ENORMOUS EXPERIENCES

Querido Familia y Amigos, 

TRAILER PARK SERVICE:  Table Rebuild and Pipe Repair

A coupe of weeks ago, Gui, the manager of the Estrella de Oro Trailer Park, whom we have been working with for some time, asked if I could possibly help her rebuild her dining room table.  She was planning to host her family for Thanksgiving but her table was too small. She asked that I expand it by a couple of feet.  After a trip to Home Depot to buy some maple plywood, having had it cut at the store we proceeded to put it together in her garage.  Such a simple build but to her is seemed monumental! We took a couple of hours to trim the edges, sand and stain to create a beautiful table. We love Gui and have truly developed a kind working relationship with her. It is one element of our mission that we are very proud of...the ability to push into the community to give service. 

Table rebuild for our friend Gui

Finished Product

Clarke's Journal Nov. 13: This morning we took Elder Prater, who is an expert plumber, with us to Tanya’s trailer  #36 in Estrella de Oro. We had been asked by the park manager to help her fix the water problem in this old trailer or the county health department would condemn it and she would be homeless.  Tanya is a beautiful older lady from Thailand who speaks little English.  To get water, she goes outside, turns on the main water valve, then fills buckets and tubs with water in her bathtub.  She then returns to shut the water valve off. There is a major water leak somewhere and Elder Prater finally discovered it under the water heater.  So we hammered out several cinder blocks in the foundation to obtain access. We cleared away the broken cement pieces making a hole big enough for me to crawl through.  The only problem was the main gas pipe.  I laid on my back crawling head first, squeezing under the gas pipe, on the wet cement pad with cobwebs brushing my face. About three feet underneath the trailer I cut a hole in the ancient insulation and found the broken “T” water line...  

Luci's Journal, Nov. 14: Today we witnessed a bit of a miracle.  After 7 years of having no running water in her home, Tanya now has running water! Elder Prater and Elder Fowers put their heads together and discovered a major leak.  With a $15 part and a muddy, dirty effort of climbing under the trailer, they fixed the leak.  I was standing next to Tanya in the kitchen when we heard the water turn on.   I reached out and turn on the faucet and she welled up with tears in her eyes.  It truly was a sacred moment.  An evident of truly religion-caring for the widows and fatherless.  

Going in...

A very tight fit!

JULIO  BACK to WORK:  Elder Spencer had asked Julio if he felt good enough to change out the rear brakes on his Ford SUV.  He agreed and I volunteered to be his helper.  Julio still uses a walker but is getting more flexibility in his bad leg.  We loaded up his tools and met Elder Spence and his vehicle in front of his apartment. I unloaded the jack and tools while Julio positioned himself on the asphalt near the rear wheel.   Julio pushed around with great agility as we extracted the wheels, disks, and pads. Within one hour we had both wheels off and headed to NAPA for the parts. In another hour we completed the job and I told Julio that we should go into the mechanic business together.  Elder Spencer gave him $100, which he reluctantly accepted wanting to give me half.  I told him it was his to help his family.  Julio is always so appreciative and willing to do anything even with his temporary disability. He is an inspiration.

Changing Elder Spencer's Brakes

DINNER WITH PRESIDENT/SISTER PRATER'S BIRTHDAY: President and Sister Carter come to Vista once a transfer to interview the missionaries so I invited them to join us for dinner.  It is such a delight to spend a bit of time with them.  I also invited the Praters and the Spencers to join us.  The last minute Sister Carter bowed out due to a nasty cold she had been fighting, but President joined us.  We also had the blessing of helping Sister Prater celebrate her Birthday.  Lots of laughter and lively conversation circled the table.  We are so very blessed to be here at this time, with these good people.

Blessed to know these folks.

Happy Birthday to Sister Prater

JOY'S DANCE CONCERT: We were able to take a few hours to attend Joy's Dance Concert at Helix High School.  Joy is on the competitive Jazz troop.  She danced a bit in middle school but she joined the danced team as a freshman.  She has developed as a dancer in so many ways and it was fun to watch her.  We had a crazy, busy missionary day so we barely made it on time.

Joy in Motion...beautiful.

Joy with team...(difficult to take photos while on stage.)

DONATIONS TO "SOLUTIONS FOR CHANGE": We recently had the opportunity to tour a local, non-profit facility operated by Solutions for Change. Their primary purpose is to lift families out of homelessness. We were beyond impressed by its mission and vision.  It is based on principles of self-reliance and servant leadership.  We invited the Newport Beach Senior Missionaries and our family to join in a little service project by donating unwrapped toys to the center.  Here is a photo of their very generous response.  Thanks to everyone who donated.  You will make a child who has struggled with homelessness very happy.

Donated Gifts for the Homeless

FIDELA'S BAPTISM: Luci's Journal , Nov. 17:  The day had finally arrived, after 8 months of teaching and nurturing, back and forth between Vista and Ensenada.  We had planned out every detail. When Fidela arrived I led her into the restroom to get changed.   Peeked into help her get changed and I found her praying.  So tender.  I will keep that image in my mind forever!  The service we beautiful and I even gave a talk on the Holy Ghost in Spanish. I was literally buzzing with joy.  As Elder Fowers baptized her, I could feel his his emotion...the spirit was so powerful. She courageously bore a sweet testimony, expressing her love for the Savior.  This is a sacred day that I will ponder in my heart forever.

Elder Fowers Journal, Nov. 17:  Yes, today is the day for Fidela to be baptized. I instructed the missionaries to fill the font 6 inches lower than normal because Fidela is very short.  People arrived bringing  treats for the after celebration. Fidela came with her son and cousin’s wife.  I gave them a short tour around the building and chapel.  They were very attentive . Brother Mariano conducted and his wife gave the first talk on baptism.  Then I entered the font and led Fidela down the stairs.  I briefly instructed her and then performed the baptism.  I felt the authority of the priesthood fill me as I spoke the words of the prayer in Spanish.  She was easily baptized and I remember the look on her face as she came out of the water.  It was as if she were surprised and happy.  Joy filled us both.   As requested by her, I confirmed her and pronounced the Holy Ghost upon her.  The bishop and Relief Society leaders welcomed her to the ward and then Fidela stood and bore a sweet and soft testimony thanking all who helped her come unto Christ. Luci and I were filled with quiet and peaceful joy to have been in the path to help this choice sister step onto the covenant path.

Baptism Check List

Rejoicing with Fidela and her family.

Anabel and Cesar Mariano, long time friends of Fidela

SENIOR OUTING TO VISIT TROLLS: What a wonderful day!  We joined the other seniors missionaries for an outing to see Thomas Dambo Troll sculptures at a local botanical garden.  They were really quite amazing!  Fun was had by all.

JEFFREY'S ORDINATION: We continue to work with the young men in the Vista Spanish Ward.  Today I was able to stand in the circle as Jeffrey Sanchez was conferred the Melchizedek by his father.  Jeffrey is the first to prepare for a mission and we hope our other young men will follow his example. 

Jeffrey Sanchez Ordained an Elder Fowers

Con Mucho Amor,

Los Fowers