November 14, 2014 - Friday

Elder and Sister Lasher with Amy Jeppson - Photography by Josh!

Today ended our first week here at the MTC and what a special week!  The next time you see a returned missionary give them a hug and thank them for their service!  All the missionaries are very special and I can see how Heavenly Father loves them so much.  They are here and willing to serve and have made this sacrifice to be here.  I look at them as at least trying to be obedient even if a few of them end up going home early.  At least they put forth that effort and I am grateful for their wonderful example.  They are full of enthusiasm and vitality and it is contagious!  

And then there are these wonderful returned missionaries who are so filled with light and happiness for having served faithfully!  What a pleasure it is to be around them!  All the trainers and teachers are returned missionaries.  We had Sister Kacher as one of our instructors and she served in Cambodia.  If you aren't sure who that is take a look at the last General Conference Ensign on page 104.  Elder Kacher is her father and she is "Nellie" in the talk.

We said goodbye to our district and several senior couples today.  We represented 17 countries we were going out to serve in and some left Wednesday, and most left today and a few of us have another week here.  There were so many of these senior missionaries both couples and single sisters who have made tremendous sacrifices to be here.  However not one would consider it a sacrifice to be on the Lord's errand. 

Want to know the BEST part of today?  Amy and Josh came by after dinner tonight to spend a precious 30 minutes with us.  It was a wonderful reunion and a glimpse of the great reunion planned for 2016!  It was good for all of us to know that we are all OK!

It has been a good day!  And now I'm closing this posting and will continue to enjoy James Paul Kenny!

Photography by Josh!  Left to right Grandpa, Amy, Granny!