Week 41: November 18-24, 2018


We have much to be grateful for this week of Thanksgiving.  As we reflect upon our numerous blessings, we are especially grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Atonement for each of us.  Through Him, everything is possible. We are grateful for our children and their families-for their love, strength, and our dear grandchildren.  We are grateful for our mothers and the sacrifices they made for us.   We are grateful to live in the United States of America, enjoying many freedoms and always marvel at His creations through nature.  We are grateful to serve as missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Florida.  It is a dream come true.  We are grateful for our colleagues, the Senior missionaries, as they serve generously and selflessly.  We are grateful for the young missionaries and their desire to follow Him. Their energy and genuine love to bring others unto Christ never cease to amaze us.   They are polite and cheerful.  We were grateful to have many friends and extended family who encourage and lift us, and  try to make the world a better place through daily sincere efforts.   Indeed, we are so very blessed. 

This week we welcomed 20 new new missionaries into the mission.  Sister Clark hosted another welcome dinner (chicken and rice) for which Sister Faulk made 3 giant salads.  We also bid farewell to outgoing missionaries.  Sister Clark hosted a departing dinner with her famous cilantro honey lime chicken enchiladas.  We presented our assigned roles and general guidelines to new missionaries in order to help them transition more easily.  We took time to take missionaries to specialty medical appointments.   Elder Faulk was especially busy paying mission bills and setting up mobile devices as needed.

New missionaries:

Elder Williams and Sister Faulk:

We spent Thanksgiving Day with friends Susan and Craig, and Colleen and Mark.  We ate dinner (buffet feast) at the Mission Inn resort in Howie-in-the-Hills and afterward took a drive along the 4th highest place in Florida.  Elder Faulk found old citrus groves along the roadside and picked a few tangerines much to his delight.  They were ripe and juicy.  We even did a little Black Friday shopping.

Thanksgiving Dinner at Mission Inn:

Thanksgiving Day Friends:

Elder and Sister Faulk

Sister Puls and Elder Taylor:

Mark and Colleen Branson

Elder Faulk picking tangerines:

As we prepare for the Christmas season, let us remember our God, the Eternal Father and His Son, Jesus Christ.  No one in history has a more profound role and loving impact upon mankind than than Our Savior.  May our hearts be full of charity as we seek to follow His example!  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Week 111: March 22-28, 2020

Image
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 F...
Read more

Week 107: February 23-29, 2020

Image
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 Cr...
Read more

Week 109: March 8-14, 2020

Image
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 abo...
Read more