The Priesthood in Action

Dear Family and Loved Ones,

    I know I said that last week was amazing . . .  well somehow this week was even more amazing!

Monday night was our departure dinner, Tuesday we took our departing missionaries to the Newport Beach Temple, we saw many of our awesome former missionaries who were visiting Cali for Spring Break, Stacey came for a visit and brought our adorable granddaughters, Uncle Chad stopped by for lunch with Ted and we were able to spend some time this weekend with Elder Oaks, Bishop Davies and other general authorities.

     Because our Nauvoo sister returned to Nauvoo a week earlier than our normal transfers we had our departure dinner a week early so she could participate. As always it was a wonderful evening. We have been including our senior couples at our departure dinner and testimony meeting. They have so much wisdom to share with these missionaries who will soon be returning home and moving on with their lives. Because we had so few missionaries departing this time the senior couples had a table to themselves and the young missionaries sat with Ted and me. It was so much fun to hear them laughing and enjoying one another’s company. They have all mentioned that one of the great blessings of serving as senior missionaries is meeting and socializing with other senior couples.

     Tuesday we took our two departing missionaries and two of our visa waiters, who will most likely get their visas this week, to the Newport Beach Temple. It was a beautiful session and a beautiful day. I have never seen the temple grounds look more beautiful. The entire temple is surrounded by bougainvillea shrubs which are in full bloom right now – so pretty!

Ben, Mari and Shelly left Saturday night for Spring Break in Utah and Tuesday Stacey and her two girls arrived to spend the week with us. It was amazing how quiet the mission home was for the couple of days we were without kids – we really missed having them here! Ted and I had so much fun with Stacey and the girls. While Ted was taking care of missionaries we went to the park and the very small and cute OC zoo. We mostly just enjoyed soaking up every moment we could with our precious granddaughters. Stacey is pretty sure we didn’t even notice that she was here but we were so happy to see her too! Stacey is a natural nurturer and is always finding ways to use her many talents to make everyone in her path feel loved. She is such a blessing to our family and we loved observing her train and guide her beautiful, precious daughters.

     We also had several former missionaries stop by the mission home for a quick visit to say hello. We are so glad they are doing well in their post mission lives, enjoying school, dating etc. We have received many invitations to their temple sealings, it’s awesome that they are moving forward in their lives.

     Uncle Chad also stopped by this week for his annual birthday lunch with Ted. They packed a year’s worth of visiting into a quick lunch. Even though the Long Beach visit was a birthday gift to Chad from my sister Ann it was a treat for us to spend a little time together with Chad.

Saturday Ted spent four hours in training meetings with Elder Oaks, Elder Snow, Bishop Davies, Elder Reynolds and President Baker (mission president in Los Angeles Mission). The Stake Presidencies, Bishops and Temple President, from our two missions (LA and Long Beach) attended this meeting. The first two hours they were taught by the visiting General Authorities and the second two hours were for questions and answers. Ted said it was incredible and that the time flew.

    Sunday Ted and I were assigned to drive Bishop Davies and his wife to stake conference in Downey. Downey is just outside of our mission but the LA mission president was with Elder and Sister Oaks in Santa Monica so we were lucky enough to accompany the Davies’. Bishop and Sister Davies are wonderful. This was their first assignment to preside at a stake conference since Bishop Davies was called to the Presiding Bishopric at our recent General Conference. He did a fantastic job with his assignment. Originally Bishop Burton was to attend the conference but because of the recent changes in the Bishopric Bishop Davies was assigned to take his place. The stake conference was great. Ted did an amazing job with his talk and Bishop and Sister Davies were awesome, it was great to observe their interactions with the stake leaders and the members of the stake. Bishop Davies pronounced a beautiful blessing on the members of the Downey Stake and also gave the stake president a blessing of comfort. I love seeing the Priesthood in action – it truly is God’s power to act in His name. Bishop and Sister Davies are loving and full of faith, it was a blessing for us to tag along with them on their assignment and a great way to spend my birthday (I also was spoiled with roses, and a chocolate cake).

     We returned them to the private terminal at the Long Beach Airport where they were to fly out with Elder and Sister Oaks. We were able to spend a few minutes with them, they are so gracious and made us feel so comfortable. 

     We often say we would never believe this mission experience if we weren’t living it! To see the Gospel in action and to observe the church leaders up-close builds our testimonies every day.

   We love each of you,

The Long Beach Buberts