Missionary moments and Fireworks

This past week our tasks began to be so much more routine, so there isn't as much to report. On Tuesday Gary went with the elders to a Wal-Mart to buy vacuum cleaners and floor lamps for the new apartments we are renting. The Missionary Department in Salt Lake wants us to get away from two bedroom apartments housing four missionaries, to one bedroom apartments housing only two (except for Zone Leaders). Another interesting note on that day: Gary's Cousin Faith Allen had written a funny e-mail to the family at large, to which Gary responded. Now Gary and Faith are catching up their lives by writing to each other twice a day since then. (They haven't communicated in over 40 years!)

Wednesday our wonderful chiropractor gave a seminar to us on healthy backs and how we can help keep his adjustments to our back in place better. What a great man!

Thursday Gary's left foot became infected somehow. We were worried for a short time, but with the help of some black ointment, epsom salts and rest the angry and painful redness finally stopped short of the ankle and ebbed away. As of Sunday night it has all but disappeared completely.

Friday Gary drove the Toyota the sisters wrecked two weeks ago to Solesbee's Autocraft in Yorba Linda, following Elder Budge. He got a real education at a large and well-run body shop, where we take all of cars to be 'mended and unbended.' The owner is LDS and gave us a short tour of his operation. Fascinating! He also collects as many translations of the Book of Mormon as he can find and displays them in the customer waiting area! What a conversation piece!

On Friday night, August 7th, we took a night off and went with all the office staff to view the fireworks at Disneyland's parking lot. The Budges have season passes, so they took us to the parking structure, where we caught the tram into Downtown Disney. We ambled down the streets, admiring the musicians and catching the friendly smiles of the passersby. Three times we were stopped and greeted by members of the Church, who visited with us briefly. One couple grew up in Springville, and said their nephew was on a mission in Paris, speaking Mandarin! Another left us with a hearty "The Church is TRUE!" We all went into the Haagen Dasz shop for a treat, which we ate while we sat on a bench and people-watched. Budges wanted us to see the California Lodge Hotel, so we walked into the back entrance, along with other tourists, and gazed at the amazing 5-story high open foyer. It was massive, built with huge timbers and boulders. Quite a sight! We sat on couches and chairs while we listened to a pianist playing Disney tunes. Then we headed for the upper story of the parking structure, so we could watch the fireworks. There were just a few people there, but after we got settled in our places, there was quite a crowd gathered. The fireworks were amazing, with the very loud percussive fireworks actually setting off car alarms. (We were actually closer to the fireworks than the folks in Disneyland proper.) It was a very fun evening.

We spent our p-day on Saturday doing laundry and shopping in Fullerton, with a game night at the senior sisters for all six of us. We played, talked and ate from 6 until 10:30 at night! What a great office crew we have to work with.

Finally, Sunday was a typical Sunday, with a chance to recount our many blessings!