Turnovers and rain!

We have lots of senior missionaries going home in the next couple of months. During our FHE with the seniors we always have the couples both coming and going say a few words.  This is Elder and Sister Barnes.  They were the directors of the Mormon Battalion for two years and did a wonderful job.  We always enjoy going to the battalion especially when we bring some of our new Marines. 

We had an enormous amount of rain two weeks ago and because of that on Family day the Marines that attended our cake cutting reception had to wear their utilities just in case.  It turns out it did not rain on graduation and they were able to wear their Bravo uniforms.  This was the first time they were not in uniform for the reception, but their commanders did not want them to ruin their Bravos before the graduation ceremony.  They are still looking good!

The Marine farthest left in the picture above plays the flute and played for us on Christmas day. It was wonderful. Sister Baird rented a flute and he played without any practice. "Oh, Emanuel"  He will be part of one of the USMC bands.

These are four of the San Diego Elders who serve at MCRD and they come to help us with our reception. The boards are on display for the families to see what their sons have gone through and also where we have church.

On this board I have to update the pictures and the name of the company that is graduating each week.

This is our Christmas gift from Brother and Sister Bullick.  It got so tall and finally bloomed!

We have been preparing for leaving this mission by packing boxes and shipping them back to our home in Texas. Camden and Eric are taking them and storing until we get there.  It is amazing how much more we have in 18 months here and we only have our car to bring stuff home in.

We have very mixed emotions about returning home. We want to see our family and spend time with them, but we will miss the young men and all who have served with us at the branch.  We have had a glimpse of the love our Heavenly Father must have for us as we have grown to love all we have served here.

We know the Lord loves each of us and will always love us no matter what mistakes we make or failings we may have. He never closes the door; all we must do is reach out to Him and he will bless us for our wanting to be better.  These young men have shown us that prayers are answered and angels are always there to help if we but ask.