Dededo Baptism, Farewell Sister Davis, songs and more

Sister Martin and I were blessed with the opportunity to attend a baptism of two young men in Dededo. President and Sister Zarbock also attended. Bishop Nicerio, next to President Zarbock, conducted the baptism services.

A lucky picture with President Zarbock, since he usually is taking the photos

Sister Talakai, Sister Davis, and Sister Baum observe the baptism with Elder and Sister Guercio and others

Each baptism we attend, the warm, peaceful spirit showers down upon us, confirming that God's authorized Priesthood Authority to act in His name, is really happening.

After the baptism was a little party with food and singing. Sister Davis was just about to go home. We will miss her.

Sister Davis bore her testimony and shared her love for everyone

Elder Taule'Alo played the guitar for a Chuukese song with Elder Siren, Sister Missionaries and others

 Another musical number featured Sister Mel Muna...(left) who recently received her mission call to Australia, and others

"God be with you 'til we meet again". If not in this life, we will meet in the next.

Elder Martin joined others in an impromptu "He Sent His Son" primary song 

Wrapping up this blog with another beautiful Guam Sunset

The Micronesia Guam Mission Office is Fun,

Sister Martin and I love the Micronesia Guam Mission Office. Although the work load can be overwhelming at times, we have been so blessed with a love for what we do. It's hard to explain other than it's the Lord's work, and we receive countless blessings. It is amazing how it all works.

Anyone considering a Couple Mission should seriously plan and prepare. As the living Prophet, Thomas S. Monson said, "I encourage you to make yourselves available for full time missionary service".

We're on the computer nearly all day every day. Occasionally we get up and do other things.

Sister Martin showing a missionary their flight itinerary

We received about 10 boxes or so of missionary proselyting materials.

Elder Martin opening boxes and stocking the shelves

The trainers were trained in the Assistants office, behind/adjacent to our office desks. They are getting ready to greet the new missionaries arriving the next day.

The new missionary trainers, Elder Bourne, Sister Misinale, Sister Ta'ase and Sister Baum(the new Sister Trainer Leader)

Elder Murdoch (Assistant), Elder White (a new trainer), etc.

Then the new missionaries arrived.

Working with Elder Leota, a new missionary

Sister Martin going over details with new missionaries. Elder Paewai, Sister Aviata and Sister Park

Elder Martin talking about support funds and their Visa cards

More office pictures...

Sister Ta'ase and Elder Fabiano

Sister Davis (about to go home), Sister Ta'ase, Sister Misinale, Sister Kapalu, and Sister Baum

Elder White, Sister Martin and Sister Baum

Sister Kapalu and others sometimes ask to change their picture on the wall. I took her picture and here it is.

On a rare occasion Sister Martin and I leave the office in time to drive down toward the ocean to catch an evening sunset. Typically, we don't get out of the office until later. So Saturday, our p-day, is a good time to take pictures like these.

General Conference and Bowling with the Senior Couples

We've always love general conference and this one was no exception.

We challenged a less active member to come to conference and he came. Saturday, after the first session was over we talked to him. He said, "I had no idea." He went on to tell us that the messages were just what he needed to hear. He said he had many challenges which he had gained strength to handle them better. We talked about how the spirit had touched us both so powerfully. These men and women leaders are truly inspired of God.

Sister Martin said, "I loved several talks that were given this April 2015 General Conference. My favorite talk was We'll Ascend together by Linda K. Burton, General Relief Society President

She told of words of endearment of the Prophet and General authorities and what they said about their wives. I was motivated by the Proverb, “Thee lift me and I’ll lift thee, and we’ll ascend together” that she shared. I thought about my relationship with my spouse and the importance of positive words of affirmation in husband wife relationships. She also said, “seek to complete” rather than compete to “cheer each other on.” I especially like the part to cheer each other on.  I have been blessed with a wonderful husband who encourages me when I get discouraged. I want to do the same for him. 

Here are some good reflective questions to ponder:

When was the last time I sincerely praised my companion?

When was the last time I stopped myself from saying something I knew could be hurtful?’

When was the last time I apologized and humbly asked for forgiveness?

Elder Martin's favorite talk was The Music of The Gospel by Elder Wilford W. Andersen

Some of my favortie lines worth pondering about were:
“I can teach you to dance,” he said, “but you have to hear the music.”

If you’re not hearing the music of the gospel in your home, please remember these two words: keep practicing.

We learn the dance steps with our minds, but we hear the music with our hearts. The dance steps of the gospel are the things we do; the music of the gospel is the joyful spiritual feeling that comes from the Holy Ghost. It brings a change of heart and is the source of all righteous desires. The dance steps require discipline, but the joy of the dance will be experienced only when we come to hear the music.

Click on the links above to read, listen or watch their full messages.

Family Home Evening Bowling night with the couples on the Navy Base. Here are a few fun photos:

Our group ready to start

Sister Martin getting ready...

Watching the ball roll...

Happy, no gutter.

Finally a Strike!

The shock of actually knocking all of the pins down

Celebrate

Tanguisson Hike and north to Lost Pond

It was a beautiful Saturday Morning. 

After picking up photos of and for the missionaries, taken at various conferences, we headed north to Tanguisson beach. We planned to meet Elder and Sister Guercio at Tanguisson Beach for another fun hike and a day outdoors. (10:00 am)

Sister Martin just north of Tanguisson beach where we began our hike

Elder and Sister Guercio knew the way. We continued north and could see the unique rock island formations in the distance

Nice photo op 

Elder and Sister Guercio

"Yay - We love Guam - We love serving on a mission", Elder and Sister Martin

Continuing north along the shore

Sister Guercio, Elder Guercio, Sister Martin

Plenty of shells along the shore line 

We hiked along Hila'an beach and found the markers of the trail head to lost pond.

Sister Guercio led the way. A short hike from the beach to Lost Pond.

These are beautiful jungles but don't forget the mosquito spray.

We then headed back south and found the trail-head marker to an ancient Chamorro village.

We saw many Chamorro artifacts such as this ancient Lusong or grinding stone

Then we spotted something moving...

Elder and Sister Martin with the ancient Latte stones

It was early afternoon so we headed back. Need to get back in time so Sister Martin can get ready for the Women's conference this evening.

Here's a map of our journey. Another great day for a hike. It was about 4 - 5 hours total.