Last Sunday we were assigned by Bishop Cowdell to friendship two members of the ward who had lost their spouses within two weeks of each other. (The sister we will be taking to dinner this coming Thursday.) The Bishop also assigned the Elders to visit a member who has been less active for many years, so this past Thursday night I went with Elders Queen and Wigington to this sister's home. It was Elder Wigington's first experience with teaching, since he had just arrived on his mission this past Tuesday. Both Elders did any amazing job of teaching the Gospel -- just as it should be taught. And they included me at appropriate moments. Next week we are returning for another visit. My feeling is that she would be an excellent temple worker!

Yes, we got an influx of 16 new missionaries this past Tuesday. We’ve had 70 baptisms in six weeks, 10 more than the previous six weeks - so the added missionaries are a blessing. Our president is big on retention, and our challenge is to keep all these new members involved and building their testimonies. The day before (Monday) we lost 11 missionaries who were going home and had the usual farewell dinner for them at the Mission President's home. We six office staff members prepared the dinner and served them. (This will occur at each departure day.) When we got the new missionaries, We gave a short presentation to them in our orientation meeting about finances and apartments -- especially warning them to be wary of mold.

Thursday was another busy day. While Signe did a lot of postings to send to Salt Lake, I was busy auditing monthly gas receipts and sending them to Salt Lake. I had more enjoyment writing 'Baptism letters' to the 33 newest members from our mission labors. (It's one my major responsibilities.) To round out the day, I went with the office Elders to Brea to watch how they changed a rental apartment from a one-bedroom to a two-bedroom. Friday: more of the same, except that I had learn how to get a couple of elders out of mess of their car not starting!

Finally, Saturday was the Orange Stake's Pioneer Day. Signe played in a trio of fiddlers: Irish and Scandinavian fiddle tunes. All of the entertainment was first class, in this stake of abundant musical talent. We ended the week with an episode of "The Duchess of Duke Street" online.

We’re loving the Work, and the privilege of doing our part in this part of the Kingdom.