Week 5: March 11-17, 2018

Paul and Jaqueline Barattiero from the ward invited the sister missionaries and us over for dinner on Sunday. Their son, Jackson, 14, completed his cooking merit badge by making and serving pasta with shrimp and asparagus, and seasoned French bread.  For dessert he made snickerdoodle and oatmeal raisin cookies (dipped in chocolate) and ice cream sandwiches from scratch. Jackson has talent!  It was so delicious that we felt as if in a fine restaurant.  
Chef Jackson Barattiero:


On Monday we received a new group of Elders and Sisters from the MTC.  Sister Clark, the mission president's wife, hosted a dinner where we became better acquainted with our new arrivals.  We noticed all the young Elders went back for second helpings of food.  Tuesday morning we met them again at a local meetinghouse and taught them things they need to know while on their mission, such as health and finance precautions.

Elder Faulk teaching new missionaries:


Sister Faulk welcoming new Sisters and Elders to Florida:


  
Thursday evening, combined wards in the Stake celebrated the Relief Society birthday with a soup and sandwich dinner and a program.  Bishoprics spoke about how much the Lord really does care for us.  Sisters from 4 different cultures were at our table.

Lake Nona ward Relief Society birthday party message:



Twice a year the young missionaries participate in temple attendance by zone, and we were happy to accompany them as a Senior couple early Friday morning.  We entered the Orlando temple before sunrise, but as we walked out, a clear deep blue sky, warm sunshine, and tall green palms greeted us.

We spent Saturday morning at a beach.  We have several East and West coast beaches in our mission! 

A day at the beach:



The mission president encouraged us to teach alongside the younger missionaries (after hours), so after transfers this week, we sent a memo with our availability.  The sister missionaries asked us to join them in teaching a Book of Mormon referral.  We met Reuben, 29, from South America.  He left his country as a lawyer and now works in construction.  Before coming to the US, he met LDS missionaries (Elders) and attended church for 1-2 months.  He requested a Book of Mormon, so the sister missionaries gave him one.  We gave the sister missionaries a Spanish Book of Mormon to give him too.  He also received a discussion.  He believes in God but feels like he could improve his relationship with Him.  He was taught about prayer and without hesitation gave a tender closing prayer.  He was challenged to baptism and accepted immediately.  He agreed to attend church the next day (and did).  The Spirit was warm and strong during our visit with Reuben.  It is amazing to see how the Lord can influence and direct our paths especially when se seek Him. 

Reuben, an investa-gator, and Sister missionaries Stratton, McCullough, and Faulk:


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