Go, and Do Thou Likewise

Dear Family and Loved Ones,

It's another BEAUTIFUL day in Long Beach.  Last week we actually had a couple of days of rain and then some rather hot (80's) temperatures.  Everyone says that the weather won't change much in the coming months so I guess we will just have to get used to perfect weather  :)

Ben and Mari have adjusted very well to High School.  They do a great job keeping up on their assignments and enjoy their classes for the most part.  They are making friends both at seminary and school.  We appreciate their wonderful attitudes! 

We had two new Cambodian speaking Elders arrive along with a new visa waiter (we lost our other visa waiters last week - they are off to Colombia and Argentina).  Sunday there were two baptisms in our Park Ward (Cambodian ward), so our brand new Elders had baptisms their first week in Long Beach.  The Park Ward is amazing, we love going to their meetings.  The members are very friendly and faithful.  The Cambodians are a beautiful people and the children are especially adorable.  At the baptismal service a tiny girl, who was around five years old, gave the closing prayer.  I wanted to keep my eyes opened just to watch her - she was so CUTE!

One of the most impressive characteristics of our missionaries is the way they care for one another.  I will often get phone calls from an Elder or Sister who is concerned about his or her companion's health.  This week an Elder called to say that his companion was having chest pains and that his heart was racing.  He rushed his companion to the closest emergency room where they found that the Elder had a dislocated rib (ouch!). A Zone Leader called to ask me to tell one of the Elders in his zone to not go out on his bike in the rain because he has been suffering from tonsillitis for a while.  Another called because his companion is going through a difficult adjustment and has a severe case of homesickness.  They help each other through "Dear Johns", disappointments, sicknesses, dog bites, bike crashes, injuries, etc. I love to have them ask, "what can I do for my companion".  The ability to put another first and to serve them in their time of need is a characteristic of a disciple of Christ. After sharing the story of the Good Samaritan the Savior said, Go, and do thou likewise. These young men and women are following the Savior's counsel.  

We have a busy week ahead of us including a visit on Friday and Saturday from President Clayton and Elder Bowen of the seventy.  President Clayton will spend a few hours with our missionaries on Saturday - it will be the first time that our entire mission has been together since we arrived, we are really looking forward to that.

We love you all and thank you for your prayers and faith,
The Long Beach Buberts