Temple/Rio

  We drove to the LA temple through Malibu to avoid heavy traffic.  Not so sure it was faster and we had stop and go through Malibu for a long time.  I wouldn't want to live there; although the ocean is beautiful with the waves crashing up.  We made it to the 9:15 session just in time.  (That was a tender mercy as you will find out.)  It was a small session with 6 men and 11 women.  We knew three of the couples that live in our mission.  An elder received his endowment as he was going to the Hondorus mission in September.  He served a two week mini mission in the California Ventura mission last summer.  He lived in one of the stakes up north so Dell assigned him in a stake in the south of the mission.

Towards the end of the endowment session I pulled out the name I was going through for.  Her middle name was Felix.  The lady sitting next to me whispered to me that that was her maiden name.  I told her it was my married name and we should talk after.  The parents and the elder were talking to Dell and the woman came up to me.  It was so exciting as she told me she came through the line of Jakob Felix.  She was born in Logan and knew all about Felix Market. Her father is Dell's grandfather's brother, Carl.  Dell joined in the conversation and he got chills hearing about the relation.  Carol told him his grandpa was referred to as Uncle Ern (his name was Ernest).   Her married name is Hales so I had to see if there was a connection to Jared.  It was really fun to meet them and visit.  She was excited to go home and call Aunt Barbara (Dell's aunt) to tell her we had met.

I took this picture to show the world outside with the cars speeding down Santa Monica Boulevard compared to the peace we felt inside the temple.

Carol Felix Hales

We knew there was a Cafe Rio in Santa Clarita which would be on the way back from the temple.  We decided that would be where we would have lunch.  We were so excited!  It's been over two years.  The menu looks different but the food tasted just the same:)

We talked with the manager telling her how excited we were to be there.  We found out she has managed many Cafe Rios in Utah.  Something told us she wasn't a member or if she was, then not active.  After eating I went to her and thanked her and told her we loved the food.  She was open to talking and I asked if she knew much about the Church.  She was NOT a member.  She wanted to know how we were there if we lived in Ventura.  I said we came through after going to the temple.  Dell reiterated how we feel about families and she loves the concept.  He then asked if she was open to talking with the missionaries.  She said YES.  Dell got her contact info and sent it to the Mission President in the San Fernando Mission.  He has responded that the info has been passed on to the missionaries in her area.  Here's hoping and praying.
I absolutely loved this day!