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Week 111: March 22-28, 2020

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Very few people were at the airport Monday evening due to COVID 19 travel precautions.   Joseph landed in Orlando as Sister Faulk’s plane was boarding and they had 5 minutes together.   Daniel picked up Sister Faulk in SLC and took her home.   It was a treat to see 2 sons on the same day.   Kim had a banana cream pie, a beautiful bouquet of dark red/purple carnations, and a welcome home balloon on the kitchen island as a thoughtful surprise.   Tuesday morning Elder Faulk and Jospeh packed up and headed for UT.   They made the drive in 3 days staying in Mississippi and New Mexico overnight.   After 2 years, Portia and Duke remembered and greeted us with wagging tails.   FL and UT are very different and quite unique places.   We are quite fond of both.   We have so much to be grateful for and recognize the hand of the Lord in our lives.   We are most thankful to have been part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Florida Orlando Mission. It was an honor and joy to ser
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Week 110: March 15-21, 2020

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Due to COVID 19, Sr. missionaries (except essential office staff) were asked to return home (released).   We were surprised when the mission president and his wife met with the office couples individually.   We were more surprised when they told us they were strongly impressed we should return to UT soon even though we have a home in FL.   We were prepared to remain in Kissimmee and continue our mission in FL as planned.   After quick consideration we decided to be obedient and a good example for others.   The health of each missionary is being carefully considered.   Many of the younger missionaries are returning home much earlier than planned due to risk for COVID 19.   Some served in FL less than 1 month.   We feel their disappointment.   We enjoy our mission work immensely and sometimes it is not easy to change.   This week we said goodbye to dear friends.   We spent a delightful warm Saturday afternoon/lunch with Michael and Steve.   They are making their home a beautiful, d
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Week 109: March 8-14, 2020

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Sunday morning we woke up a little earlier with daylight savings time.   It is nice to commute to work in the sunshine.   Our bodies needed a few days to adjust to the new time. The world is taking precautions for COVID 19.   We received a Churchwide email that worship services will be held at home.   The church has been preparing us for home-centered gospel learning for over a year.   Temples are closed except for living ordinances.   Group gatherings are restricted. The CDC strongly advised social distancing, staying home if one is ill, respiratory hygiene, handwashing, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.   The new normal is change, rapid change, for health promotion and disease prevention.   The Florida Orlando mission is keeping the missionaries informed and practicing the health guidelines. COVID-19: The Mantyla’s stopped by the office for a few minutes.   They served in the FOM and completed their mission about a year ago.   It was great to see them ag
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Week 108: March 1-7, 2020

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We had Zone Conferences Tuesday and Wednesday in Orlando and Thursday and Friday in Lake Mary.   Two Zones were assigned for each day.   The missionaries next to leave bore their testimonies during the afternoon sessions and that included us (except Tuesday due to an emergency)!   We have been so happy serving.   It is with love and gratitude we will be leaving our post in Orlando.    Friday with Leesburg and Orlando Zones: Thursday with Deland and Lake Mary Zones: Wednesday with Orlando South and Vero Beach Zones: Tuesday with Cocoa and Hunters Creek Zones: Elders Mills and Walker: Thursday we stayed overnight at a hotel in Apopka to avoid long drives and fatigue.   It was so nice to relax and rest and we had a tasty dinner at Cracker Barrel.   Sister Faulk gave a presentation on 72-hour kits titled Be Prepared NOT Scared.   Each missionary will prepare a 72-hour bucket and bring it to the next zone conference in April.   Elder Faulk made pizza runs
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Week 107: February 23-29, 2020

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Sister Faulk spoke in Church on Sunday.   Her topic was the Second Great Commandment given by President Nelson during the October 2019 General Conference.   Love Thy neighbor is an endearing topic and something the world could surely use more of.   Being the mission finance officer, Elder Faulk hosted an auditor on Friday.   The Church desires financial responsibility in all its departments and missions. We welcomed another new group of missionaries and said farewell to others.   We have grown so fond of the Florida Orlando missionary flock over the past 2 years and feel many are like family.   It is heartwarming to see them learn and grow in the Gospel and develop stronger testimonies of Jesus Christ.   They really look forward to their first and last home-cooked meal at the mission home. Thank you Sister Bair for planning and making the meals tasty, and to Sister Ashcraft who makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated. Elders Marple and Cruz and Sister Faulk: Sisters
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Week 106: February 16-22, 2020

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The mission office has been busy.   Several Elders and Sisters had their mission allowance cards stolen electronically and used fraudulently.   Elder Faulk canceled their cards and requested new ones for them.   He temporarily adds extra money on their companion’s card so they have access to funds until the new card arrives.   This week there has been a lot of health concerns throughout the Florida Orlando Mission and other missions too.   We were happy to treat several missionaries to a meal after accompanying them to doctor visits. The mission is praying and waiting patiently for a nurse to replace Sister Faulk as they conclude their mission in 7 weeks.   Sister Faulk with Elders Faulk, Chatterly, Meline, and Kaufman: Sisters Gines and Stevenson: Thursday night Elder and Sister Faulk attended the Kissimmee Ward Relief Society birthday party.   Elder Faulk represented the Priesthood and Sister Faulk helped set the tables.   We learned about the history of the Rel
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Week 105: February 9-15, 2020

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Happy Valentine’s Day everyone.   Think of what the world would be like with more love!   We celebrated our 39 th anniversary sharing strawberries and chocolate turtles in the office. Later, we went to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner.   Our friends/mission office coworkers, the Ekenstams, joined us.   We are convinced it is more fun to go out with friends.   We feel the hand of the Lord in our marriage.   Elder and Sister Faulk celebrating 39 years with cheesecake: Elder and Sister Faulk at Orlando's Mall at Millenia: This week we inspected 8 apartments.   All inspections were planned and scheduled.   We were impressed by the efforts some missionaries take to make their apartment a place where the Spirit is invited and would want to dwell.   On the other hand, some missionaries could use a little nudge and tidy up their apartment.     Sisters Fitch, Faulk, and McCausland at the mission office: Elder Chau, Wright, and Faulk in a mission apartment
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