It is great to begin a new week with the renewal to the spirit that Sunday worship brings. Because I have a tendency to lose some of that during the week, I am grateful for this blessing each Sabbath Day. We started this day in a 7:30 am Stake council meeting where we were asked to share more about the Employment Center. Brother Brunson (High counselor over employment) started by explaining that the Center is the Stakes Welfare assignment just like some stakes have dairy, farming, etc., for their assignment. Elder Avery gave added to what Brunson said and the spirit was strong. We know it will be a process that we must exercise patience, but we feel good about what it starting to take place. There was a quote from Pres. Hinckley printed on the agenda that I had heard him say before but one that I need to memorize and repeat often. I think it was put there just for me. " It all works out. Don't worry. I say that to myself every morning. It will work out. Put your trust in God, and move forward with faith and confidence in the future. The Lord will not forsake us......If we will put our trust in Him, if we live worthy of His blessings, He will hear our prayers." I think I remember him saying this after his sweetheart had passed away and it was such an example to me because my life really isn't that hard. I may think it is sometimes, but I am wrong. President Chandler is meeting with the Bishops next Saturday morning at 8:00 am and we are invited to share again with them what we did this morning. The Lord really does hear and answers prayers!

Saturday morning after getting a long needed haircut, I visited with Ruth and she put the phone to Cooper's ear where I sang him a song and told him I loved him. She said at first he had a quizzical look on his face and then he broke into a big smile. It is moments like this that I really feel I am sacrificing to do the Lord's work; all the others times I don't feel it is a sacrifice at all.
I choose to believe that the Lord understands those moments when I do.

This past week also brought letters and pictures from our Escobedo clan. We so enjoyed hearing of the special experience of their going to the Oquirrah Temple open house and how much they enjoyed it. Isabel told us in her letter how good she was getting on the piano and asked about the children I teach. The only one who likes learning like she does is a 9 year old (her same age) named Noemi. Her name is the Spanish version of Naomi and it brings to mind how connected we all are in this life.

We are reading a new book that Gerald Lund wrote entitled "The Undaunted" We have plenty of travel time so I read outloud while we go to and from. It is historical account of the Hole-In-The-Rock Pioneers using fictional characters to tell the story. Brother Lund is a gifted writer and we are enjoying learning about another account of pioneers and their dedication to the Lord's work. Even though we are only a few chapters into the book, we can tell we will have a spiritual experience.

We look forward to when the weather cools down some so we can get outside more. The oranges and grapfruits are getting big, although green yet and will not ripen until what we would call winter at home. There are only a few variety of trees that will loose leaves and only for a short time and then they get leaves again. I acknowledge that I really do like the different seasons and will appreciate it after living where there really is no distinct difference. It all is a great experience, however, and we are thankful for the opportunity that we are having. We love serving the people!

With love,
Los Averys