We apologize for being late with this week's blog: it has been an extremely busy weekend. The best will be first. Two months ago Signe and I were invited to give the Garden Grove Stake Family Fireside last night. It was a truly wonderful occasion which was the highpoint of our mission to this point. The Spirit was very clearly with us in our performing and speaking. First on the program, however, was a Primary choir made up of some of the Vietnamese, Hispanic, Tongan, Samoan and Hispanic children of the stake. Their singing set the tone of the entire meeting. Signe played her signature piece, Massenet's "Meditation from Thais" -- after she related her own conversion story. (This morning, Signe received an email from President Watrous, "Thanks once again for the beautiful fireside last night. You brought such a beautiful, refined Spirit into the chapel. I will never forget your testimony and violin talent. What a treat to be seated so close on the stand.We are so blessed to work together with you and Elder Gillum.") Then Gary spoke for an hour about his conversion and about Hugh Nibley. In Signe's opinion, it was the finest talk he's ever given, and the Polynesians, especially, were in rapt attention throughout. Many people came up to him and thanked him and asked questions afterwards. (The photo above shows us with the three members of the stake presidency, including Pres. Hicken next to me, who extended the invitation for Gary to speak.) Here are the comments Gary received from President Watrous: "Dear Elder Gillum, The fireside that you and Sister Gillum gave to the Garden Grove Stake was absolutely terrific. Thank you so much for sharing your talents and stories with us. What wonderful insights you gave. Your testimonies shone through brightly. I would love to have the series of quotations you gave near the end of your presentation, beginning with the two from Elder Maxwell. You are both having a powerful impact upon this mission. Thank you very much."
Below is Signe with her accompanist Beth Lilywhite -- one of the most sensitive accompanists she's ever had, who came all the way to Garden Grove from Orange to accompany Signe. It was both an exhausting but very rewarding evening for us both.




Thursday night was our Senior Missionary dinner at the Claim Jumper Restaurant in Costa Mesa. This would be the last time we would have dinner with Brother and Sister Budge, who will be leaving next week. (They are the last two on the right.) The food was great (and too much of it).



Friday afternoon all of the office staff, plus President and Sister Watrous, met outside of the Mission Office for a last photo with the Budge's. The temperature was in the mid-80s.

Finally, Saturday was a busy day as well. After doing laundry we went down to the Newport Beach Stake Center to prepare for the temple grounds tours. We had nearly 150 there in both sessions, and we came close to not having enough cookies for refreshments! Both our bishop and stake president from Orange conducted tours and were very moved by the experience. And as usual, the office elders were very helpful in helping Gary set up the video projector and other equipment. Later, we drove to Irvine to meet Keely and her roomates McKenna and Tiffany for dinner at the Swaad Indian Restaurant, where we all had tasty meals. It was nice to be with these three good young people. Keely had been to the temple, the beach and the temple all in turn today. Being with her grandma and grandpa tonight was the capstone of her perfect day. (And ours, too!)