Sheltons in the Sun: Blog #18 The Colors in My Mind

Blog #18 The Colors in My Mind

y. We had the opportunity to go with the missionaries as they taught them. It is so touching to watc

I was watching the young women singing in Women’s Conference yesterday and I thought about how much I love color as I noticed the red, pink, purple, orange and yellow blouses they wore. Last weekend we went over night to Catalina Island. I loved the many colors of green we saw in the cactus garden, and I was fascinated by the many colors of blue and green in the ocean. Tonight we have been watching in awe as we witnessed the colors changing during the eclipse of the moon. I do love colors (wish I could have been an artist); but most of all, I love the many colors of skin I see in Bakersfield. I remember when I was still working in the schools, I mentioned to my wonderful boss that I really didn’t notice students of color as I counseled with them. She assured me I needed to notice so I could validate their heritage. But, over the years, I’ve decided that the best way for me to reach them is to let my love for them show because I love their souls. I love the people here and we are particularly having fun with the missionaries. I still regret that I didn’t take the time to learn Spanish when I was younger, and now my brain seems to refuse to comprehend it. Two weeks ago at a Spanish baptism (Mike and I didn’t understand most of the words—though we did understand the feelings), the missionaries in front of us were giggling as we sang the hymns in Spanish. I love the diversity here.

Every weekend we try to attend one or two baptism. We feel such delight as we see the faces and hear the testimonies of those who embrace the gospel. The Savior can do so much to lift a soul! This weekend we actually visited six baptisms. A mother and her eleven-year-old daughter in our ward were baptized Saturday morning. They both glowed with jo

h a testimony grow within the investigator.

We also had a young couple, Brian and Kymmie, move into our ward who were not married. He joined the church a year ago, and they met at church. She had been inactive for years, but had decided to attend church, and they found each other. They desire the blessings of an eternal marriage. They asked the Bishop to marry them so they can prepare to go to the Temple. They have experiences some rough times, so we, as a Relief Society, decided to give them a party for their wedding-- which included wedding clothing, a cake, photography, decorations, music, and a night at a hotel. They were so excited. The missionaries who had baptized him in Florida had completed their missions, and were able to come to the wedding. What a special night it was for this couple.

My daughter, Lori, has always quoted Elder Holland’s admonition for missionaries to keep in touch throughout the years with their converts. We saw first hand the joy and blessing that came from the two returned missionaries because they have kept in touch with Brian. And, Brian recommitted to keep his baptismal covenants because of their care and counsel.

We have mentioned the closing of apartments as the church opened eleven new missions, and the reduction from the departing eighteen-years-old infusion has settled down. But now, we are having more missionaries come than leave, so we are in the process of opening new apartments. I believe they call it “job security.” Anyway, Mike and I have been busy acquiring new leases and getting the contents to set up new homes for our missionaries. Some of our beloved inspectors have completed their missions, and we are in the process having new ones called. It is a time of change. My problem is that I get attached to people and it is hard to let them go. But the one new couple who has just been called will be wonderful.

We’ve been here almost a year now, and I’ve been reminded how long it takes to develop real and loving relationships. We certainly love and enjoy the people with whom we work daily. Gratefully, we are also feeling more a part of the ward. We, and our other ward missionaries, went to the anniversary dinner of our dear friends, Petra and Javier, and we were so thrilled to meet their extended family. We are getting to know and understand the hearts of many in our ward. We see families and individual working to become like Christ. The gospel of Jesus Christ is such a blessing in our lives. We know many who have serious heartaches and struggles, but when we know the Savior and have the gift of the Holy Ghost we who believe Him and trust Him are given the peace and strength to endure life’s challenges

We are grateful for this opportunity, and we appreciate the love and support of you, our family and friends. We’ll be home a couple days for Ryan and Hali’s wedding. And then we’ll be back to work. May the Lord bless you!