Birthday on a Mission - 13 March 2019

March 13th was Michael's 19th birthday and his first birthday away from home. We made sure to send lots of presents for him to open and I even posted on his mission's facebook page that it was his birthday and if anyone sees him, to give him a great big hug for me. I received a text later that day from Sister and Elder Sansom (they are responsible for mission apartment inspections and Sister Sansom manages the California Irvine Mission Parents facebook page) that "We found the Birthday Elder and Hug has been delivered!" The Sansom's are awesome!

Weekly Email - 11 March 2019

Greetings friends and family!

Right now in the beautiful metropolis of Newport beach the work is picking up like someone picking something up. It's going so good. Just today we have 4 lessons which makes p-day crazy fun. It's been really nice to be in this area this is already the 6th week here with Elder Archibald so we will see what happens Saturday. Wednesday is my 19th bday and its weirder than meeting a woman who's dog has a tattoo (we did that it's a bumblebee :) )

But teaching everyday has been a big difference and especially a big blessing. I have really enjoyed being here in these 2 wards getting to know a lot of people. 

Our finding method this week was knocking of anything not gated. So we went tracting in a area with FANCY houses. We got 4 return appointments which was really cool to see that doing the work brings miracles.

We had some really great lessons this past week that have really strengthened my testimony. Have a great week love you all!

Love Elder West

Persian New Year - 9 March 2019

The California Irvine Mission was happy to host an amazing 'Historic Persioan New Year" celebration on Saturday, March 9th. It was held at the Newport Beach Stake Center. Persian congregations and their guests from Los Angeles & San Diego all attended to make for a festive party. Michael had the opportunity to assist with decorating the event and got two thumbs up for his great work.

The Elder that is on Michael back is one of the Persian speaking Elder's in his mission.

Weekly Email - 4 March 2019

Hey y'all
I hope your doing well. Elder Archibald and I had such a good lesson with a senior in high school and the spirit was so strong and when he prayed at the end Elder Archibald and I were tearing up, it was amazing! I know that when we teach with power and love that it will touch the hearts of those we teach and share with those we meet. I am grateful to be a missionary and all the blessings that come from it. Have a wonderful week.
Love Elder West

Temple Ground Security - 3 March 2019

The California Irvine Mission's Monthly Musical Devotional was held on Sunday, March 3rd and two amazing Elders, Elder West and Elder Archibald were the temple ground security team.

Temple Traffic Control in the Rain - 2 March 2019

We received a text from a member of The Church visiting the Newport Beach Temple and we found out that Michael and his companion, Elder Archibald, were directing traffic. Typical of rains in Southern California, they come up unexpected and end up being quite the downpour and then disappear just as quick as they appear. Both were completely soaked and not wearing rain jackets. Michael told me that it wasn't raining when they started.

This is the message that accompanied the picture:
Hi! I'm a missionary mom from Utah visiting California and as I was pulling into the temple I was helped by these darling elders!! You might know them. They are smiling and loving life while they stand in the rain directing traffic for some church event! You should be proud, they were absolutely glowing!!