14 April 2018 - Saturday

14 April 2018 - Saturday

Well, this certainly was a wonderful and bittersweet day for two senior missionaries.  We had the Sathre Family, The Lasher Family, the Brown Family and the Gratton Family present for our setting apart this morning at 8:00am.   It was a very special setting apart with our stake president who gave us very specific instructions and counsel from the Spirit.  Thanks to Josie and Ali, we have a copy of those blessings with us to review regularly.

Granny and Grandpa at setting apart today

We went home and changed to our traveling clothes.  It was so difficult and tender as we said our good-byes to our precious children and grandchildren.  Then we quickly jumped in the car and began our journey waving our good-byes with tears in our eyes.  But we are excited to serve the Lord and pledge to do our very best in this mission!

Saying our good-byes

The last hugs and kisses for a small season

Grandchildren lining the street and waving goodbyes

President Russell M. Nelson is on a world tour and made this statement, in effect, while in Jerusalem;  We are bringing the love of God to the world so that the people will have that love to share with each other.  We have so much anger and hate in the world, and the world needs to feel the Saviors love for them.

We stopped in Orem, Utah, on the way to the MTC to have lunch with our dear friend Claudia Goodman.  It was good to see her again!  We served with her in Nauvoo and enjoyed our association there with her.  She picked a wonderful Thai restaurant that was one of her favorites and we agree!  Then she escorted us the rest of the way to the MTC and it was there we waved goodbye as we entered the MTC check-in and parking area.  We are grateful for the wonderful missionaries we have been privileged to serve with!

We settled into the lobby of the MTC and got checked in.  The desk clerk came and helped us unload our luggage and got us safely to our assigned room.  The area we entered into was the same door that Josie, Bob, Amy and Ali dropped us off in November 2014.  The room we were assigned was the same room we had in 2014!  The difference in feelings from 2014 to April 14, 2018, is about as different as it can get!  We were so unsure of the mission assignment in 2014 and the feelings were very troubling.  Today we felt joy in our assignments.

Heavenly music CD currently filling our room with joyful sounds!

How wonderful it will be as we make the effort to share the love of the Lord with those we serve with, as well as those we come in contact with everyday!  This is our desire and with His help, we can do hard things!  Actually, I feel very thankful that Heavenly Father has allowed us this opportunity to serve!  We love our precious family members and our friends for their love and their support, and especially their prayers!