the weekends. I love the missionary work, and try to keep up with the
paperwork. I do love the weekends though. Yesterday dad and I went
to San Francisco on the ferry and walked down the wharf. I was
impressed with San Francisco. The people were very nice and the
colors of the city were bright. I know why so many artists paint
pictures of San Francisco. We walked from the wharf to Chinatown, a
long walk uphill. It got pretty crowded and I dont think we even got
to the touristy part of Chinatown, so we went back to the wharf and
got on the ferry to come back. It was a very nice day. I even got a
little bit sunburnt on my face. We had our name tags on, and so that
usually started some conversations.
On Thursday we needed a night out, so we went to the Oakland A's
ballgame. We had great seats right in front of the second section.
The usher was a back guy who was very outgoing. He was 71 and his
wife died 8 years ago. He has lost a leg to diabetes, but has worked
as an usher for 17 years. He was born and raised in Oakland and his
kids still live there. He is one of those guys with a big smile and
very friendly. He told us that he was Catholic, but disliked all the
politics. We talked off and on most of the game and gave him a pass
along card with our names on it. We enjoyed the game and the evening.
We go prepared for the cold with coats and blankets.
Today we went to church and practiced in the choir. I sing the alto
part along with a lady who was just baptized 2 weeks ago. Her name is
Beatrice and I thought she was about 70, but it turns out she is 3
years younger than me. (52) The other alto is an older black woman
with eyes that don't focus, who is going back to school to be a CPA,
who is a stalwart in the ward. I like her. Neither of them can carry
a tune, so I get to do that. Actually the song sounded very good when
we performed it in sacrament meeting.
My young friend Christene had a story to tell me. She is the one who
got pushed around by her boyfriend last week. She wants to be
baptized on September 11. Her mother was giving her a hard time about
being religious, so she brought her to the Visitors Center and
apparently her mother was impressed because now she wants to know
more.
Then after church I ran into a couple in the parking lot who wanted to
rent a hall for a party, thinking the church would be for rent. I
took them into the Visitors Center and turned them over to the
Sisters. We came home and ate, took a nap, and were pretty settled
in, when the Elders called to have us come pick up some investigators
and bring them to the Visitors Center for a lesson. We went into the
"hood" to get them. Robert is 21 going on 12, and was high on
something. He had the jargon down, I couldn't hardly understand him.
The other man was in his early 30s and he said he was a
manic-depressive schizo-phrenic. They live in a group home for those
who are "transitioning". From what I don't dare ask. It will be
interesting to see where this goes with each of them. I'm doubtful
that it will go anywhere.
We are back, safe and sound, in our little apartment. It's good to be here.
*********
K'Lyn Lyman
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