This website intends for believers and non-believers alike to celebrate a time when, in a common cause, our paths crossed. Hopefully, this effort refreshes memories and rekindles friendships.

It's been more than fifteen years since we drove cross-country and arrived in Fresno, California, to succeed John and Gwen Beck as mission leaders of the California Fresno Mission. We came with a bit of anxiety, having no clue what to expect or what to do, but we quickly learned we were inheriting a great, obedient mission from the Becks. We knew that those full-time missionaries called to serve in the mission were memorable in a unique way. I hope those called to serve in the California Fresno Mission and who are reading this post recognize how special you are! I don't know, after all these years, how you feel about the years and months you served, but I do know how we feel. It was an honor to know you and work with you.

Every once in a while, I'll receive a notice of a colleague with whom I worked in government or someone we knew through Church interactions over the years, wherever we've lived, who has passed away. It causes me to reflect, and now, as I contemplate getting closer to my final "transfer" in life, I hope you forgive me for being sentimental. But what an experience my wife and I had in Fresno, California. I don't know if anyone remembers, but I took a lot of photographs - or asked some of you to take my camera and take pictures - during our service in Fresno. These photographs were primarily taken during the arrival and departure of missionaries and zone conferences, leadership councils, and other occasions when we came together. I even have video clips. Remember the Christmas videos? Reviewing these photographs and videos has brought back sweet memories. I thought: I want to share all those memories with you. Perhaps they will surface memories (hopefully good memories) of your time with us. Hence the creation of this website.

The idea for this website is to bring together in one place a forum where I could share my photographs and videos. I also want to share my thoughts through occasional blog posts. (It's my way of keeping a "gratitude" journal and pontificating.) I hope you'll feel free to share photographs from the mission for all to appreciate, but also current pictures of you and what you're up to.

As I wrote on the "Welcome" page of this website, I know that some have distanced themselves from the Church or even left the Church. While I will not shy away from posting how I feel and continue to believe, the intent of this website is not to intimidate, shame, or even "proselyte" anyone back. This website intends for believers and non-believers alike to celebrate a time when, in a common cause, our paths crossed. Hopefully, this effort refreshes memories and rekindles friendships.

With love,
El presidente