November 2019

	We volunteered to serve at the USO for their monthly "Your USO Meal" (YUM) lunch, which is served once a month for active duty military only. We also attended a USO dinner and training for volunteers. The emphasis in the training is on following all USO rules, being calm and kind when dealing with conflict, and helping those who come to find respite, instruction, and whatever help they need.

There are two chapels on post that we frequently visit, but only one has a bookcase where we can put copies of the Book of Mormon and other literature. We noticed that in the other chapel the chaplain has kept all our literature on a table that is hidden behind the door in his office. We asked him if they could be moved somewhere to be more visible. He took us into the main part of the chapel where there were shelves with labels for Jews, Catholics, and Protestants to display their literature and announcements. We asked if we could have some space there and he said, "I don't see why not!" We don't have a label yet, but our literature is visible now. An interesting note -- there is another chapel on post that the Church built for the military. It has a very similar layout to our stake centers.

We are teaching "Becoming a Self-Reliant and Resilient Family" class. This is a great course developed by the church specifically for military families to help them be more resilient. This is very helpful and important, especially during times of separation which happens a lot with military families. We passed around a sign-up sheet during Priesthood and Relief Society for our "Resiliency Class". None of the Priesthood brethren were interested, but several sisters signed up. We thought that was rather interesting that only the women saw the need for the class.

We were asked to teach a temple preparation class in our ward when we arrived here in June, but the ward never gave us the go ahead until now. So it looks like we will start teaching it beginning in January.

We attended an Interfaith Thanksgiving service at the Heritage Presbyterian Church where 9 different religions gave short presentations. We were particularly impressed with our stake president's message, which was the only one that wasn't scripted, but was a heartfelt testimony. It was interesting to see how other faiths conduct their religious services. We met many wonderful individuals there who have a desire to do what's right and serve the Lord.

Just before Thanksgiving, all the Senior missionaries got together and had a "pie night". Everyone brought their favorite pie to share. It was so good to hang out with these great individuals.

	On Thanksgiving, our daughter Ashley, her husband Vern and their children came to celebrate with us. We had Thanksgiving dinner at the Clarks' home. The Clarks are in the military, and have served in many areas with Vern and Ashley. They were so kind to open their home to us.

Baptisms The Mission President announced that there would be a special baptism for anyone who wanted to show thanks to the Lord by being baptized on Thanksgiving day. There were seven friends who chose to be baptized that day. Here is an 87 year-old lady that was baptized. You are never to old to come unto Christ. The baptism of a woman from Ethiopia. She was so thankful for her baptism that she made a thank you card for everyone that attended. The baptism of a friend that had been taught by Sister Bonner and Sister Taylor. Sister Bonner is going home this transfer, and will be missed. She is a wonderful missionary.

	The Fort Belvoir district meeting together before transfers. Three of the missionaries are either being transferred or going home. From left: Sisters Cunningham, Chidester, Grover, Chaffin, Zabriskie, Elders Zabriskie, Worthington, Pullan, Weaver, Benson

Elder Pullan and Sister Grover will be leaving for home this transfer. Here the Fort Belvoir district is pretending to be running them out of the mission. They are great missionaries, and we will miss them a lot!

From the Washington D.C. South Mission, we hope you are all well, and wish you all a Merry Christmas.

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