Phantom

I took Steven out for an early birthday present. Phantom of the Opera was performing in San Jose during the last couple of weeks of this month and I knew that Steven would enjoy it. Knowing that he will be leaving us soon, I wanted to give him the present of "time". Time with his mother.

Before the 7:30 show, we ate at Ludwigs, a German restaurant in downtown San Jose. Steven has been studying the German language and culture, so this was a wish of his. Both of us were apprehensive at trying the sauerkraut (both of us abhor it), but felt we needed to experience the entire meal. We looked at each other in wide-eyed shock after tasting the first mouthful. It was really good! The two of us loved the sauerkraut. It must be the way they cooked it.

Phantom of the Opera was, of course, amazing! I was disappointed at first to see that our seats were at the end of the row (this explains the cheapness of the tickets). The view of the stage was not ideal. However, minutes before the lights went down and the curtain opened, an usher asked us to move up a few rows and fill in the many vacant seats. This placed us near the middle of the theater. Steven loved the musical! It was a great evening.

Leaving the Harbor

This quote by Neill Marriott speaks to my heart as I am seeing my older ships (children) preparing and leaving our safe little "harbor". 

"Sometimes in the harbor of our homes, we can't see that by simple, consistent acts-including family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening-great things are brought to pass. Great joy comes when these little boats-our children-grow into mighty seafaring vessels filled with gospel light and ready to 'embark in the service of God.'"

Extreme Heat Warning

We are still experience extreme heat here. The kids and I thought we could escape it by going to Monterey, but were surprised to find it was 92 degrees when we got there! If there was no escaping the blazing sun, we might as well have fun. 

First stop was Ghirardelli for some cold relief. 

Then we explored the air conditioned aquarium for a couple of hours. 

Last, the beach and the cool ocean. 

For those who have been to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, you know where this picture was taken. It is in a tunnel where simulated waves crash around you while safely under glass. Well, Lonetta did NOT like this at all. It reminded her too much of a car wash. 

This penguin was very social. It followed Dave-o and Loni around in its tank.

Can you spot the flat fish?

While playing at the beach, we noticed a fire across the bay that wasn't there when we got here. As we drove home, we discovered it was (is) ten miles from our home. The news is calling it the Loma Prieta fire (in the Santa Cruz mountains). We are praying for the firefighters. 

Comic 25

I See Stars!

Hello All!

We had a decent week here in Iowa!

On Tuesday we had Zone Conference! It was awesome as always. We were given tons of great motivating training! I got to reconnect with a bunch of people as well. I got to see one of my MTC comps Elder Maccabe which was fun. He is as positive as always!

The weather has been bipolar. Most of the week was pretty hot, but today is 63! The cool weather is making me nervous for another winter. I shudder a little just thinking about it. The members here love to remind me just how "mild" last winter was and how this upcoming one will be way colder.

Grace is still progressing! We went over the Word of Wisdom and Law of Chastity with her this week. She drinks coffee and tea, but is willing to give both up! Grace is looking good to make her baptismal date of 10/8! Greg is still being held back by his wife. We did receive a text from him this morning that his wife wants to "talk to us". We will see what that means... We got bashed with two more times this week. I am sooo tired of people trying to "lovingly convince us of our errors"! It does not make for a good environment for the Spirit.

On Sunday, we went to Primary to judge them on their singing/holding-still skills in preparation for the Primary program. What we weren't told is that after every song, the kids were going to swarm us and place star stickers all over us. It was a lot of fun though!

My companion gave me his cold, so that is going to put a damper on P-day.

That us all for this week! I love you ALL!

Elder Zinn!

MTC Throwback pic!

PRIMARY!

What a Life!

Yesterday and today we were blessed to spend time with Mom and Dad Zinn. Dad Zinn turned 79, which is a great reason to celebrate. What a life he has lived! 

On Saturday, we went with them on a ward activity to Alameda. We had a picnic lunch, played some volleyball, went on a walk, and participated in the traditional tug of war. 

This evening we went to Mom and Dad's house for birthday dinner and cake. 

Potty Training Adventures

I'm in week two of my potty training adventure with Lonetta. Week one was a failure. This girl can hold her urination for hours. I'm in new territory here. The other five kids were potty trained in three days tops and they were almost a year younger than Loni. I guess it will all boil down to whose will is stronger. Who will outlast the other?

Iowa-The Corn State

Hello Everyone!

This week was super good! I didn't get food poisoning this week! Yay! I am having a hard time going to restaurants and having to trust them not to poison me!

This week we had a good amount of success progressing our current investigators. We taught Greg the Gospel of Jesus Christ. At the end of the lesson, we invited him to go on a church tour. He liked the idea so much that he insisted on going to the church right away! So that is what we did! We had a great church tour with him! The thing that is holding him back is his wife!!! She isn't interested at all, so he isn't willing to progress until she has a desire. It is so frustrating when people gain a testimony, but have relationships with others that hold them back! We have run into this a lot recently. On a more positive note, we were able to get Grace to church! She loved it! Grace is looking pretty good to be baptized on Oct 10th. Our finding efforts were successful in terms of seed planting, but not so much in reaping.

The weather continues to be fairly mild! It would be pleasant to be outside if it weren't for the humidity and all of the bugs!

It is surprising how serious people take college football out here! When Iowa is playing, you might as well stay inside and do nothing. No one will answer the door and if they do you will get yelled at. It didn't help that Iowa lost to an FCS team this week.

That is all for this week! I want you all to know that I love my mission! I love this forgotten part of the country called Iowa!

I love you all to pieces!

Elder Zinn!

My mortal enemy mocking me

Costumes that Elder Mitchell and I claimed while cleaning out their "Junk Closet"!

Scorching Sabbath

What a scorcher it was today! The high 90's greeted us as we got out of church. We decided to spend the rest of our Sabbath in Pacifica where it was a LOT cooler (72 degrees). We walked along the beach at Fort Funston, collected some sand dollars, explored the cliffs, and got our feet a little wet. I wish I had a beach house...

45 Years

Another birthday. Another year. And still an amazing man! Happy birthday David.