Wow - the last time I posted was February 6th - I can't believe that is the case. Where did February go? Last week on the 17th was Eli's 5th birthday and with every birthday coming and going - I get very homesick thinking of the children and grandchildren having bithdays and us not there! I guess it will make us appreciate them more when we are home and can attend everything! Last night we had the privilege of attending Marisa Rojas and Destiny Ochoa's baptism. We have enjoyed having Marisa in our Gospel Principles class and getting to know her. Destiny is Marisa's fiance's daughter who is a member of our ward. It is great fun to see their testimonies grow. Today in Sacrament meeting they were both confirmed by Elder Van Orden - one of our VISA waiting missionaries. We will be taking Elder Van Orden to the airport in Santa Barbara tomorrow after being here for 2 transfers - 12 weeks. I am sure this will be a very fond memory that he will take with him on his next adventure. I think it was Destiny's grandpa who baptized her and Marisa was baptized by a friend who is a Bishop. Here is the baptism picture:
The room was full at the baptism and afterwards, there was quite a feast! Next time, I will be prepared to bring food - as I didn't know!
On Friday, I had to take one of our new cars to Muntz to have a TIWI device installed (they monitor the missionaries' driving habits and it verbally tells them if they are doing something wrong - it does tell me when I drive to fast. I also have to be careful because Elder Ruse and President Castro get reports - with names on it.) Then I had to take it across the street to this great car wash at Five Points in Ventura. They take your car and vacuum it, wash it, and then bring it around and wipe everything down inside and out. The place was packed - but it was beautiful weather and I just sat outside basking in the sun watching them do all the work. I know, I know - life can be hard.
The week before transfers is rather slow with mail. I took this picture on Thursday, because it was a very, very slow day for mail. This was all I had to process! I use these opportunities to teach our mailman - Bubba - about the Church, the missionaries and our purpose.
When it gets slow like this, I always look to Elder Ruse for more things to do - because he seems to always be overwhelmed. I don't like it when it is slow!
We had 23 old cars that we had to bring in from the mission this month and put 23 new cars out. We sold 7 of those cars and the rest will probably go to missions that are close by who need cars. However, they all have to be detailed - cleaned inside out and out, oil changed and looking as good as new. That helped fill in some of the slow time as we had to take each one to Pep Boys.
Tomorrow, Monday, February 24th, is the start of another transfer. We have 12 coming in and 3 going home. We were supposed to have a 13th - who would be a visa waiter, but they decided to keep her at the MTC. Her VISA must be close. They come into the Santa Barbara Airport and when they go home, they go from the Los Angeles Airport. However, our two VISA waiters who are going to Australia tomorrow will leave from the Santa Barbara airport and Elder Ruse and I will take them. I always like the field trips! I wouldn't even mind a trip to Australia!!!!
We miss everyone terribly! The few days that are slow - are the hardest. I like it when it is very busy. I like busy - but Elder Ruse doesn't.
Thank you for those who email - I love the updates and the news. Our email address is theruses@gmail.com
Also - I have made a promise to myself that I will go to the Temple more often. It is a 2 hour drive to the LA Temple and 2 hours back and sometimes it is longer if there is an accident on the freeway. REMINDER TO SELF: enjoy the 5 mile drive to Mt. Timpanogos Temple and do it often!
