Friday June 7, catching up...

On Tuesday we had our "Returning Missionary Luncheon" at the Temple Pavilion. This is the last one the Bekkers will attend so I wanted to make it extra special.  We also had two Sunset Branch missionaries returning home.  I usually give the Sisters leis I have made.  This day I made a fresh lei for Sister Bekker out of Plumerias from Kathy's garden, my over the fence neighbor I love!

We had a nice luncheon with 13 missionaries returning home.  Great young men and women!

Wednesday, because they were having "girl's Camp" at the Geranio estate, we didn't have our usual dinner there.  Instead we took Nick and his daughter Marisa over to the Visitor's Center for a tour.  Marisa is not a member but is receiving the lessons from the Elders.

It was nice but the most impressive part was when Nick bore this testimony...he said that he had studied many religions throughout his life.  He was born Catholic and then when he was married they moved to China and he studied the Jewish religion.  He took all the lessons and become a Jewish convert along with his family.  He then studied Buddism and other non-Christ religions.  He said he hung out in California as a youth with many members of our church but never did any of them approach him about learning about our church.  Then they moved from China here and again he surfed with members here on the North Shore.  It wasn't until one newly returned missionary, who was surfing, asked him if he'd like to know more.

Nick said from then on his whole family except Nicki were baptized.  He said he had met the Pope, met with many Rabbis and not one of them is 100 no 1000 times as spiritual as a Mormon missionary, like our Elders and Sisters.  He tearfully related this as we sat in the Visitor's Center.  Here is a man, he is 55 years old, who is an entrepreneur, who has lived all over the world, done everything and finally found the joy and peace he was looking for.  What a testimony to me this man is.  He's now been a member for 3 years.  A temple attending member.  He gave a talk at the baptisim last week.  Such a humble man.  We love the Geranios!

Last night I gave a Bridal Shower for Marisa Santego at our place on the deck. Marisa has been the Relief Society Secretary in our YSA Branch.  Michele helped decorate and Alora did the games with help from her fun Mom!  We had good food and laughed for three hours.  Ramon was surprised it lasted so long!  Marisa is such a sweet one, love her.  She is marrying a wonderful guy from Mexico in the temple here.  She isn't having a reception so this was a party for her.  Marisa's Mom and sister came and it was nice to meet them.  Of course, some fun games too!  I made those ham and cheese sliders, salad, fruit platter, and lots of chips and artichoke dip.  Bitter sweet because now she won't be in our YSA Branch!

Marisa!

Sister Jenkins, Marisa and I

Side note:  Marisa felt she needed to cancel her wedding plans. It was very hard for her to be this brave but she did and gradually got over the sadness of having to cancel.  Through it all she came to church and was a valiant branch member.  I just love this girl!