It's Official

If receiving the white envelope in the mail is the symbolic start of a mission (it actually starts years before that), then giving your "homecoming" talk is the symbolic end of a mission (even though it will continue for years).  Today, Hermana Tonini gave her homecoming talk not once, but twice. 

In her home ward, Minot 2nd, she was the concluding speaker and spoke about King Lamoni's father as an example of repentance and shared a quote from President Kimball about forgiveness:  we are required to forgive all; it is not conditional upon the offender to ask for forgiveness first.  For both principles, she was able to illustrate with an example from her mission.  I have always enjoyed it when she speaks in Church because she is so comfortable when she speaks which enables the Spirit to testify of what she is teaching. The meeting was threatening to run over so she simply ended her talk in such a way that no one know (other than me and her mom) that she still had one more principle to cover.

In the afternoon, we attended our original ward, Minot 1st, and this time, she was the first speaker.  As she started, Bishop Clark whispered in her ear to take as much time as she wanted.  In addition to the two principles she taught in her first talk, she now had time to tie in a third principle, the value of trials.

After the service, a member of the high council came up and told her what a powerful message she had taught:  she taught a principle, backed it up with scriptures, and used examples from her mission to illustrate the application.  If this had been the format of the talks that all return missionaries gave (as opposed to travel logs), there might still be such a thing as homecoming talks in the Church!

Another Box Checked

As a stake leader, one of my favorite agenda items on our Stake High Council Meeting is when we have a recently returned missionary gives his/her report of their mission.  Tonight, we were supposed to have TWO such reports, Hermana Tonini and Elder Ringen.  Unfortunately, Elder Ringen (who had served in India) was sick leaving Hermana Tonini as the only missionary on the agenda.  In retrospect, it was a good thing because it allowed Hermana Tonini to take as much time as she needed to report.  President David Parker (first counselor in the stake presidency) was conducting the meeting from Williston while Hermana Tonini and her mom were in the High Council Room at the Stake Center in Minot with the stake president, President Tyson Williams) and a few members of the high council.  I was in Houston so I was also participating by phone (which allowed my brother to listen in as well).

I was surprised, but not surprised, by the example she chose to illustrate how her mission had impacted her life.  I knew it would be one of two people - and both are very near to her heart.  By going with the one she did, I think she kept the more sacred experience to herself.  I will admit that I have been coaching Hermana Tonini since she left on her mission for this night.  I don't know if that helped or not, but she was AMAZING.  She articulate.  She was sincere.  She bore heart-felt testimony of the Savior and of the restored Gospel.  She answered questions from the high council as if she had walked in the answer already written in front of her.  To conclude, she bore her testimony in her mission language (which fortunately, my Portuguese enabled me to understand).  As parents, this absolutely put the cherry on top of her mission!

I sent her text later that night to let her know that she continues to set the bar higher and higher for the young man who aspires to be her eternal companion!

Mission Completed

The following post is from President Hammon's California Riverside Mission blog:

Redlands Temple

The days have flown by since the last blog. I will use this space to write about the outgoing missionaries and then the blog that follows about the new missionaries coming in.

We had a Mission Leadership Council (MLC), the last for several missionaries who are going home. We talked about “Living up to Your Potential,” “Ministering to Your Zone Members,” “Working with Ward Councils,” and “Being Accountable.”

MLC July 2018

One of the most difficult things we do is to say goodbye to outgoing missionaries. We bid a teary, happy, fond farewell to the 27 missionaries who are going home to their families! Prior to their going, I sat down with each one of them to review their My Plans, their post-mission strategic plan. All of them have planned well and know what they are going to do.  

All outgoing

As part of the outgoing missionary plan, we are able to go to the Redlands Temple with them. The Redland Temple was beautiful and peaceful. Outgoing included: Sisters Palmer, Harper, Hernández, Ruggles, Tonini, and Wilson; Elders Medearis, Cox, Steed, Frisby, de Mare, Hale, Lewis, Watson, Tobiasson, Osberg, Dew, Balls, Sorensen, Bailey, Holyoak, McCracken, Eldridge, Avei, Holloway, Rose, and Day. The session was packed. I greeted them as they each walked in. What a wonderful feeling it was to greet each of them. There is something celestial about doing this. When Sister Hammon came in, she went around and shook the hands of the elders and hugged the sisters. What a great day. Later, we all went outside and took pictures.

All of the missionaries at the Redlands Temple

Twenty-seven missionaries came for their last supper, testimony, and companion study with me. I met with a few of them around 3:00-4:00 as I did my last exit interview with them. It was a bit teary. Dinner was delightful! The Tenorio family came and prepared street tacos outside. Delicious! We ate until our hearts content. No records of eating street tacos were broken, but Elder Hale ate 12 tacos, just one shy of the record. We’ll see what happens to the records next outgoing.

The testimony meeting was sensational. Because there were so many of them, they were admonished to deliver “short and powerful” testimonies, and they did.

• E. de Mare—“We come to know our Savior more. Our goal is to become like He is.”
• E. Sorensen—“I learned how much God cares for us and helps us improve. My greatest miracle: How Heavenly Father has helped me change through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”
• E. Balls—I have seen many miracles. My great miracle: How Heavenly Father has put people in my path to help me.”
• Hna. Tonini—“I know Jesus is the Christ. I am learning to become like Him.”
• Hna. Harper—“Christ is my best friend. He overcame all. Have I not reason to rejoice because of my mission?”
• Hna. Hernández—“My mission has become the most sacred and powerful time in my life. Jesus Christ and my mission have transformed my soul. I am returning home a different person.”
• S. Palmer—“I felt the Savior by my side. He has taken my burdens away from me.”
• S. Ruggles—“I have said so many prayers of gratitude for this past transfer.”
• S. Wilson—“I have been able to act as Heavenly Father’s hands. He can help us become mighty.”
• E. Hale—“I don’t want to take off the tag. It will be written on my heart forever.”
• E. Steed—“If we hearken to His Spirit, it will nudge us to do good things. The Atonement of Jesus Christ covers everything.”
• E. Cox—“I have thought a lot about Jesus Christ. His hand is in all things.”
• E. Holloway—“My mission has prepared me for service. This mission has improved my life.”
• E. Frisby—“The biggest thing I learned  is how much my weaknesses and shortcomings can be taken care of through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. As long as Christ is by my side, everything will work out.”
• E. Rose—“I love another chance to bear my testimony. I cannot deny how I feel about the Book of Mormon.”
• E. Lewis—“I have received an extra dose of the Holy Ghost. I know Jesus Christ lives.”
• E. Bailey—“I am so thankful for Heavenly Father helping me through the mission. I stand as a witness because I have felt the Holy Ghost.”
• E. Osberg—“The Gospel makes us happier people. I have trials, so I can learn from them. I am so grateful to have made eternal friends.”
• E. Eldridge—“Every person in the world has a whole set of experiences. Christ is the way, the truth, and the life.”
• E. Dew—“All things we have done have prepared us for the decades to come. We have divine potential.”
• E. Tobiasson—“We have been able to share the message to help our brothers and sisters to know the truth they once knew.”
• E. Watson—“It’s been a long two years; it’s been a short two years. Serving has been the best two years.”
• E. Medearis—“I know why I am here. I need to embrace my Savior. It’s been an uphill battle, but it has been marvelous.”
• E. Holyoak—“Before the mission, I sometimes ask: What is the gospel? The answer was simple: scriptures and stuff. I know so much more now.”
• E. Avei—“True change can only occur through sacrifice. My mission has done great things for me.”
• E. McCracken—“I can grow my own testimony now instead of just relying on my parents’ testimony.”
• E. Day—“What inspires you? Great miracles have happened. The missionaries inspired us to return to Church.”

All of our assistants who have served with us:
Elders Sorensen, Balls, Dew, and President and Sister Hammon

After the testimony meeting, we had companionship study with each other. We again searched the topic “light.” I love this topic because it “enlighteneth” our minds and souls. We had a great discussion about light and how it helps us see things we have never seen before because it enlarges our thoughts. We spent a bit of time in Doctrine and Covenants 50, 88, and 93. Once we finished, they all went to their respective places to spend the night. Twelve elders came to our home to sleep. They were scattered everywhere on the floor and in the bedrooms.

All outgoing missionaries

Breakfast came early! We rose early, readied ourselves, and then trundled down to the Grand Building where we had a lovely breakfast. Then, we began loading the luggage into the many vehicles. Think of it: 27 missionaries x 3 items each = 81 pieces of luggage. We had lots of places and spaces for the luggage. One member, Brother Keating, brought his truck to help us with the luggage.

We dropped most everyone off at Terminal 2. It was a tough goodbye. Tears were shed by many of us. We couldn’t believe how sad their leaving made us. These missionaries have become part of our family. Like any family leaving, we were saddened; yet, we did feel joy that they were going home to see their families whom they haven’t seen for two years or 18 months. It will be a glorious reunion for sure.

And away they go!

We want to thank all of outgoing missionaries for their missionary service and for being such great examples and leaders in the California Riverside Mission. Their incredible legacies will live on! Their missionary service has literally prepared them for their next transfer. Their gospel foundation has increased. Their testimonies have grown and are strong. They are becoming who they need to become. Thus, our message to them is this: Follow your My Plan, stay close to the Lord and Heavenly Father, and stay on the covenant path. If you do, the Lord will bless you exceedingly.

Home

Yes, you could say that we were literally counting down the hours until Hermana Tonini returned.  Church Travel had sent us her complete itinerary so we were able to track her flight status all day long.  Even though her flight didn't land until 10:50, I was ready to head up to the airport by around 10 - just in case they caught a really good tailwind coming up from Denver.

In addition to her her whole family (she would have to wait twenty-four hours to be reunited with Jacob and his family) some of her friends from high school were also there to greet her. 

Unbeknownst to Hermana Tonini, President Williams was out of town and was unable to release her so that privilege fell to me as his second counselor.

And by 6:30 the next morning, we were on the road to Utah to attend Brooklyn Van Bibber's sealing in the Provo City Center Temple.

Welcome home, Pioneer Girl!

I Still Have One More Transfer, Right?

I'm sure you are all wondering how I am feeling right now. I feel like Ecclesiastes 2:17 sums it up quite nicely,

"Therefore I hated life.."

Hahaha, just kidding. But it really has been really rough, but I am getting ahead of myself.

LAST WEEK OF THE MISSION:

So on Monday we saw a tender miracle. We did a noche de hogar with an active family how has less-active family members. We shared a message about how the gospel has blessed our families and asked them to each bear their testimonies of how they have seen the gospel bless their lives. The less-active son usually NEVER lets missionaries share messages with him so just the fact that he was sitting at the table with us was a miracle in itself. This was his response:

"I know I am not where I need to be right now...but every time I have found myself in a bad situation I never ended up crossing that line. That line was because of the gospel."

He talked for like ten minutes and it was SO POWERFUL. Inspired questions are SO IMPORTANT. It was very interesting, because he talked about how it is one thing to talk about how God has blessed you. That's easy. Everything you have in life is because of Him. But when you answer how the gospel has blessed you, obviously the blessings still come from our Heavenly Father, but they are blessings that are only received through obedience and living the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Wednesday was the "My Plan" interview with President Hammon. At one point in the interview, tears just began to roll down my cheeks and President started tearing up...I seriously have the best mission president and I am so grateful for him.

Thursday was our outgoing temple trip!! Of course it was super emotional. The room was PACKED. We have 27 in our outgoing group PLUS our rides! I think the most tender part was sitting in the celestial room with Ken, my brother's convert. It was evidence of the fruit of missionary work, and I loved being able to have a piece of my brother with me.

We had an appointment that night with Ana, Abelina and Aurora and I lost it...man...I just love that family so much and we have only met with them three times. We read Alma 2 with them since they hadn't read in the Book of Mormon.  When we asked if they had even a small desire to see if this was a good seed and increase their faith and Abelina responded, "I have a LOT of desire!" I knew that was our last lesson, but I also knew there was a chance it was going to be my last lesson as a missionary. I cried all the way just yearning to have two more years or months or even weeks...

Saturday....wow. Hermana Sorensen and I got to go the temple with HERMANA AND HERMANO GA***. Seriously, I could not have asked for a better way to end my mission. Hermano Ga*** was able to be baptized for his son and then Hermana Ga*** was baptized for Hermano Ga***'s mother. I will never forget hugging Hermana Ga*** after she walked out of that font. I talked to her afterwards in the dressing room and one of the things she told me was that she had goosebumps the whole time, but that she wasn't cold. On the way to the temple, they excitingly told me that they have been starting to recognize more and more the promptings and feelings since they received the gift of the Holy Ghost. Another thing we talked about was trials. When we first starting teaching the Ga*** fam, they were going through a rough time. Hermana Ga*** told me that before we started meeting with them, she would always feel angry at God and ask him why. Why is this happening to ME? But everything changed. For once in her life, her first reaction in facing trials was gratitude. She said that if it weren't for that trial they were going through, she would have never converted. It was during that time that she realized she needed help and support, so she gave us a chance. If their family wouldn't have passed through that challenge, she wouldn't have been standing in the temple with me at that moment. It was so powerful, and we were both in tears.

Sunday...WOW. After church, the ward threw us a despedida/pachanga and it was SO AWESOME. There were members from all of the mission to come see us. There was legit a Hemet table, a Corona corner, and a Moreno Valley bench. Abuelita brought some bomb tres leche, Hermana Beru*** brought pupusas, and Hermana Aza*** brought chile relleno. Let's just say that my Two Days 'till Sexy went out the window.

We had a lesson with Guillermo and it was so fantastic. We tried putting him back on date and we had the best baptism rejection ever. He still doesn't understand the need to be baptized again despite multiple attempts trying to explain it. BUT, he was all, "How about I make you a compromiso?" And he said he will go to the Book of Mormon class on Friday, church on Sunday, AND read and pray about the book of Mormon this whole week. DEAL. The trick for the Elders will be to just focus in on him gaining a testimony of the Restoration because that is the only way getting baptized again is going to make sense for him. I have high hopes for him!

So, that lesson ended at like 8:45 and we still had to do personal study and Hna Hernandez was stressed about packing...I got in the truck and started getting emotional because that was it. But Hernandez was like, "Nah, let's go find us a miracle." Man, you should have seen my face. My eyes got really big and they lit up. So we prayed to know where to go. After like a solid three minutes, a random name came to my mind: Roberto. I had no idea who that was, but I found the only Roberto in the area book planner app, and when I showed it to Hernandez, she was all, "I felt something about him too!" So we sped off, but then after a couple of minutes Hernandez was like, "Hey!!!!!!! There was a lady sitting by herself outside of her house and I feel like we should go talk to her!" So I flipped a hard U-y and we went back. It was super dark outside and it was just about to hit 9:00. SHE LET US TEACH HER. We did like a ten minute lesson with her and we testified with everything we had in us. MAN IT WAS AWESOME. We walked away from her house glowing. We got in the truck, drove home, and sat in the truck, and sobbed. We soaked in every bit. We just felt SO GRATEFUL that we were able to end our missions on such a good note. I felt my Father's love for me and I basked in it.

It was a perfect week. A perfect week to end this 18 month journey. I just want to end one last time with my testimony.

I know that Jesus is the Christ and that He is the head of His church here on the earth. I know that Joseph Smith truly saw Heavenly Father and His son Jesus Christ in the Sacred Grove. I know that the priesthood has been restored here on the earth and that President Russell M. Nelson holds the priesthood keys to be God's mouthpiece for His children. I am so grateful for a modern day prophet that receives revelation to help us in these latter days. I know the Book of Mormon is another testament of Jesus Christ. I have come to know Him as I have searched and applied the teachings found in that treasure. I know this is the Lord's work here on the earth. I have loved being able to dedicate this time to Him to bring souls unto Christ. I love being a missionary and I love the Savior.

One last time,
Hermana Tonini

Watermelon Shenanigans

SOOOOOOO, HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS:

Fourth of July lived up to the one we had last year. We did lots of watermelon shenanigans that I shall not disclose in this email....but I can say that one of them including putting rubber bands around them until they exploded. Just like last year! :') we also did water balloon volleyball....until Elder Gregory broke the net and we went crazy having a water balloon fight. It was perfect!! I spent the Fourth with ALMOST all of the people I love...what more could I ask?

That day we also ate with the Gonza*** fam X2 and took a cute pic since Ivette and her mom left for Mexico and won't be back until after we are all gone.

I GOT TO GO TO THE TEMPLE WITH RUBEN!!!!!! It was incredible! We taught Ruben during my training and he is so incredible! It was the perfect way to end the mission, by going with your convert to the temple. To see him in the Celestial room....wow. Like, words can't even describe it. Lots of tears were shed, if that helps.

On Monday we found the cutest fam ever!!! The two sobrinas just came from Guatemala...four months ago....on their own. They are only 16 and 17 years old. Their story is INCREDIBLE!!!! We are going to teach them not only the gospel but English as well! One of them had a smile on her face the WHOLE LESSON. It was so cute!!

I had my last exchange this week....and it was awesome! Sister McDaniel is the sweetest thing ever and we got to have a lesson with this guy who legit had a whole notepad filled with things to bash us with/questions to ask. Thank heavens for the Spirit that lead and guided us in that lesson! She killed it in there!

I finished all of My Plan this week. I had to do the dating and marriage section and I wanted to barf. Just kidding, it wasn't too bad.

We also had MLC and it was really neat because all of the members of MLC that are going home were put on a panel and we were asked questions about the role of faith on our mission. Then, at the end, we gave our 2 minute advice for all of the leaders in MLC who are staying behind. And I only limited myself to two slices of pizza, are you proud of me Dad? #1weektosexy

Tanya went to the Book of Mormon class on Friday and Mayra, her sister, came to church! Our area hasn't had someone to church for a couple of transfers now...so that was a miracle!

Sunday....oh man...Mayra was sitting between both of us and we BOTH FELL ASLEEP DURING SACRAMENT MEETING. Having two comps that are going home together is not a good idea...we are so exhausted! But we also both love working hard, so that is what we are going to do: FINISH STRONG.

Well, email is being dumb, so I will send the pics on a separate email. Love y'all! I will be sending my last email next Monday, so stay tuned!

Hermana Tonini

Spiritual Time-Outs

WOW WOW WOW. What a week. It has been the longest and shortest week of my LIFE. Hermana Hernandez and I were talking about how it felt like we had been companions for like a month...but it had only been like five days. But it also went super fast because now I only have two weeks left which is surreal. I still feel like it's forever, in a good way. There is still PLENTY of time to find, teach and baptize.

On Tuesday, my comp and Hermana Peters' comp had to go to Riverside for their appointments so Hermana Peters and I had a mini exchange and we saw so many miracles! We were able to find four new investigators, went seeking for three hours, and found three potenciales. IT WAS AWESOME. One lady we found, her name is Mayra and she is so precious! She is from Guatemala and has so much fe aunque she has had SO MANY TRAILS. SO MANY. It was incredible...she told us her whole life story and was doing it with a smile on her face....which on my face my jaw was dropped because this lady has SERIOUSLY HAD A CRAZY LIFE.

With the other three we found, Jose is super elect. He said that the message of the Restoration just made SO MUCH SENSE to him. He is so excited to read the Book of Mormon!!! When I asked him if he had ever wondered why there are so many churches if we all believe in the same God, he was like..."YES!!!" However, the other two family members broke my heart. It was his sobrino y la hija de su sobrino [nephew and daughter of his nephew]. I went to give a copy of the Book of Mormon to Ana and she flat out shook her head at me. She refused to take it, and that broke my heart like no other rejection. Like, people reject us in the streets all the time...but I have never had someone reject me after them letting me in to teach them about the Restoration. They are very very set in their beliefs....but they said we can come back? So we will see what happens with those two.

We had a lesson with our investigator Guillermo and he went to la clase del Libro de Mormon con nosotras el viernes! He had LOTS of questions...and it turns out that he knows nothing about the Bible. He didn't even know who the Jews were when we were reading in 1 Nephi 1. So we have made plans in how we are going to adjust our teaching to meet his needs.

Multi Zones....my last one...wow. I couldn't even begin. I had two trainings, and I think they went pretty well. We all gave our outgoing testimonies...all NINE OF US. Just from two zones. Got some crying out of my system so that was good. I wish I could just write a whole email on everything that happened that day buuuuuuuuut, no va a ser posible [that's not going to be possible].

On Friday I had my exchange with Hermana Chase and she is SO MUCH FUN. I love that girl! We were able to find a family together so that was awesome!!!

Saturday was super cool. During planning, we felt inspired to set a goal of finding someone who would come to church....and the first potential we tried by, Victoria, straight up told us she was going to come to Church on Sunday. Like.....WHAT??? Okay, so she didn't end up coming but it was still really cool to see how fast Heavenly Father answered our prayers. She has a TON of potential and we are going to stop by and teach her this week!!

Then, we decided to go try Eloisa...and they didn't answer the door. So we decided to walk to another potential that lived a couple of streets away. We both felt prompted to knock on the door of this little house, and as we were walking towards it, we realized it was on the same property as Eloisa. There was a woman outside, who was 92 years old AND ELOISA'S MOTHER. She was sitting outside of her other daughter's house (the one we were going to knock on) and so we also met Luz. She said she would come over and join us in the other house. Well, Eloisa ran away from us....literally...when the abuelita [grandma] let us in the garage door. So we decided to go back and try Luz and she let us in!!! She just wants guidance for her two daughters and we had an awesome lesson with her! We can't wait to see her again today :)

Elder Cousineau said this yesterday, "In an apostasy, God puts His people in a spiritual time-out." I am so grateful to help people come out of their state of apostasy and find LIGHT, PEACE AND JOY. I am so excited to soak up every minute of my last two weeks here in the field. There really is no place I'd rather be.

Love y'all!!

Hermana Tonini

P.S. My parents came and toured the mission and I about died. I was going to send a picture but I couldn't decide between all of them.

P.P.S.

My fav little future misionera. 

My two favorite things are my truck and Hermana Chase

My cutie pie companion

From the Mission Blog: Learning together to center our lives on Christ and walk with God!

The following is an excerpt from the California Riverside Mission blog:

Our past two weeks have been filled with interviews and multi-zone conferences. As Sister Hammon and I concluded the last multi-zone conference (MZC) on Friday and were driving home, we just looked each other and said, “What an incredible week at multi-zone conferences.” 

The spirit was strong in each of them; the music was spectacular; and participation was outstanding; and the tears were plentiful. We were amazed with the trainings the zone leaders, sister training leaders, and outgoing missionaries gave. It was a huge learning experience to know our Mission is in good hands, and the outgoing are leaving an enormous legacy for all of us to follow and emulate. President Norman and President Hansen gave highly inspirational messages about loving God with all of our hearts.

Moreno Valley Zone

The conference was replete with incredible diverse topics. Some of them were taught at every MZC, and others were taught during specific MZCs by specific zone and sister training leaders and outgoing missionaries.

“Sacrifice vs. Consecration and Sanctification”

“Setting up, following up, and assessing goals”

“Preach My Gospel: following patterns”

“Adjusting to Missionary Life”

“We make Christ our Center by loving Him with all our hearts”

“Enduring to the end by Walking with God”

“Disciples of Christ”

“Being diligent with an eye of faith”

“Finding the elect”

“Have we not reason to rejoice?”

“Urgency of the work”

“Asking inspired questions”

“Bold but not overbearing + Persistence”

“Street contacting using 2 Nephi 25:26”

“Elevated home visits”

“Increasing our access to Christ's Grace through believing in Christ”

We decided we needed to tap the outgoing missionaries one more time. There are 27 of them returning home in the July transfer, all of them former or current leaders. Everything about trainings propelled us to understand the greatness of the missionaries and of the California Riverside Mission and want to do better.

During the testimony meeting, the outgoing missionaries (all 27 of them) had great counsel for all of us and bore strong, powerful testimonies.

Menifee Zone

E. Sorenson—“You can have the spirit with you the whole time. Our desires can change through the Atonement of Jesus Christ.”

E. Eldridge—“We must remember why we are doing this. The people who we are teaching deserve the very best. These experiences will affect the rest of your life.”

E. Avei—“We must ask inspired questions. They come through studying and inspiration of the Holy Ghost.”

E. Rose—“The Gospel of Jesus Christ has brought peace and joy into my life.”

E. McCracken—“It’s not all about me. The people out there are a lot more important than we are.”

E. Steed—“The greatest gift is gaining the gift of love and understand who Christ really is.”

E. Cox—“I remembered the statement ‘If Brother Cox goes on a mission, he will never regret it.’”

E. Osberg—“My mission has been the greatest experience I have had in my life.”

E. Medearis—“I have a renewed view of the world.”

E. de Mare—“My mission has been like a ship in raging waters. I have learned things on my mission I would have never learned before.

E. Dew—“I love my mission so much. I hope to hold to the standards I have learned.”

E. Bailey—“This mission has been the biggest blessing of my life. It has been the hardest thing I have ever done.”

E. Watson—“My view has gone from watching missionaries go home to watching friends go home and now watching us go home.”

E. Holyoak—“I didn’t realize how much I loved my mission and how much I have changed. I want my mission to be the launch pad for the rest of my life.”

E. Balls—“Heavenly Father will propel us.”

Hna. Tonini—“If we say we are going to be happy in the future, you will never will be happy.”

Hna. Hernández—“Every second of the journey has been sacred. The biggest miracle has been me changing.”

Corona Zone

S. Wilson—“I found my testimony; I’ve laid my foundation. When you rely on the Lord and have courage to make that jump, we can learn new things.”

S. Ruggles—“How great it has been to see the growth in me. Learn to do this: Enjoy to the end!"

E. Lewis—“I am a disciple of Christ and look forward to teach others.”

S. Palmer—“Your Savior is by your side even through afflictions.”

E. Holloway—“My last half of my mission has been better than the first half because I changed my attitude.”

E. Day—“My mission has been the longest, shortest, hardest, most fun thing I have ever done.”

Hna. Harper—“I have loved every minute. My mission has offered me the most sacred moments of my life.”

E. Frisby—“I have realized many of my weaknesses have brought me to my knees. It is at these moments when I have felt Him.”

E. Hale—“There is no reason why we cannot have both feet in the mission.”

E. Tobiasson—“I have seen many miracles, and I am going to take the things I have learned to the next chapter of my life.”

 

What a glorious week it was! Sister Hammon and I celebrated our one-year mark this week. More on that in another blog. We love our missionaries and our mission, the California Riverside Mission!

Mission Tour - Day 2

I will admit that as we approached the Games’ apartment tonight, I was a little apprehensive. Neither Hmo or Hma Games speak any English and none of us speak any Spanish so we would have to rely on their kids to help with the translating.  But as soon as we walked in the door, all of those feelings were discarded and we could feel the love this family has for Hna Tonini.  I was admiring the picture of the kids’ baptism (on Hna Tonini’s birthday last year) when he showed me another framed picture of his daughter, Diana with Hna Tonini.  The picture was surrounded by a huge mat on which Hna Tonini had written words of encouragement and her testimony.  It is displayed in a prominent position in their home.  He also showed me a Family Home Evening chart that Hna Tonini had given them.  On the back, she and Hna Sorenson had written (in Spanish) that we want you.  Further below, there was another sentence which read we don’t want you, we love you!  Ah, the joy of being speaking another language on your mission.  They thought it was hysterical.

Hno Games then started to tell us about his conversion experience.  He had been born a Catholic and was very happy to be Catholic.  Hno Games told us that they had been through many missionaries but it was Hna Tonini that helped them to be converted.  Because of the language difference, there was a lot of animation as he tried to communicate with us.  I am still not clear if they always knew when Hna Tonini was coming because she was always running to their door or that she simply walked very loudly.  She was persistent and determined to get them to church – even setting “traps” as he called it.  One Sunday, she and her companion came over to cook them breakfast, and then accompanied them to Church.  But the turning point was when he told the Hermanas that he would be baptized when he got a sign from God.  And he got one in the form of his son, Daniel.  Daniel had always been a shy, reserved boy (he is only ten years old).  When he heard his son pray for the first time and felt the Spirit, he knew that he had received his sign.  Now he plays with the neighbor kids and is confident enough to provide translation for us.


Hno Games then treated us to the song that he wrote for Hna Tonini.  He explained there is even a verse for Hna Sorenson whose Spanish wasn’t very good at the time.  He plugged the guitar into the amp and serenaded us.  He would stop, his daughter would translate, and then he would continue.  All of us were in tears.  He is writing another song that he will sing at Hna Tonini’s wedding (they had told her that she needs to marry a Latino).



They then invited us to join them for dinner. While the food was delicious, it was even better because of the sacrifice I am sure this family made to feed twice the normal number of people.

Afterwards, it was time for more pictures.  We took almost every possible combination of pictures with everyone there.  Hno Games even instructed me to grab another guitar and we took a picture of us playing the guitar and of us serenading my wife.  (I think my mom got it right – he didn’t want the evening to end so the more pictures we took, the longer the night lasted).

Familia Games

As it came time to go, I felt like I needed to say something.  I told them that my wife and I both served missions and that we taught and baptized a lot of people.  As we look back now, we realize though, that there were one or two families that we were specifically called to Brasil to teach.  For Hna Tonini, that family is the Games family.  I told them that we had been in the temple that morning and that the spirit that we had felt in their home tonight was just as sacred as what we had felt in the temple and how grateful we were for their hospitality, their generosity, and their love for our daughter.  We committed to see each other again in a year when they are sealed as a family in the temple.  (My sister later told me that if possible, she would like to come to their sealing as well).  It was difficult to say goodnight to our new family who just a few hours earlier, had been complete strangers.

As I reflect on the last two days, 563 miles of driving in the LA area, and countless hours of windshield time, a couple of thoughts come to mind.  First of all, touring your child’s mission WITHOUT them is so much better than doing it with them.  The people you met share their feelings for your missionary without embarrassing them and I think you can more fully see the love that the members and the companions have for your missionary.  Second, if there was a common theme of the review of Hermana Tonini’s mission by long-time members, converts, her companions, and her mission president, it would be this:  she worked.  And because she worked, she loved those around her and they loved her.  By that measure alone, her mission has been a success.

Mission Tour - Day 1

When we found out that my nephew was getting married in the Newport Beach temple, we quickly decided that we would leverage the trip to southern California to visit some of the areas and people where Hermana Tonini has served (while always maintaining to not be in the same place at the same time that she was at).  I told my wife on the flight out that I was glad that she was coming with me because I was worried that after we made introductions, I didn't know how the conversation would go with the complete strangers that we would meet.  Was I ever wrong - there was no shortage of things to talk about as we talked about Hermana Tonini and how she impacted everyone in every location where she served.

Day One started out bright and early - we were staying in Ontario (to be somewhat geographically centered for our events for the weekend) which meant we had an almost two hour drive out to Anza where our first appointment was at 8 am.  Hermana Tonini's grandma and Aunt, who had also traveled for the wedding, had accepted our invitation to come with us.

On the way to Anza, we stopped at this amazing sculpture garden exhibiting the work of Ricardo Breceda.  Here are a few of his pieces:

We had a little difficulty locating our hosts' address but fortunately, Sister Davies and Sister Moffit shortly arrived and we were greeted by Brother and Sister Boyd and the sweet aroma of breakfast.  Helping them in the kitchen was their granddaughter and Brother Moroni (his wife Nancy would join us later).  Soon, Samantha (a frequent subject on this blog) and her boyfriend Daniel joined us as well as Sister Peterson and her daughter Cheyenne.  Brother Moroni even knew of Elder Tonini who, although he never served in Anza, served in this mission a couple of years ago.   

We enjoyed a delightful visit and then went outside for pictures.  When we asked what people did who live in Anza, Brother Boyd replied, "they get away from Los Angeles."  Daniel also pointed out the horticulture projects (marijuana farms) that were in view from the Boyd's patio.  We also talked about Hermana Tonini's driving record.  Apparently she had recorded a number of "harsh incidents" on the in-vehicle monitoring system and her status had been down-graded to "yellow" in the mission office.  (Had she had any more, she would have been "blue" and would not have been able to drive the rest of her mission).  Sister Davies also told us about "the jump" that Hermana Tonini liked to take every time she came to the Boyd's.  Instead of taking the paved road, she always took the dirt road that had a pretty good change in elevation.  She took it so often that Sister Davies didn't realize that there was a paved route to the Boyd's that was much simpler!  After we said our goodbyes, we followed the Sisters and Daniel and Samantha to "the jump" before proceeding to Anza.  One of my ancestors was on the Anza expedition so it was neat to be able to see some of that history.  We were all amazed at the beautiful chapel in Anza - not bad for a small branch.  The return trip was through Idlewild and we were treated to fantastic vistas of the valley below as we descended from an elevation of 4,5000 ft.

As we made our way to Moreno Valley for our next appointment at 1, we realized that we were going to be driving right through Perris, Hermana Tonini's current area!  We decided that we would make a quick detour and go leave a note on her door.  Our quest was foiled because she lives in a gated apartment complex (thankfully!) so we had to settle for a quick selfie to prove to Hermana Tonini that we were there.

Our next appointment was at the home of Hermana Berumen and once again, as we entered the door, we were greeted with the aroma of cooking food.  This time, it was authentic Mexican food - sopas and ranchero beans.  We were joined by Hermana Sorenson (former companion from Corona) and Sister Stanley (they were on exchanges) for a delightful lunch on the back patio under this huge tree.  Next to the shade tree was a fig tree and we all enjoyed our first experience with fresh figs.  It was better than we expected and tasted nothing like fig newtons.  We posed for more pictures and fortunately ran into one more member and her family before we had to leave for our last appointment of the day - President and Sister Hammon.

Familia Berumen 

Familia Tenorio

 As we left, Aunt Sheryl commented at how attentive and polite the young women were.  They helped serve and clear the table and were delightfully engaged in the lunch conversation.

President and Sister Hammon were presiding at a zone conference in the Jurupa Stake Center.  Wow - what a beautiful building!  The building was the same design as the Lubbock Stake Center (for any of you who are familiar with that building) with a full court gym, beautiful artwork, dark hardwood throughout, and security cameras!  We arrived a few minutes after 3 but based on the lack of activity in the parking lot, we could tell the conference was not over.  We sat in the foyer and listened to the soon-to-be-departing missionaries bear their testimonies before Sister and President Hammon spoke. It wasn't hard to imagine that we were listening to Hermana Tonini bear her last testimony.  (In fact, President Hammon later told us it was too bad we had not been at the Zone Conference they had yesterday because we would have been able to hear her do just that.)  We were getting a little anxious because we were supposed to be at a wedding activity by 6:30 and it was now 4 pm.  We discussed just leaving a note but we lingered long enough that we were still there when the conference ended.  Raena and I walked into the chapel and met Hermana Harper (a companion from the Mexico MTC) and then the mission president.  I wish I could remember the exact number but he said there is a huge exodus of members from California due to the high cost of living and demanding regulations.  As a result, wards are being collapsed and even a couple of missions.  Hermana Harper told us that she had begged President Hammon to have her be companions with Hermana Tonini but he said no way.  "If I put two strong missionaries like that together, the rest of the mission would simply sit back and watch them work."  It was a very nice complement.

We walked out to the foyer and took some photos before heading to the big wedding family dinner.  As we got in the car, we agreed that meeting President and Sister Hammon and Hermana Harper in person was far superior to any note we could have written.  Twelve and half hours after we left our hotel, the weekend wedding activities began.  The original plan to visit the Games family on Friday was rescheduled for tomorrow night after the ring ceremony.

Pics

2 Comps 1 Transfer

Well, Hermana Flores got her visa for Costa Rica and we dropped her off at the mission home yesterday! So I am now companions with Hermana Hernandez because her comp was also visa waiting! Sooooooo, yeah. It has been the hardest week of my entire mission. Let's just put it that way.

And I don't want to really talk about all of it on here... so lets talk about the good shall we?

My baby did TWO baptism invites this week, and with one of them she put two on date....AND WE WERE ON EXCHANGES. I WAS SO PROUD OF HER.

Also, my favorite part was when we were talking about her leaving...and she said she didn't know what the point was for her coming to Cali for just three weeks....except to meet me. She then told me that the biggest thing she has learned from me is how to be BOLD and I almost cried because that is what I have been working on my entire mission and it was so sweet to hear that.

I had an awesome exchange with Hermana Peters. We were able to find and teach a family together! I love being an STL and going on exchanges because MIRACLES HAPPEN ON EXCHANGES. ALWAYS.

Anyways, I am going to send another email with a bunch of pictures for y'all to enjoy.

Love y'all!