Christlike Attributes

"Developing Christlike attributes in our lives is not an easy task, especially when we move away from generalities and abstractions and begin to deal with real life. The test comes in practicing what we proclaim. The reality check comes when Christlike attributes need to become visible in our lives—as husband or wife, as father or mother, as son or daughter, in our friendships, in our employment, in our business, and in our recreation."

—Dieter F. Uchtdorf, "Christlike Attributes—the Wind beneath Our Wings"

     When Elder McOmber and I were married almost 20 years ago, we had 9 children ages 10 thru 18.  We had custody of all of them, the two oldest did not live with us.  Tobie had a baby and lived on her own and Chad went into the military a week after we were married.  We still had 7 children living with us (in 1000 sq feet home).  In the 20 following years we have always had family near and sometimes even living with us.  We had 2 3/4 years that we had missionaries living in our basement, sharing our kitchen.  We have loved every minute of that time and dearly love our family and being close to our children and grandchildren.
      This has been a new and exciting  experience being together and relying on each other.  I have come to appreciate Elder McOmber's work ethic even more here on the mission.  He is such a help to me(and the
missionaries) and very protective of me.
    His mission call said that he was to "labor as an office assistant and mission nurse specialist assistant..."
Wow, we know that the Lord is aware of the needs even before we are, but it sure is wonderful to see my husband work doing his best at his calling.

He is now a bouncer at the departure fireside.  If the Elders and Sisters don't bring an investigator they are not suppose to stay at the meeting.  It is a very spiritual meeting and we all want to say good bye to our wonderful missionaries are that returning home with honor, but rules are rules.  He has a soft heart though.

                                     

Elder Fife and Howell are leaving this transfer.

Elder Fife wrote (a long time ago) in Elder McOmber's note book "Elder Fife is your Favorite Missionary".  He was not anxious to go home, he loved his mission and did a good job!  Elder McOmber went to the airport to say good bye to these missionaries(he was up at 5 AM) and it was a good thing.  Their suitcases were too heavy and he took some stuff to mail to their homes for more than one missionary.  

President and Sister Tew with the departing missionaries

Elder Hjorth and Elder McOmber loved to find the license plates with the most same numbers then beat on each other for each one they found.

     The Lord knew that the mission would be growing by leaps and bounds.  When we started our mission 17 months ago, there were 140 missionaries, now there are 270.  Someone has to set up the apartments.  Elder Barlow is busy full time with obtaining apartments, closing apartments, taking care of cars.  Lonnie was gone late every night this week.  Tuesday he was gone from 5 AM to 11 PM.  This is his hardest week as he is making sure everyone has beds to sleep on, desks to study on, etc, etc, etc.  He takes his responsibilities very seriously.  Then he comes home and helps me with the laundry, etc. I am so fortunate to have such a loving and responsible minded honey.

      After saying good bye to the outgoing missionaries on Tuesday, he later went to the airport to pick up the luggage for the new missionaries.  There were 3 different sets to pick up this time.  Our Spanish speaking missionaries are coming from the Mexican MTC, so they come on the international flights at LAX, others come into the Long Beach airport.

Elder Sam is Cambodian speaking and does not speak English.  He is learning.  He knows how to say hamburger!  Elder Fowler is his trainer and interpreter.

 

Sister Wasden greeting two of our new sisters.  Sister Pendleton is a RN here on a proselyting mission, but will be a great resource when I go home.

New missionaries are greeted by their trainers.

Elder Dixon and Elder Walker were the Assistant's to the president.  Elder Walker is now out in the field and Elder Tewksbery is the new AP.

Elder Jesperson and Elder McOmber in our office.  Elder McOmber takes care of bikes, new and repairing.  He is always fixing things.  The new missionaries all need bikes, and we have 6 Visa Waiters that are in need of borrowing bikes.

Elder McOmber is even good at fixing our water heater in our motor home.

Christlike attributes are gifts from God. They come as you use your agency righteously. Ask your Heavenly Father to bless you with these attributes; you cannot develop them without His help. With a desire to please God, recognize your weaknesses and be willing and anxious to improve.

(PMG 115)

I am so thankful for my husband's Christlike attributes!  My family at home and their support and Christlike attributes impresses me as well!  We couldn't do a mission without their help!

Elder Kuhlman's mother sent a quilt to me "to be used".  It humbles me to think of our wonderful missionaries remembering me to their families and having the prayers of my missionaries as well as their families.  I know that I am being attended to by both Heavenly and earthly angels because of these prayers!  As I love quilting, I appreciate the time and talent in this quilt, the quilting is exquisite!

When we follow Jesus Christ, we act as He would act and love as He would love.""

”Russell M. Nelson, "The Work of Salvation: Parable of a Father at Bedtime