Sunday, September 22, 2013
September 20
As we
sat with our friend in a local McDonald's celebrating what has become a
typical Friday night together, I realized what good friends we had
become and how much we enjoyed spending time with him. Even better
tonight was the opportunity to share some gospel thoughts with him. Our
conversation usually centers around his work and his very unappreciative
boss. My companion is definitely right. It's so important to let people
know how much you care about them.
September 5
Just to let you all know what's been happening
here... We have sort of been reassigned, kind of. One of the office
couples hadn't been assigned a replacement. So our mission president
asked us if we would be willing to fill in. Of course, we
said yes on the condition that we could continue our work in the ward.
Then the Quorum of the Twelve assigned a replacement couple, but they
won't go into the MTC until early next month. The couple we are working
with departs 2 October. Therefore, we are learning all the things they
do so we can try to bridge the gap. And we may be able to serve after
the new couple arrives since some of the service missionaries now
working in the office will be out of commission for a while.
It has been an interesting experience. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to serve in a new environment. Kind of frustrated that the Twelve had a different thought since it seemed to be a perfect set-up, but then you don't argue with the Twelve!!! So we're waiting to see how it all works out.
In the meantime, I've had an interesting morning. My trainer had another appointment that took her out of the office most of the morning. Since Elder Quillon is working with the "car czar" and I probably wouldn't have had anything to do in the office, I decided to stay home and work on two ward service projects that I have here. Was able to listen to the Mormon Channel while I sewed, so it has been an uplifting morning despite the rain which is falling outside. (Had to adapt my regular walk to inside activity...definitely not a spectator sport!)
Just feeling tremendously blessed that the Church is so innovative and provides such wonderful opportunities for us free. Highly recommend the Mormon Channel while you're working. Try it if you haven't already. http://www.mormonchannel.org/
It has been an interesting experience. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to serve in a new environment. Kind of frustrated that the Twelve had a different thought since it seemed to be a perfect set-up, but then you don't argue with the Twelve!!! So we're waiting to see how it all works out.
In the meantime, I've had an interesting morning. My trainer had another appointment that took her out of the office most of the morning. Since Elder Quillon is working with the "car czar" and I probably wouldn't have had anything to do in the office, I decided to stay home and work on two ward service projects that I have here. Was able to listen to the Mormon Channel while I sewed, so it has been an uplifting morning despite the rain which is falling outside. (Had to adapt my regular walk to inside activity...definitely not a spectator sport!)
Just feeling tremendously blessed that the Church is so innovative and provides such wonderful opportunities for us free. Highly recommend the Mormon Channel while you're working. Try it if you haven't already. http://www.mormonchannel.org/
August 30
Thought
we were back in Virginia last night. There was a very ominous cloud we
saw building west of us on the way home. Must have dumped a ton of water
because there was standing water on Bridgeport Way as we headed to the
mission office. There were even broken branches from the trees (which I
didn't see until my morning walk today). Then power went out about 8:30
p.m., complete with what we assume were
exploding transformers. It didn't come back on until 5:30 a.m. Of
course, we didn't have the earthquake they apparently did have back home
shortly after midnight.
Ever since we arrived just as the rainy season was winding down, we've been hearing people talk about what lies ahead for us. Rain, rain, and more rain, accompanied by bone-chilling cold. I keep wondering whether all these dire predictions will make the reality less severe because we expected even worse. Or maybe we'll just be prepared to experience the difficulties.
When it comes to the challenges of the last days, I have a suspicion that the latter is more likely. Whatever it takes, folks!
Ever since we arrived just as the rainy season was winding down, we've been hearing people talk about what lies ahead for us. Rain, rain, and more rain, accompanied by bone-chilling cold. I keep wondering whether all these dire predictions will make the reality less severe because we expected even worse. Or maybe we'll just be prepared to experience the difficulties.
When it comes to the challenges of the last days, I have a suspicion that the latter is more likely. Whatever it takes, folks!
August 21
1
Nephi 8:28 And after they had tasted of the fruit they were ashamed,
because of those that were scoffing at them; and they fell away into
forbidden paths and were lost.
Amazing what people will believe when they choose to. Absolutely amazing!
Amazing what people will believe when they choose to. Absolutely amazing!
August 16
On
this morning's walk, I finally remembered a "scriptural" support for the
post yesterday. In "God Moves in a Mysterious Way," one verse says,
"His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour. The bud may have a
bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower."
And I observed this morning that the blackberries don't all ripen at the same time. Even when there is a whole cluster of ripened fruit, there are still one or two that haven't matured yet.
So I suppose the message is give everyone their space. There's nothing we can do to hasten the ripening process. All we can do is follow the example of the master of the vineyard in Jacob 5:
4 And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard went forth, and he saw that his olive tree began to decay; and he said: I will prune it, and dig about it, and nourish it, that perhaps it may shoot forth young and tender branches, and it perish not.
Let us be about caring for our olive trees with all diligence and patience and love.
And I observed this morning that the blackberries don't all ripen at the same time. Even when there is a whole cluster of ripened fruit, there are still one or two that haven't matured yet.
So I suppose the message is give everyone their space. There's nothing we can do to hasten the ripening process. All we can do is follow the example of the master of the vineyard in Jacob 5:
4 And it came to pass that the master of the vineyard went forth, and he saw that his olive tree began to decay; and he said: I will prune it, and dig about it, and nourish it, that perhaps it may shoot forth young and tender branches, and it perish not.
Let us be about caring for our olive trees with all diligence and patience and love.
August 15
The
blackberries are beginning to ripen in Washington State. Now, Virginia
has wild blackberries, but nothing like they do here. They literally
grow like weeds.
And they prompted a pondering the other day as I was doing my morning walk. I reached up and ever so slightly tugged on a darkish one, but it didn't release. I've always figured that a ripe fruit will come off in your fingers if it's ready to be eaten. Before that, it's not quite as sweet as it will be in another day or two.
But that made me think about our life experiences. Sometimes we go through difficulties in our life which are meant to "ripen" us. (I actually can't think of any scriptural support for that analogy at the moment, so not preaching here!) If we lose sight of our goal and the love that motivates our Father in Heaven and give up before the full benefit of the experience is reached, we will have a bitter taste. But if we hang on, if we open ourselves too the lesson, if we "endure to the end," we will mature in our understanding and learn the lessons that will help us continue to progress. They will actually become sweet to us.
There is something of a natural process to our lives. We possess our souls in patience...and there ARE scriptures for that: Doctrine and Covenants 67:13, 101:38, 21:5; 2 Corinthians 6:4, Hebrews 6:12, Mosiah 23:21, Romans 5:3-4 [for those of you without LDS scriptures, you can find these under "Scriptures" at LDS.org].
Perhaps it goes back to a song that was popular back in the "old days" (back when I was a teenager). "Hang on, Sloopy." I'm not sure I recommend the origin or lyrics of that song, but I do know there are days when we simply have to hang on, have faith, and keep trying.
And they prompted a pondering the other day as I was doing my morning walk. I reached up and ever so slightly tugged on a darkish one, but it didn't release. I've always figured that a ripe fruit will come off in your fingers if it's ready to be eaten. Before that, it's not quite as sweet as it will be in another day or two.
But that made me think about our life experiences. Sometimes we go through difficulties in our life which are meant to "ripen" us. (I actually can't think of any scriptural support for that analogy at the moment, so not preaching here!) If we lose sight of our goal and the love that motivates our Father in Heaven and give up before the full benefit of the experience is reached, we will have a bitter taste. But if we hang on, if we open ourselves too the lesson, if we "endure to the end," we will mature in our understanding and learn the lessons that will help us continue to progress. They will actually become sweet to us.
There is something of a natural process to our lives. We possess our souls in patience...and there ARE scriptures for that: Doctrine and Covenants 67:13, 101:38, 21:5; 2 Corinthians 6:4, Hebrews 6:12, Mosiah 23:21, Romans 5:3-4 [for those of you without LDS scriptures, you can find these under "Scriptures" at LDS.org].
Perhaps it goes back to a song that was popular back in the "old days" (back when I was a teenager). "Hang on, Sloopy." I'm not sure I recommend the origin or lyrics of that song, but I do know there are days when we simply have to hang on, have faith, and keep trying.
August 7
I
have a new appreciation for the word "hope" and the fact that it's
pretty indispensable if we are going to move forward. When circumstances
seem to knock us down, that's the only way to get up and keep moving.
And then we find that if we exercise the faith and refuse to give up,
good things often happen...in spite of appearances or predictions or
statistics.
I guess an associated word would be love--a love that persists in spite of discouragement. I'm eternally grateful that love is a trait that is so prevalent in our Father in Heaven that He is defined by it. Learning more about how that works.
I guess an associated word would be love--a love that persists in spite of discouragement. I'm eternally grateful that love is a trait that is so prevalent in our Father in Heaven that He is defined by it. Learning more about how that works.
August 1
No guarantees in this life. No insulation from challenge even though we strive to do what's right. Carry on...
July 27
Tonight
we took a friend to the multi-stake performance of "Pirates of
Penzance." Absolutely blown away by the talent demonstrated by the
participants. The songs are still ringing in my ears. Thank you, all
those who put so much effort into that.
July 21
It
became apparent today that trying to help less-active Church members is
altogether too much like parenting. You watch over them and pray about
them and encourage them and pray for them and do whatever seems might be
helpful and pray and hope and then sometimes even all of that turns out
not to be sufficient...at least temporarily. So you pick yourself up
off the floor, put your hand back in the hand of the Savior, and commit
to continue traveling the road in the hopes that somewhere along the way
you can do some good for someone. And perhaps, just maybe, the dreams
will all come true eventually. "It could happen!"
July 19 B
By
the way, looking back, I see that I promised to send a more permanent
address once we got it. So for all of those who have been wishing you
could write but haven't because you don't have an address for us:
7715 44th Street W, #64
University Place, WA 98466
I actually addressed an envelope to send to the house this morning and messed up the house number! Maybe that's a good sign that I'm immersed in what we're doing out here. On the other hand, it may just be one more evidence that my mind is going.
7715 44th Street W, #64
University Place, WA 98466
I actually addressed an envelope to send to the house this morning and messed up the house number! Maybe that's a good sign that I'm immersed in what we're doing out here. On the other hand, it may just be one more evidence that my mind is going.
July 19
Well,
this is a reversal! The stake sponsored a free-to-the-community family
history class last night, and guess who showed up? About 20 Church
members! Don't think we drew a single community member. I thought about
the irony of complaining about the situation when just a few months ago
we were lamenting the fact that the community/LDS usage of the Family
History Center was so heavily skewed in favor of the community. I guess
the take-away message is that you just can't please us family history
advocates!!!
July 15
After drawing 17 sector maps of our ward, I have determined two very important things:
1. I would never make it as a city planner...at least not here. I would attempt to make the street layout logical, and that definitely wouldn't fly. (Of course, Charlottesville isn't much better!)
2. Map drawing isn't my forte either.
However, they will hopefully help us be more effective in our work. If they do, it will have been worth the investment of time.
1. I would never make it as a city planner...at least not here. I would attempt to make the street layout logical, and that definitely wouldn't fly. (Of course, Charlottesville isn't much better!)
2. Map drawing isn't my forte either.
However, they will hopefully help us be more effective in our work. If they do, it will have been worth the investment of time.
July 13
Our
daughter sent us a book which I've started reading. It reminds me of
Brother Neal A. Maxwell's writings where you could/should stop and think
about the meaning and implications of each sentence. Related to Elder
Oaks's roof-blowing Conference talk, "The Challenge to Be." So the
"Child of God" line was first "Teach me all that I must know"; was
changed to "all that I must do"; and now turns out should probably have
been "all that I must be." And the whole crux of the matter is how we
put that principle into practice.
July 12
Ever
had one of those days when a lot of things seemed to go right? Today was
one of those for us. Got to see a lot of people, one of whom we've been
trying to see for a couple of weeks now. Had some good visits and
hopefully served the way they needed to be served. Retiring happy
tonight.
July 6
I've
been thinking a lot about that "mosaic" analogy since Thursday's post.
Do you remember seeing the advertisement (and forgive me if I have the
details wrong, but my memory will probably skew toward my point) where a
hand is holding a very unremarkable shard of blue stone? And then the
piece is placed in a mosaic where it completes the eye, which is the
first attention point of the whole piece?
There are undoubtedly thousands of pieces of glass in that portrait of various colors and intensities. If just one were missing, it would be a diminishing of the whole. But you never know when you will be supplying that morsel that completes the focal point of the whole.
Reminds me of President McKay's lesson---"What e'er thou art, play well thy part." Someone's eternity may depend upon it.
There are undoubtedly thousands of pieces of glass in that portrait of various colors and intensities. If just one were missing, it would be a diminishing of the whole. But you never know when you will be supplying that morsel that completes the focal point of the whole.
Reminds me of President McKay's lesson---"What e'er thou art, play well thy part." Someone's eternity may depend upon it.
July 4 B
Today
I may have had a glimpse of heavenly perspective. What great,
magnificent souls are sometimes encrusted and shackled by sin. How
Heavenly Father must yearn for the redemption and rise of these glorious
beings to fill their foreordained roles, positions in which they are so
desperately needed to carry out the work of the latter days.
Whatever support can be rendered to facilitate their release, we should be willing to offer. Sometimes, that can be as small as a smile while passing in the hall or an arm around the shoulders. I used to think missions were a bigger effort. Now I see that they're made up of a lot of small supports. It's just that we're freed up to have more time to serve. And, in reality, I'm sure the mantle of the call makes a difference as well.
So may we all fill our own roles and empower our brothers and sisters to fill theirs. It's all part of a huge mosaic. Carry on!
Whatever support can be rendered to facilitate their release, we should be willing to offer. Sometimes, that can be as small as a smile while passing in the hall or an arm around the shoulders. I used to think missions were a bigger effort. Now I see that they're made up of a lot of small supports. It's just that we're freed up to have more time to serve. And, in reality, I'm sure the mantle of the call makes a difference as well.
So may we all fill our own roles and empower our brothers and sisters to fill theirs. It's all part of a huge mosaic. Carry on!
July 4
As I
keep vigil for the arrival of our latest great-granddaughter, I am
pondering some of the lessons we've learned about missionary work. One
is what a great tool negativity is in the hands of the adversary. If he
can persuade a group to be divided, to point fingers of blame, to
develop a "they" and "us" mentality, he's a long way toward his goal of
destruction. We're giving some serious thought to how you begin to turn
that around, if you can. We suspect it has something to do with love.
June 29 - Trip to Mount Rainier
Christine Falls. There was a higher falls behind the rock wall. Might have been able to see it if I'd gone further down the trail...wasn't feeling that adventurous. Wish I could add sound to this. It was impressive.
Was this a quick slide or a glacier advancing down?
Rocks at the bottom probably averaging the size of cantaloupe. Smooth and rounded.
The mountain was veiled while we were there; it cleared off by the time we got back to Tacoma.
Paradise Inn at the foot of the mountain. We got some salt and pepper shakers to remember it by.
Elder Quillon in the king's chair.
Interesting display on the way back down.
The sculptor uses old machine parts.
For example, the guitar body is a tractor seat.
You'll see another view later.
Should be a lucky horse, huh?
June 27
We'll
start off with a humorous report. Googled the Seattle Temple this
morning. Called the telephone number listed and it turned out to be a
car detailing shop! Not only had they listed the shop's telephone
number, but also their address. Leads me to distrust Google results a
bit.
Then last night, we received a copy of the visits done by the missionary couple who preceded us by about a year. Saw notations indicating they hadn't been received very well by some of their contacts. I guess we've been very blessed so far since everyone has been quite nice. I'm sure we'll have some of the others before it's over.
But we found it interesting that the one person we feel we were sent to find so far was never seen by our predecessors. They got close when they saw his friend. Just another testimony that Heavenly Father's timetables are very precise.
Thankful to be here, yes. But very thankful to be here NOW!
Then last night, we received a copy of the visits done by the missionary couple who preceded us by about a year. Saw notations indicating they hadn't been received very well by some of their contacts. I guess we've been very blessed so far since everyone has been quite nice. I'm sure we'll have some of the others before it's over.
But we found it interesting that the one person we feel we were sent to find so far was never seen by our predecessors. They got close when they saw his friend. Just another testimony that Heavenly Father's timetables are very precise.
Thankful to be here, yes. But very thankful to be here NOW!
June 24 B
I am
amazed at how quickly you come to love the members of the ward in which
you are serving. Two of our "lambs" are relocating to Salt Lake, and the
severing is painful. When the doctor who saw Elder Quillon recently
(who is also a bishop) suggested [facetiously] that he was going to
contact the mission president and ask to have us transferred to the area
of his ward, I felt a shock of horror pass through me at the thought.
How could we leave the people we have come to appreciate so much? It
will never happen if I can help it!!!
June 24
Another
day that won't be recorded on the "no-rain" list! It may clear off and
end up being a pretty day. It was definitely a pouring type of night.
Nice sleeping weather, though. Now off to p-day, our seventh.
June 23
It
will be very interesting to see how the announcements made in today's
meeting will play out in real missionary life. I can see some
possibilities that many of our prayers will be answered. We thank Thee, O
God, for a prophet!
June 18
A short sightseeing jaunt on p-day down to
another part of the Sound across from the city. Can't help but think
what Anna would have done with that last one!
Elder Quillon wanted to go see the shipyard someone had mentioned. It was a whole lot different than what you'd see at Norfolk! [NOTE: The real shipyards up around the Port of Tacoma are much more impressive.]
Elder Quillon wanted to go see the shipyard someone had mentioned. It was a whole lot different than what you'd see at Norfolk! [NOTE: The real shipyards up around the Port of Tacoma are much more impressive.]
June 14
This was the view across the street as we left Wednesday night's ward council meeting. Hope it portends good!
June 13
Time daughter spent trying to make this picture postable: Immense.
Equipment to make this picture postable: $24.95.
Memories of this exquisite sight: Priceless.
(This is what we saw all over when we first arrived. Beautiful!)
Equipment to make this picture postable: $24.95.
Memories of this exquisite sight: Priceless.
(This is what we saw all over when we first arrived. Beautiful!)
June 11
Believe it or not, the blanket went back on the bed last night. Washington State is cool in more ways than one!
June 9 B
OK,
it's happening already. We seem to be in a time warp. During the past
week, our first month anniversary came and went. It seems like forever
since we walked into that bustling MTC.
And then we hit Washington. Now, already, it seems like the weeks are mashing together. It seems like it was p-day just a couple of days ago, and here it is p-day again. I remember this happening before, but it was months into the mission, not just weeks.
So I hope it isn't a portent of how things are going to go from here on. We're so grateful to be able to be here and to try to make a difference. Heavenly Father has blessed us richly so far. So grateful.
And then we hit Washington. Now, already, it seems like the weeks are mashing together. It seems like it was p-day just a couple of days ago, and here it is p-day again. I remember this happening before, but it was months into the mission, not just weeks.
So I hope it isn't a portent of how things are going to go from here on. We're so grateful to be able to be here and to try to make a difference. Heavenly Father has blessed us richly so far. So grateful.
June 9
Today's letter:
Dear ______,
Today's postscript to last week's letter is this. Every bad experience, every poor choice, every difficulty we encounter on our journey through mortality can be turned to a positive if we yield to Heavenly Father and the Savior and the Holy Ghost and allow them to teach us. It is only when we turn away from them---in a spirit of discouragement or rebellion---that we make it impossible for them to help. they will _not_ violate our agency.
We are looking forward to seeing you today. Elder Quillon will be cheered by seeing your smiling face as he gives his talk.
With love,
Sister Quillon
Dear ______,
Today's postscript to last week's letter is this. Every bad experience, every poor choice, every difficulty we encounter on our journey through mortality can be turned to a positive if we yield to Heavenly Father and the Savior and the Holy Ghost and allow them to teach us. It is only when we turn away from them---in a spirit of discouragement or rebellion---that we make it impossible for them to help. they will _not_ violate our agency.
We are looking forward to seeing you today. Elder Quillon will be cheered by seeing your smiling face as he gives his talk.
With love,
Sister Quillon
The Tacoma Narrows Bridge from further down the Sound.
June 8
I suspect it is a monumental day in the
Washington Tacoma Mission when a new team of missionaries sees Mount
Rainier for the first time. This was our second or third view, but the
first day we had a camera with us. Of course, then I started
reading about how it is one of the most dangerous volcanic mountains in
the world (mostly because of that white stuff you see clinging to its
surface). So, unlike my adventure-seeking son-in-law Derek, I am going
to pray for a very peaceful continuance of the status quo!
June 2
I am
reluctant to share specific experiences that involve specific people.
But I thought I might share a letter I wrote to one of our recent
contacts. She seemed concerned because someone who treated her badly
seemed to be amply rewarded while she was struggling.
Dear ___,
Ever since we met and had a brief discussion on "serious" things and a lot of "fun" things on the side, I have been thinking about what you said. May I share a few thoughts which have come to me as a result?
Heavenly Father is very precise in His teaching plans for His children. He is our Father, so He knows us very well. He knows what lessons we need to learn here, and He tailors our circumstances (as much as He can without infringing on eternal principles) to help us learn those lessons.
In other words, the things you have experienced have been designed to help you learn and grow. Of course, there is that other pesky element of moral agency which plays a large part in our schooling here in mortality. Often, when we look back, the situations in which we find ourselves can be traced back to choices we have made.
However, one of the startling things I learned from a Book of Mormon class my first year at BYU (taught, incidentally, by one Jeffrey Holland long before his current assignment!) was that _Heavenly Father knew we would make mistakes_. And that was why the great plan of happiness includes a Savior. His atonement gives each of Heavenly Father's children the opportunity to overcome those mistakes. That is a given aspect of the atonement.
However, another aspect is that the same atonement also allows everything (eventually) to be fair. It provides a way for all those who have been injured by the sins of others to be made whole as well.
The reason your grandmother and we and all the members of the Church want you to be at church with us is that that is the spiritual hospital where we can all be healed, as well as being given our "vitamins" so we can be healthier going forward.
Heavenly Father knows and loves _you_. He's not teaching anyone else the lessons He's teaching you, because you are unique in all the world. That reminds me of a card a friend gave me before we left Virginia. It says, "Be yourself. Everyone else is taken." (originally said by Oscar Wilde)
So we are looking forward to seeing you this morning as we all come to take the Sacrament and be healed of our aches and pains as we come repentant and wanting to do better, to _be_ better. We're all undergoing the same treatment, but it's all specifically designed for who are are eternally.
Thanks so much for letting us interrupt your yard sale. We will always remember you because we will always cherish our wooden souvenirs.
Remember, Heavenly Father wants us to have joy in the journey.
With love,
Sister Quillon
Dear ___,
Ever since we met and had a brief discussion on "serious" things and a lot of "fun" things on the side, I have been thinking about what you said. May I share a few thoughts which have come to me as a result?
Heavenly Father is very precise in His teaching plans for His children. He is our Father, so He knows us very well. He knows what lessons we need to learn here, and He tailors our circumstances (as much as He can without infringing on eternal principles) to help us learn those lessons.
In other words, the things you have experienced have been designed to help you learn and grow. Of course, there is that other pesky element of moral agency which plays a large part in our schooling here in mortality. Often, when we look back, the situations in which we find ourselves can be traced back to choices we have made.
However, one of the startling things I learned from a Book of Mormon class my first year at BYU (taught, incidentally, by one Jeffrey Holland long before his current assignment!) was that _Heavenly Father knew we would make mistakes_. And that was why the great plan of happiness includes a Savior. His atonement gives each of Heavenly Father's children the opportunity to overcome those mistakes. That is a given aspect of the atonement.
However, another aspect is that the same atonement also allows everything (eventually) to be fair. It provides a way for all those who have been injured by the sins of others to be made whole as well.
The reason your grandmother and we and all the members of the Church want you to be at church with us is that that is the spiritual hospital where we can all be healed, as well as being given our "vitamins" so we can be healthier going forward.
Heavenly Father knows and loves _you_. He's not teaching anyone else the lessons He's teaching you, because you are unique in all the world. That reminds me of a card a friend gave me before we left Virginia. It says, "Be yourself. Everyone else is taken." (originally said by Oscar Wilde)
So we are looking forward to seeing you this morning as we all come to take the Sacrament and be healed of our aches and pains as we come repentant and wanting to do better, to _be_ better. We're all undergoing the same treatment, but it's all specifically designed for who are are eternally.
Thanks so much for letting us interrupt your yard sale. We will always remember you because we will always cherish our wooden souvenirs.
Remember, Heavenly Father wants us to have joy in the journey.
With love,
Sister Quillon
May 29
Cookies!
Several things occurred to me this morning as I was making cookies.
1. This may have been the first time ever that I baked without a sifter. That was a staple utensil in my mother's kitchen, so all of my methods kind of assume it is there. It was not! Now, I do remember chopping up chocolate bars on Mission 1, presumably to make chocolate chip cookies. But I have no recollection of actually making them, so that might have been my companion's doing.
2. Funny how many things you don't realize you don't have until you start a project like this. I'm not exactly sure how we're going to cool them since I have no racks. However, we'll figure out a way. We did make it through without a stand mixer, to which I have become accustomed. However, having no hot pads turned out to be a bit of a problem. It's amazing how a dish towel and a hot oven element don't mix...and it doesn't take a lot of time for them to decide they don't get along!
3. The pumpkin in this can was unlike any I've ever used before, though the cookies seem not to have suffered as a result. And it seemed a lot more expensive than I remembered. On the other hand, I don't remember the last time we bought pumpkin since we laid in a good supply several years ago and have been drawing on that ever since.
4. I've never made cookies at such an advanced age. We used to make cookies all the time when the children were younger. But others in the family (primarily Kaylyn) have become the cookie makers in recent years. I may have to take a little snippy nap before we go out! Sad commentary on this senior missionary's stamina. Oh well, we're still moving.
Greetings from the WA-TAC!
Sister Q.
Several things occurred to me this morning as I was making cookies.
1. This may have been the first time ever that I baked without a sifter. That was a staple utensil in my mother's kitchen, so all of my methods kind of assume it is there. It was not! Now, I do remember chopping up chocolate bars on Mission 1, presumably to make chocolate chip cookies. But I have no recollection of actually making them, so that might have been my companion's doing.
2. Funny how many things you don't realize you don't have until you start a project like this. I'm not exactly sure how we're going to cool them since I have no racks. However, we'll figure out a way. We did make it through without a stand mixer, to which I have become accustomed. However, having no hot pads turned out to be a bit of a problem. It's amazing how a dish towel and a hot oven element don't mix...and it doesn't take a lot of time for them to decide they don't get along!
3. The pumpkin in this can was unlike any I've ever used before, though the cookies seem not to have suffered as a result. And it seemed a lot more expensive than I remembered. On the other hand, I don't remember the last time we bought pumpkin since we laid in a good supply several years ago and have been drawing on that ever since.
4. I've never made cookies at such an advanced age. We used to make cookies all the time when the children were younger. But others in the family (primarily Kaylyn) have become the cookie makers in recent years. I may have to take a little snippy nap before we go out! Sad commentary on this senior missionary's stamina. Oh well, we're still moving.
Greetings from the WA-TAC!
Sister Q.
May 28
Minutes from transfer day meeting.
This meeting is held about every six weeks. I think there were 38 new missionaries who arrived today. The office staff (with a little help from a couple of the senior missionary couples) feeds everyone. The new missionaries are greeted by the mission president and his wife. Then they get assigned to the wards where they will labor and then meet their first companions.
The going-home missionaries have the opportunity to bear their testimonies. Here are my notes from that part of the meeting in case you'd like an insight into their mindset (and maybe, indirectly, mine as well).
Dreading not wearing his name tag beginning tomorrow. There is no comfort in the growth zone; there is no growth in the comfort zone.
Gathering of Israel. The Book of Mormon is the book that is doing it.
Be joyful about the ability to repent
Be aware of what you do every day, because it will all add up.
Fill up your planners
Look whose name is on your name tag along with yours.
Last advice...given by prophets and fathers.
My heart is aching knowing I have to leave, but yet my joy is full.
There is nothing that can stop this work, so decide now to be a part of it. Live each day to bring Christ's mission into other people's lives.
That which is to give light must endure burning.
Jeffrey R. Holland - The crowning characteristic of love is loyalty. The WA-TAC (Washington Tacoma Mission) is a forever thing.
Through Jesus Christ, we can all be happy; through Jesus Christ, we can all be clean. Go out and do something crazy for God.
The only thing harder than going on a mission is leaving to go home.
The atonement isn't something that happens at the end of life; it can happen now.
We are here to find those who want to hear the gospel, not those who want to argue with it. We need to make it happen. Work and having fun do work together.
The way I've lived the past two years should be my strongest testimony of Jesus Christ.
Sister Quillon
This meeting is held about every six weeks. I think there were 38 new missionaries who arrived today. The office staff (with a little help from a couple of the senior missionary couples) feeds everyone. The new missionaries are greeted by the mission president and his wife. Then they get assigned to the wards where they will labor and then meet their first companions.
The going-home missionaries have the opportunity to bear their testimonies. Here are my notes from that part of the meeting in case you'd like an insight into their mindset (and maybe, indirectly, mine as well).
Dreading not wearing his name tag beginning tomorrow. There is no comfort in the growth zone; there is no growth in the comfort zone.
Gathering of Israel. The Book of Mormon is the book that is doing it.
Be joyful about the ability to repent
Be aware of what you do every day, because it will all add up.
Fill up your planners
Look whose name is on your name tag along with yours.
Last advice...given by prophets and fathers.
My heart is aching knowing I have to leave, but yet my joy is full.
There is nothing that can stop this work, so decide now to be a part of it. Live each day to bring Christ's mission into other people's lives.
That which is to give light must endure burning.
Jeffrey R. Holland - The crowning characteristic of love is loyalty. The WA-TAC (Washington Tacoma Mission) is a forever thing.
Through Jesus Christ, we can all be happy; through Jesus Christ, we can all be clean. Go out and do something crazy for God.
The only thing harder than going on a mission is leaving to go home.
The atonement isn't something that happens at the end of life; it can happen now.
We are here to find those who want to hear the gospel, not those who want to argue with it. We need to make it happen. Work and having fun do work together.
The way I've lived the past two years should be my strongest testimony of Jesus Christ.
Sister Quillon
May 25
As we
close our second official week in the mission field, we have received
two rejections. Sorry, Esmeralda, this is probably not the “mission
story” you wanted. However, as any missionary will tell you, it is the
outcome of our efforts a great percentage of the time.
The first one was dispensed from a second-story balcony where the contact explained that he believed in equality and the Church was very restrictive about what the women could do. That would be easily contradicted by any woman who has ever served as a Relief Society president, but there wasn’t much of an opportunity to explain anything further.
The one this morning was over the phone but just as painful as I remembered from four decades ago. We had taught this sister only three or four times, so nothing like going through the entire set of discussions with an investigator and then receiving the response that they were going back to what they had had before. But we did care about her and wished for her to receive the full blessings of the gospel. Hard to watch people be satisfied with part when they could have the whole. But, as I explained to her, that is totally her choice and one with which we would never interfere.
We have met some really wonderful people in our contacting the last two weeks (including those who determined they weren't interested in going forward). It's been great getting into the water again! Swimming forward isn't always easy, but it helps strengthen us.
So onward and upward.
The first one was dispensed from a second-story balcony where the contact explained that he believed in equality and the Church was very restrictive about what the women could do. That would be easily contradicted by any woman who has ever served as a Relief Society president, but there wasn’t much of an opportunity to explain anything further.
The one this morning was over the phone but just as painful as I remembered from four decades ago. We had taught this sister only three or four times, so nothing like going through the entire set of discussions with an investigator and then receiving the response that they were going back to what they had had before. But we did care about her and wished for her to receive the full blessings of the gospel. Hard to watch people be satisfied with part when they could have the whole. But, as I explained to her, that is totally her choice and one with which we would never interfere.
We have met some really wonderful people in our contacting the last two weeks (including those who determined they weren't interested in going forward). It's been great getting into the water again! Swimming forward isn't always easy, but it helps strengthen us.
So onward and upward.
May 23
We've
tried to figure out another name for the water that keeps falling from
the sky. Liquid sunshine seems a bit too Pollyanna-ish. It's not a
vicious event. In fact, it seems downright gentle. And, my word, when
you see what it does for the grass and flowers in the area, how can you
complain? You can have hanging baskets of flowers and not even have to
water them. That's pretty amazing! However,
I have to say it was rather odd to wear a fairly heavy, "winter"-type
blouse about the last week in May and then be glad you did.
Ventured over to the Family History Center this afternoon just to see what it was like. And no, Elder Quillon didn't have to drag me kicking and screaming to the car. Did meet some nice people.
We tried to play a DVD for one of our contacts this evening. And, wouldn't you know, the DVD player started glitching. It seemed to work at the apartment. But maybe we were supposed to do something different, which we went ahead and did. Hopefully, it will have been helpful.
Working on some booties for a new baby in the ward. Hope they fit.
We keep on keeping on!
Ventured over to the Family History Center this afternoon just to see what it was like. And no, Elder Quillon didn't have to drag me kicking and screaming to the car. Did meet some nice people.
We tried to play a DVD for one of our contacts this evening. And, wouldn't you know, the DVD player started glitching. It seemed to work at the apartment. But maybe we were supposed to do something different, which we went ahead and did. Hopefully, it will have been helpful.
Working on some booties for a new baby in the ward. Hope they fit.
We keep on keeping on!
May 20
P-day. The carpets are vacuumed. We'll be going shopping for some additional cleaning supplies (etc.) later this morning.
Went to a mission fireside in Bremerton last night where a choir of missionaries sang, some spoke, new converts bore their testimonies, and we got to hear from local and mission leaders. Good experience. Not sure I've heard "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" performed any more movingly than it was last night with a good strong voice, a piano, and a cello.
On the way to and from, we crossed the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (version 2). Happy to report that it stayed very calm and stable as we drove over both times. Still, I couldn't get the image of that very disturbing film clip out of my mind during the few minutes we were on it, especially the first time.
Worried about the two children of one of our senior couples who live in Oklahoma and Texas. Hope they're all well, along with the residents of the places hit with tornadoes last night. Hope everything calms down today (although we hear it may not).
Went to a mission fireside in Bremerton last night where a choir of missionaries sang, some spoke, new converts bore their testimonies, and we got to hear from local and mission leaders. Good experience. Not sure I've heard "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" performed any more movingly than it was last night with a good strong voice, a piano, and a cello.
On the way to and from, we crossed the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (version 2). Happy to report that it stayed very calm and stable as we drove over both times. Still, I couldn't get the image of that very disturbing film clip out of my mind during the few minutes we were on it, especially the first time.
Worried about the two children of one of our senior couples who live in Oklahoma and Texas. Hope they're all well, along with the residents of the places hit with tornadoes last night. Hope everything calms down today (although we hear it may not).
May 18 B
Great
Saturday...a sweet visit to a sister who needed a visit, dinner with
our next-door neighbors, and then a baptism of a family. Now we have our
Roku box hooked up making BYUtv available to us for our chair naps
(which Elder Quillon is currently taking). It don't get no better than
that!
Happy Sabbath, everyone.
E&SQ
Happy Sabbath, everyone.
E&SQ
May 18
Days are hard!
This is not the title of a new country song. It's a reflection on how much work you can't get done during the day. We've tried several of them now, and the number of people you can find at home is extremely limited. So we're revamping our approach. Not exactly sure what form the revamp will take, but we've got to do something different. With gas prices at the high threes and low fours, chicken chasing is neither economically nor spiritually productive.
However, we DO have a commitment from one sister to come to church with us on Sunday and then have a review lesson on Monday morning. Of course, we made that teaching appointment in all enthusiasm without remembering that Mondays are preparation day. However, when I reminded Elder Quillon of that, he said, "That's OK." Great to have a committed companion! And we'll work around the teaching appointment as there are still several mundane things we need to take care of in the setting-up realm.
Two of the Elders brought by some patio furniture which had been donated by some members. Yes, folks, we have a balcony which is now populated by two chairs and a table. So we can't have guests. But we can go out and enjoy the evening air (once the evening air warms up a little bit). I realize that the last phrase is a real bummer for those of you in the East who are suffering from overly warm weather already. If you look at our weather forecast, you'll see pretty much 60s across the board for the coming week. Yes, some rain, too. But, really, 60s!!!! :-}}}
We're going out to lunch with our across-the-hall neighbors this afternoon before attending a baptism at 4:00. Looks to be a good day!
Love, me
This is not the title of a new country song. It's a reflection on how much work you can't get done during the day. We've tried several of them now, and the number of people you can find at home is extremely limited. So we're revamping our approach. Not exactly sure what form the revamp will take, but we've got to do something different. With gas prices at the high threes and low fours, chicken chasing is neither economically nor spiritually productive.
However, we DO have a commitment from one sister to come to church with us on Sunday and then have a review lesson on Monday morning. Of course, we made that teaching appointment in all enthusiasm without remembering that Mondays are preparation day. However, when I reminded Elder Quillon of that, he said, "That's OK." Great to have a committed companion! And we'll work around the teaching appointment as there are still several mundane things we need to take care of in the setting-up realm.
Two of the Elders brought by some patio furniture which had been donated by some members. Yes, folks, we have a balcony which is now populated by two chairs and a table. So we can't have guests. But we can go out and enjoy the evening air (once the evening air warms up a little bit). I realize that the last phrase is a real bummer for those of you in the East who are suffering from overly warm weather already. If you look at our weather forecast, you'll see pretty much 60s across the board for the coming week. Yes, some rain, too. But, really, 60s!!!! :-}}}
We're going out to lunch with our across-the-hall neighbors this afternoon before attending a baptism at 4:00. Looks to be a good day!
Love, me
May 16
We
have finished our first full day of "reaching out." The MTC trainers
didn't make up the scenarios. The words coming out of these mouths were a
sincere reflection of an inward state of mind. And the struggle to help
was in earnest. Here's to the beginning of a year of genuine
endeavor...I love it!
May 15
This
process of resettling is tedious! Having lived in the same house for
almost 32 years, and having simply transferred households before that,
we're not terribly experienced. Hopefully, the worst is over.
May 10
We've
graduated from the MTC (whether we're really ready or not) and are on
our way to Tacoma. Got as far as the eastern edge of Boise after leaving
Provo around 4:00. Elder Quillon did another spectacular job of driving
today. Hope he gets a lot of good sleep tonight. Another long drive
tomorrow.
Thinking of so many of you as we reflect back on a very interesting five days. Extremely grateful for so many blessings! (Including getting to sleep...before midnight if I hurry!)
Love to all.
Thinking of so many of you as we reflect back on a very interesting five days. Extremely grateful for so many blessings! (Including getting to sleep...before midnight if I hurry!)
Love to all.
May 7
Training
today; teaching tomorrow. Gratefully, none of the investigators should
be in danger of losing their testimonies, even if we do a lousy job.
It's been a fun day and we're pretty ready to retire. Good night!
May 6
Well, as some of you may already have heard, our arrival in Provo was accompanied by a bug that I seemed to have picked up along the way. It made us miss a glorious opportunity to attend church with the Quinns and enjoy a meal and visiting with them afterward. Instead, I crawled into bed as soon as we did the initial check-in with the MTC and stayed there until about 4:30 this morning. At least I should be rested for the new undertaking!
We are being housed in the downtown Marriott. My goodness, I can't quite get accustomed to all this opulence! And it appears that we're going to be here the rest of the week. Quite different from Mission1!
We report in about an hour. Then the learning begins. But I have to say that it is all pretty exciting!
* * *
Oh, by the way, one additional perk I've already noticed: my husband now has to address me as Sister Knothead!! A slight upgrade, I know, but still significant.
May 5
I've now had my crying session to begin the day. The Choir has that effect on a lot of us, but you KNOW it's going to get to me!
May 3
Prayers
answered. Not a single snowflake on the roads (except for melted ones)
and a totally beautiful ride to Colorado. Finished a sewing project on
the way. Got to see two sisters and a brother-in-law (sounds like the
title for a movie, doesn't it?). A good night's sleep and we're going to
be ready to hit the road again. Think we're going to Salt Lake a day
ahead of schedule (thanks to my two brothers who are out of town helping
in-laws with broken legs---how's that for a coincidence!!!---and a
missing-in-action sister). Maybe, just maybe, I'll be able to visit the
Family History Library for a little while...maybe?
May 1
We
have begun! Left home at 8:08 yesterday morning. Drove until about 10:30
(11:30 EDT)...we had kind of stopped paying attention to such minor
details by that time. All we wanted was a place to lay our weary
heads--Elder Quillon's from driving and Sister Quillon's from having
stayed up way too late the night before working on a project.
We have been blessed abundantly so far. Now if we can get in another good day of travel, along with two daughters who are traveling today as well, we will be thankful. Actually, we're thankful already, just extended thankful.
Thank you all for your supporting prayers. They are felt!!
We have been blessed abundantly so far. Now if we can get in another good day of travel, along with two daughters who are traveling today as well, we will be thankful. Actually, we're thankful already, just extended thankful.
Thank you all for your supporting prayers. They are felt!!
April 29
Many
thanks to all who have been so kind and sent us such encouraging wishes.
We're all packed and ready to head out in the morning. Exciting and a
bit scary at the same time.
I thought I'd pass along the address for the mission home in case you needed it for any reason. It is
4007 Bridgeport Way W Ste D
University Place, WA 98466-4330
I'll let you know as soon as we have a more permanent and more direct address.
Onward and upward!
I thought I'd pass along the address for the mission home in case you needed it for any reason. It is
4007 Bridgeport Way W Ste D
University Place, WA 98466-4330
I'll let you know as soon as we have a more permanent and more direct address.
Onward and upward!
April 28
We
are now officially set-apart missionaries! It was so wonderful to enter
the High Council room and see our family (all of them!) and friends.
President Waite gave us both beautiful blessings. I wish I could remember more of what he said. One of the strong impressions was the weight of the responsibility being placed back on my shoulders. I'd forgotten that feeling.
There is one question...does this mean I have to go to bed at 10:30? I have no problem with getting up at 6:30, but retiring early is going to be a challenge.
President Waite gave us both beautiful blessings. I wish I could remember more of what he said. One of the strong impressions was the weight of the responsibility being placed back on my shoulders. I'd forgotten that feeling.
There is one question...does this mean I have to go to bed at 10:30? I have no problem with getting up at 6:30, but retiring early is going to be a challenge.
April 27
Our
last night as pre-missionaries. Spent the majority of the day enjoying
the Charlottesville Family History Conference. Then our family began to
arrive. Had dinner with a goodly number (had to bring up an additional
table). We will be set apart for our callings tomorrow after church.
Grateful for the present blessings and looking forward to the ones yet
to come. Life is bounteous!
April 16
SHOTS!
The first time around it was because I was going out of the U.S. This
time, I think it's because I'm old! So I have less of a chance of
contracting shingles and pneumonia (which I know is a good thing).
However, my pneumonia wing is sure sore! We have two more to get once we
get into the field and then we'll be all shot up...hopefully for a long
time!
April 14
OBSERVATION:
Several years ago we watched the progress of a man who was building a
serpentine rock wall in front of his house on 250. It was obviously a
job that was important to him, and he did a good job. During one of the
storms that took down a bunch of trees, the one in the man's front yard
fell very close to the house without hitting the rock wall. But last
week as we drove down 250, we saw that
the whole thing was gone---house, tree stump, and rock wall---in
preparation for the bypass interchange. It was a reminder to me that we
need to be careful about how much time and effort we put toward things
that won't last. We're getting excited about the prospects of working to
support things of an eternal nature.
April 11
There's
something good about a defined departure. You suddenly have incentive
to do a lot of things that you've been "planning" to do for a long time.
We just got together today with Johnie's siblings (and a
sibling-in-law) for lunch. A simple event but so worth the time we spent
together. We'll miss getting to see them, even if we didn't get to see
them all the time here.
History of our mission
There's
a long background to our being able to serve a mission for our church
for the next year (maybe a year and a half). I (Lorraine) was able to
serve a mission to the Switzerland Geneva Mission in the early 1970s. I
loved that year and a half for the opportunities I had to get to know a
lot of special people and to teach a few of them.
When Johnie and I were dating about six years later, someone expressed an assumption that he certainly wouldn't have any more children since he was almost finished raising his first set of children. His response went a long way toward convincing me that he was indeed the right person for me: "Most of the valuable things I have learned in life I learned from my children. Why wouldn't I want to have more?" Of course, I'm sure there have been those days since when he has wondered about that stance. But I was and am still grateful that he was willing to go down that road again.
Just like raising children, a mission has its peaks and valleys. And yet we have yearned for the opportunity to serve through all the years of our marriage. We weren't quite sure how it was all going to come about, but we kept hoping. And the miraculous forces combined to make it possible. So we started preparations about a year ago.
Our application went in to Salt Lake on the evening of February 10. They said the usual turnaround time was two to three weeks. But looking back, we realized that might have been back in the old days before the huge influx of missionaries subsequent to the announcement of the lowered ages for the "junior" missionaries. That didn't help us lower our anxieties much as the days came and went with no "big white envelope" in the mailbox.
However, on Saturday, March 9, Johnie (who had been assigned to get the mail until it came so he would have the experience of seeing it first) returned from the mailbox trek bearing the long-anticipated missive. When opened, it indicated that we had been called as member and leader support missionaries in the Washington Tacoma Mission, to report to the Missionary Training Center on May 6. Way back then, it seemed like a long time. Now, with less than three weeks left before our departure date (the morning of April 30), it seems pretty short.
We are so grateful for family and friends who have shared in our excitement. So many have rallied around us and made it possible for us to leave our home in good hands. Even more, we are grateful to our Father in heaven who is giving us the privilege of serving His children full time for a year.
And one of the coolest things about being able to serve as senior missionaries is that we don't have to wonder who our companion will be! :-}
Anyway, stay tuned. We'll try to update the page as newsworthy events take place. Come and visit whenever you wish. Always enjoy hearing back from you and will be glad to answer any questions.
When Johnie and I were dating about six years later, someone expressed an assumption that he certainly wouldn't have any more children since he was almost finished raising his first set of children. His response went a long way toward convincing me that he was indeed the right person for me: "Most of the valuable things I have learned in life I learned from my children. Why wouldn't I want to have more?" Of course, I'm sure there have been those days since when he has wondered about that stance. But I was and am still grateful that he was willing to go down that road again.
Just like raising children, a mission has its peaks and valleys. And yet we have yearned for the opportunity to serve through all the years of our marriage. We weren't quite sure how it was all going to come about, but we kept hoping. And the miraculous forces combined to make it possible. So we started preparations about a year ago.
Our application went in to Salt Lake on the evening of February 10. They said the usual turnaround time was two to three weeks. But looking back, we realized that might have been back in the old days before the huge influx of missionaries subsequent to the announcement of the lowered ages for the "junior" missionaries. That didn't help us lower our anxieties much as the days came and went with no "big white envelope" in the mailbox.
However, on Saturday, March 9, Johnie (who had been assigned to get the mail until it came so he would have the experience of seeing it first) returned from the mailbox trek bearing the long-anticipated missive. When opened, it indicated that we had been called as member and leader support missionaries in the Washington Tacoma Mission, to report to the Missionary Training Center on May 6. Way back then, it seemed like a long time. Now, with less than three weeks left before our departure date (the morning of April 30), it seems pretty short.
We are so grateful for family and friends who have shared in our excitement. So many have rallied around us and made it possible for us to leave our home in good hands. Even more, we are grateful to our Father in heaven who is giving us the privilege of serving His children full time for a year.
And one of the coolest things about being able to serve as senior missionaries is that we don't have to wonder who our companion will be! :-}
Anyway, stay tuned. We'll try to update the page as newsworthy events take place. Come and visit whenever you wish. Always enjoy hearing back from you and will be glad to answer any questions.
April 10, 2013
And now I know what that big blue thing is! It's the Tacoma Dome. We pass it as we head to the east and north, which we have to do to get to Seattle. Still not a terrific picture. But there will be more later.* * *
Instead of trying to figure out who's interested in hearing about our mission, we thought we'd get a little modern and make a Facebook page which will be accessible to all of you whenever you want to know what's happening. (Hopefully, that will be in compliance with mission rules!) Perhaps we'll eventually have a better cover picture, but for now this one will have to do. Kind of sad for the family of professional photographers.
We're excited for this new adventure in our lives. We figure it's going to be quite a ride, and we'd love to have you join us.
This is for all of our family and friends who are not participants in another form of media where I have been posting comments. I would have done this before but was having trouble logging into my gmail account. Finally figured out the problem. Didn't intend to be unaccommodating!
I will begin by reposting my previous messages so you can catch up. Will have to do that later, however, since it's now time to go to choir practice. We love our Wapato Park Ward and want to support them whenever we can.
I will begin by reposting my previous messages so you can catch up. Will have to do that later, however, since it's now time to go to choir practice. We love our Wapato Park Ward and want to support them whenever we can.
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