As I Have Loved You

Dear Family and Loved Ones

I am a bit late today with our e-mail.  We spent the morning getting Ben and Mari registered for High School at Los Alamitos High.  Yes!  I said High School.  They are looking forward to starting school on September 1st and relieved that early morning seminary doesn't start until September 13th.  They are hoping to make good friends - they have been good sports but are anxious to have a social life.

It is wonderful to see so many great examples of Christlike love in our mission.  The mission is a place where eternal friendships are formed.  There is something about serving the Lord together that creates an almost instant bond.

Two of our missionaries were struggling this week with health issues, one a serious illness, the other a severe injury.  It was amazing to see the Elders care for their companions with genuine concern, compassion and patience.  They surprise us all the time with their maturity and goodness.  Both missionaries are recovering and are back to work.

Yesterday Ted and I attended the Park Ward, it is the Cambodian speaking ward.  One of our 5 Cambodian speaking Elders leaves in the morning (he will come to the mission home tonight for his farewell dinner and testimony meeting).  The Bishop of the Park Ward asked the Elder to speak in sacrament meeting yesterday.  It was amazing to see the love that the members have for "their" Elders.  The Cambodian speaking Elders serve in the same ward for two years!  They become part of the ward family, they love the members and the members love them.  We saw some of the recent converts weeping in the congregation because the Elder who brought the gospel into their lives will be going home.  Most of these new members are learning about the Savior for the first time.  They have beautiful, childlike faith and are so humble.  The talks were both about charity and were excellent!  Our Elder used quotes from "Preach My Gospel" he said, "charity is the pure love of Christ.  We are to seek to develop that kind of love.  When you are filled with charity, you obey God's commandments and do all you can to serve others and help them receive the restored gospel."  When we love our brothers and sisters then we see them through our Heavenly Father's eyes.

Saturday we had a sister's training meeting at the mission home.  Wow!  The sisters were so happy to see each other.  It was great to hear the squeals as each sister would enter our home.  There were many hugs, much laughter, some instruction and of course lunch (Chinese haystacks and Costco tropical fruit sorbets - a new favorite).  When it was time for the sisters to leave they all formed a semi-circle and sang a song to thank us.  Many tears were shed as they sang "As I Have Loved You".  We all felt the Savior's love for us and the love we share as sisters serving Him.  It was a moment we will remember and cherish.

Of course being in the mission has only increased our love for each of you!  We appreciate you more than ever and feel your support and faith. Thank you for all you do!

Love,
The Long Beach Buberts