Dear Family and Friends,
This week was the 4th of July week, which gave us two events that were new. First, on the 3rd of July we hit the half-way point of our mission. Second, on the 4th of July we had to turn down three meal appointments and still had a breakfast, lunch, and dinner appointment. We have heard about that kind of thing happening to the young elders, but that was a first for us. The young elders say they take all of the appointments and eat multiple times. We are too old for that! We had a rough enough time with the three we attended. We were eating again before we were hungry. The family we watched fireworks with offered to feed us also, we declined. However, when they took us out to the grapefruit orchard and filled a few grocery sacks for us, we couldn't resist having a couple right then. They were very sweet and ripened to perfection.
On Wednesday we got up early and went to the 4th Wards Scout fundraiser breakfast. Missionaries eat free and all of them seemed to know that. There were many non-members there. We were very impressed with the effort the young boys and their leaders put into the event. They did an amazing job on prepping the food and the red, white, and blue decorations were fabulous. Elder Sheffer jumped right in after eating his fill and cooked pancakes. Sister Sheffer greeted all the nonmembers and members she could. As we helped with the clean up one of the missionary companionships asked if we drive them to their apartment and while driving them there we received a call from a couple we have been helping and Jenni said they wanted to be married on Saturday. They have been together 27 years and just recently Richard has been meeting with the missionaries. We were so excited. We dropped the missionaries off and drove back to the church to find the bishop. Yes, Sister Sheffer helped make the flowers and we helped this couple find paper work needed for the marriage license by doing research. It was a wonderful day. We hope to be at Richard's baptism soon.
Elder Sheffer was concerned about the car. The maintenance light went on for an oil change and the brakes have been squeaking for some time. We were visiting with the High Councilman over missionary work in Visalia and he had once owned a mechanic shop and had in his back yard a shop with a lift and all his tools. We bought the parts and he changed the oil, replaced the brake pads and buffed the headlights until they were clear again. Elder Sheffer had a huge weight taken off his shoulders. The Lord is truly watching out for his servants. We feel so very blessed.
It is a very interesting thing to be missionaries. Often you wonder if what you are doing makes a difference and the emotions go from one extreme to another. This is the most important work on the Earth. We have to remind ourselves often of a quote in Preach My Gospel that says "No effort is wasted." In each day we have bright moments of spiritual uplift as we see others reach for gospel truths and heartache as some choose to set it aside. Often the hardest work we do is praying for so many. We love them all so much.
We are so grateful for family and friends. We love to hear from you. We love you so much and we continue to have you in those prayers we mentioned. Bless you all. Elder & Sister Sheffer
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