BLOG #45 SPRING BREAK
Spring Break
No USF, No dinner, No Institute,
-- well we did have one class. A couple of students missed their Old Testament
class last week and wanted Elder Judd to do a makeup class on Wednesday night
so they would not miss what was taught. It interesting these two put the
information out on face book that he was re-teaching the Old Testament class
from last week and we had about 7 YSAs come.
It is so fun when the students want to be taught. This is why we are
here.
We went to the Plant
City (about 15 minutes from here)Strawberry Festival on Tuesday with Bro. and
Sister Hopegood. We were able to see how strawberries are grown commercially
which was very interesting. After the strawberries are basically finished
growing for the season the workers take everything out of the ground and let it
rest for a planting season.Then in the fall they start the planting again with
new plants. At home I always just keep the plants from year to year. I guess
that is why they have big strawberries and I have small ones. Good thing to know‼ We had a great time walking around seeing all the different ways to
use strawberries—shortcake, cake,
smoothies, on bacon, chicken, drinks, and just about anything else you can think
of. These strawberries are so good, big
and flavorful. Makes my mouth water just to think about them. ( Tricia do you
remember the Israeli Strawberries? these are that good‼). A big thanks for the
Hopegoods for taking us.
We had 2 early
morning seminaries that we were assigned to visit this week. One was in
Lakeland about 45 minutes east of here and the other was about ½ hour west of here in Odessa(boy I am finely getting the names right
in the areas we visit it has only taken about 10 months). The early morning
teachers are wonderful, they get up early teach some very tired young people and
then they go to their own jobs for all day. Hats off to them‼
Friday was a great day—we decided to go to the Orlando Temple and
then on to the YSA Regional Conference at the church’s Deseret Cattle and
Citrus Ranch. It started late Friday night with getting everyone set up in
tents (boys) or cabins (girls).Then snacks and an outdoor dance-cowboy style.
We chose to go to a Melbourne hotel about 25 minutes away for a nice bed and
shower—greatly appreciated too. It was a long day, but we were up early for a
quick breakfast and back to the ranch. The day was cloudy and had a chilly
wind. We were not prepared for this type
of weather. What has happened to the Florida sunshine? Of course they say it is
unusual for here—well this is not the first time the wind has been chilly here
in Florida—now we know better—bring Winter jackets..
Elder Judd:
Saturday we spent teaching five
classes with another couple, Elder and Sister Martin from the Gainesville
Institute. The theme was on a talk by Pres. Monson: “We Never Walk Alone” given
in 2013 at the Women’s Conference. Following introductions, Elder and Sister
Martin started off each class by emphasizing the importance of prayer from the
talk and then I felt impressed to lead into my part by talking about the
importance of agency and that if we expect the Lord to walk with us. We must take the first step by inviting Him
to come to us as we come to Him. I used D&C 88:63 “Draw nigh unto me and I will draw nigh unto
you.” I testified that if we make the effort to invite Him to be with us, He
will truly walk with us. The spirit was strong as we taught. We felt like it
was a great experience for us and the YSA who were there. While we were
teaching this class every hour, other activities were going on thru out the
gathering area like soccer, quiditch, volley ball, shooting, board games etc. The
food was great for every meal and the organization was very good. In the early
evening, one of the directors of the ranch spoke, telling us about the size of
the ranch and what was produced on it. It was very interesting to hear how the
church has been blessed to have this huge area to help other people, then one
of the singers from Jericho Road, Abe Mills and his family, sang and spoke on the Conference theme. They did a
great job presenting through song and word how to not be alone in this world at
this time. In the evening we had a great
BBQ pulled pork dinner, of course another DJ took over for another dance. I could not get Elder Judd to dance , oh well
I think that there is another dance sometime down the road- here in Tampa—I
will try again. We stayed around for a
while and mingled then left to go back to Melbourne for some much needed
rest. Oh of course I need to tell you what Elder
Judd did. After the meetings and dinner, the ranch provided horse rides for the
YSA in the rodeo arena. When all the YSA had had enough they let us old folks
ride if we wanted to. He did and had a great time riding around the area for a
few minutes. It was nice to be on a horse after so long.
Sunday began early too. We arrived at the ranch for an
early morning breakfast. It was nice to see everyone in their Sunday best. The wind had died down and the sun came out
which made it better as we sat in the bleachers of the rodeo grounds. We had a
Sacrament meeting with 24 priesthood bearers blessing and passing the
sacrament. What a awesome site to see these young men performing this ordinance
with such reverence to the 500+ people that sat there.
Chris Elton of our YSA Ward spoke along with a YSA Sister from Orlando,
President Holladay of the Lake Mary stake, and President and Sister Cox of the
Orlando Temple presidency. It was a great meeting. Relief
Society/priesthood followed which was also great. After lunch was served
a Devotional was given by Brother Taylor of the Church Media department , who
heads up all media adds for the Church. He was very informative as to the
process of missionary media that the Church is doing. He showed several
examples of their work--#sharethegift, #you
and the new one coming out in April.. It was a great ending to a
wonderful YSA Conference. Everyone was very uplifted and left wanting to do and
be better. I know that I did.
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