doug's mom said, "I couldn't do that!"  But, Zeej has a firm resolve.  In the meantime, neither of them drive, they go to separate schools, so this might be a little easier to manage.  Doug just gets teary eyed.  His baby girl is growing up!

Yesterday, Grace and I ran to pick Zee up from school.  A few blocks past the school, I noticed two missionaries about to cross the street.  I felt strongly, "Stop!  Ask them to take their picture for them moms!"  Now, I do that to our local Elders but that's because Quayd lived with Elder Weston and I feel connected to his mom through facebook.  I've never seen these boys, but I felt the impression to stop, so I did.  I asked them if I could take their picture and text it to their mothers.  "SURE!!!  That's be great!!!"  So, I snapped a couple of shots and then we visited for a second and I learned that Elder Davis, the taller one, was literally out on his first day!  He'd been at the MTC in Provo that morning and this was his first ifficial day serving as a missionary!!

Elder Davis and Elder Andrade

Elder Davis said that his mom and sister are really missing him.  I instantly teared up and said, "My son is in California and has only been out for seven weeks today.  I know just how your mom feels!"  I could hardly wait to send the photo to his mom, thinking about how desperately I wanted to hear anything about Quayd on the day that I knew he had flown to California.  I texted her:

Hi, Sister Davis!  I'm Sister Sophia Corbridge from Logan UT.  Today, I was picking up my daughter from the high school and noticed two young missionaries walking down the street.  I felt impressed to stop and ask if I could take a picture for their moms.  I have a son who is serving in California and has been gone for seven weeks today.  My heart!  What a surprise to hear this this is Elder Davis' first day!  That first three weeks in the MTC and the first week before our first real letter when Quayd was in the field was the hardest four weeks of my life. I thought you would like this picture and to know that he is happy, smiling and doing great!  After I snapped the pic, they even asked if there was anything they could do for me.  He is off to a great start!  Enjoy!  AND I'll pray for your son if you'll pray for mine! ;)  Have a great day!

Just minutes later, she responded:
Thank you so much for this!!! His sister (who has been so depressed since he left) just asked if anyone had sent anything after his arrival to the area and I told her that we hadn't heard anything yet, so this was such a treat!!!  Thank you so much for listening to the spirit and brightening our day!  We will definitely keep Elder Corbridge in our prayers!

I was so excited to hear from her!  A new friend in Colorado!  We'll definitely keep our eyes open for Elder Davis again!  I've decided that the kindest thing we can do for these missionary moms is send them pix of their missionaries if we see them out and about!  I have received a few of Quayd and nothing makes my day brighter!  So, this is my new thing... to take pix and text them to moms around the world!

And last but not least,today...Grace has made a big decision this past week.  The Bella girls are going to make a big trip to San Francisco next spring.  To the tune of $750 per girl.  Grace came in the other day and shared that she had been thinking about this trip and before making the first payment, she doesn't feel like it's a "wise investment" of her money.  She had close friends in Bella last year when she was a junior and they were all seniors.  But, now, she's the senior and her closest friend have graduated.  She said that she knows the trip will be fun and she'd love the adventure but she would rather spend her hard earned money on a trip with someone she loves instead.

And so!  We have decided that we will take a trip together instead!  We have not decided where we will go yet, but she's been very excited about it since the decision.  She was worried about offending the Bella girls, but hey, that's a lot of money and you should be able to spend that kind of money where you want and with who you want!  So, NYC?  DC?  Seattle?  Anywhere but southern California because I know me and I couldn't get that close to a certain missionary without wanting to see him and that wouldn't be fair to him!

So, that's the biggest events of the week... that and lots of tomato handling!  Thank heavens for my girls, who happen to love to can!  Life is good! 

Quayd's Letter #5

Quayd and I were able to write back and forth for a bit on Monday, as well as this letter that he sent.  He's definitely learning and growing through these experiences.  He's been gone only seven weeks, but man-oh-man, it feels like it's been for.ev.er!

Hello! I've been having some pretty cool dreams, probably from Heavenly Father.  This week has been so far the hardest - a real test builder!  One of my favorite scriptures passages that rings true is, “What lack I yet?” 

 I want to be a good missionary, a good representative of the Lord, Jesus Christ. I just don't know how. I want to be the elder who is obedient and a hard worker. Anyway training to be a good servant of the Lord is hard. And there's always room to improve, so “What lack I yet?” is probably my scripture right now.  It’s Matthew 19:20. 

Anyway, this week… even though it's been hard,  there's been much work.  We have met so many people who are interested in our message.  It's definitely yielding fruit in Redlands California.  There’s one investigator named Milton who believes everything in the Bible...I know if we have faith, Heavenly Father will make it possible for this man to stop doubting and accept our message.

There was this other guy who speaks in tongues.  His name is Phillip.  We taught him the first time and I think that's really all he believes, is speaking in tongues.  I shared with him the first vision of Joseph Smith and told him how Jesus Christ said that none of the churches were true.  He told us that he believed that that's the only thing that makes sense.  The only reason he would accept our church, but, then it could go the other way. Jesus Christ said none of the churches were true. I hope he didn't get the impression that our church wasn't Christ’s church. 

Satan works in so many ways.  While we continued teaching him, a man came to the park turned up his music, definitely satanic, and turned it up higher so we would be distracted.  We started talking about the Book of Mormon and Phillip asked a question from the Bible.  We looked and the man asked us, “Why do you use your device? Why don't you look at the book?”  My companion answered that it's easier.  He reacted, “Well, you should know what your teaching by heart.  You should know the Bible!”  I was determined to ask him something from the Bible to see if his drugged brain could answer, but that would cause contention.  He asked us what religion we were.  We told him proudly, “Mormon!”  In his rude personality, he said, “Have a nice day” and turned the music up again.  haha He made us look like the bad guy and Phillip left us to talk to him.  Satan’s work is powerful, but, I believe the Lord’s work is 10 times stronger!

I love the work! I love the people! No matter how rude they are, I've grown to love them anyway.

That's so funny about Jason going through the same thing… no broken bones and flipping over his bike on a hill. I shared that experience about my bike crash and about persevering through life in a short message. I didn't tell them that that was my story. I just said I knew a young man and went on with that. It was a powerful message though…Persevere no matter how hard it gets.  There's another scripture. D&C 122:7-9… very strong. It says:

7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

9 Therefore, hold on thy way, and the priesthood shall remain with thee; for their bounds are set, they cannot pass. Thy days are known, and thy years shall not be numbered less; therefore, fear not what man can do, for God shall be with you forever and ever.

Very strong message!  When life becomes hard, when the bruises of sin and doubt come upon you, when the long way home seems impossible, have faith!  Have a determination to make it home and persevere through those trials.  Push with all your might, with unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.  Have a determination to come home. 

I always love what dad taught me:  There is no fate, no chance, no destiny, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.  When we are firm in faith, when we are firm in what we believe in, then that's when Heavenly Father strengthens us.  That's when we can get on the bike and continue!   

I love this gospel! I love Jesus Christ and his willingness to come here and atone for our sins. I love that I am in the service of him. I love you guys so much and I am thankful for all those who have prayed for my safety..... And my face haha 

I love you all so much!

Elder Corbridge

He got his i-Pad and finally has a way to snap a shot here and there for me.  The first was a few weeks ago when he got it and the second is a current selfie.  I don't think Quayd ever took one selfie at home!  His hair makes me laugh.  Quayd could spend hours making his hair just perfect at home.  Um... not so much here!  Oh that smile just brightens my day!

 

 

 

Life is good!  Very very good!