An Attitude of Gratitude

Dear Family and Loved Ones,

We've enjoyed another amazing week in the Long Beach Mission and are looking forward to a break from school and early morning seminary (Ben and Mari have Weds, Thurs, and Friday off from school).  Thursday we will have our Thanksgiving dinner with the office Elders and Assistants and then dedicate the new mission home. We will be thinking about all of you and hope you know that as we count our blessings this week we will be remembering the many ways that each of you bless our lives.

This past week was mostly spent settling in to our new home. There were a few minor repairs made, visits from the FM (Facilities Managers) local and Church representatives from SLC.  They have been amazing at making sure our new home will meet the needs of the mission for many years to come.

Ben went camping at the Beach near San Clemente Friday night and despite the rain had a great time.  The ward and stake have MANY activities for the youth; firesides, dances, camps, etc.  Last night at the stake fireside on dating they announced that they will have a pioneer trek in June!  I was a bit worried that Ben and Mari would miss out on a trek experience, I'm glad they will get to participate after all.

A wonderful sister in our ward gave a great talk on "An Attitude Of Gratitude".  She said that she is 32 years old and that it was her first talk.  If she goes another 32 years before she is called on again she will be 64.  She did such a great job I'm sure she will be speaking much more frequently.  She shared many great insights from President Monson's talk on gratitude and then added some personal stories.  Recently she put her young son in the car seat and went to meet her husband for lunch.  Normally she puts her son in the center of the back seat but on this occasion she put his seat directly behind hers.  They got on the freeway and within minutes were struck by another vehicle which caused her brand new car to roll, landing on a concrete freeway divider and then sliding across the five lanes of traffic.  As they examined the car later they could see from the damage that the entire center of the car was crushed, their son would have certainly been killed or severely injured had his car seat been in its normal position.  She expressed her gratitude for the goodness of God, who preserved her son's life.  Our Heavenly Father is watching over us.

We also attended some amazing baptisms, one was in the single adult ward in our stake.  There was a great feeling at the baptism and many of single adults shared their testimonies.  More than half of those who participated are new members of the Church.  It is so awesome to hear them express the joy they have found in the Gospel, they are grateful for living prophets, the Book of Mormon, answers to the questions of the soul and the brotherhood and sisterhood they have found in their ward.

Ted spoke at a Stake Priesthood meeting last night for the Cypress Stake he said the chapel was full.  When I asked how he felt about his talk he said it was alright.  Later I found out that the Stake President said, "you reminded me of LeGrand Richards."  That is a GREAT compliment in my book - wish I could have been there!

We love you all and appreciate your wonderful examples, your incredible support and your faith and prayers,
The Long Beach Buberts