15 October 2018 - Monday

15 October 2018 - Monday

Well, the "day before" has finally arrived!  Mom and I have been so blessed with the many wonderful experiences we have had while serving here in the Wyoming Mormon Trail Mission.  We have met so many exceptional missionaries and visitors to this sacred historic site.  What a privilege it has been to be here!  And now, tomorrow morning, we will be heading for home!  

God be with you till we meet again!

One last look at the entrance to Martin's Cove with Devil's Gate in the background!

Our last correlation meeting was held this morning at the Homestead, at 8:30am, and our group has been shrinking almost every week.  Tomorrow the Robert's and the Lasher's will be the first of the final four couples to depart.  Farewell was the common greeting, and the words from fellow missionaries were very kind and heartfelt.  We have loved the confidence Heavenly Father has given to us to serve in one of His historic places.  

Elder Criddle gave out the work assignments, and we were to return to Missionary Village and finalize our departure tomorrow.  We came back very excited to finish up the details of our return back home to Rigby.  I was able to make contact with the Rigby East Stake Executive Secretary and we have our release interview with President Clarke tomorrow evening at 8:45pm.

Our last breakfast here in the trailer at Missionary Village!

The trailer is in a state of "farewell"

The Man Cave has been a fun place to get ready for the day!

This is the extent of our pantry this morning!

This represents our lunch and our last meal in the trailer at Missionary Village

Mom and I worked for about two hours while the final loads of laundry went through the cleaning and drying cycle.  About 1:00pm this afternoon, after our lunch, we took our last three mile walk to the highway and back.  The sun was out, but the breeze was brisk.  However, we were grateful for the last opportunity to do this together.  

Then tonight, we attended our last Family Home Evening.  The senior couples gathered in the Pavilion for a light dinner, a game of remember, and then the thoughts from the departing missionaries, all four of us tonight!

The set-up for dinner at the Pavilion  

Just so much fun being together united under one cause to share the Gospel

Farewell Elder and Sister Roberts and Lasher!

We invited President and Sister Pace to join us!

So we had a wonderful meal.  We got to play a game of remembering past events that many of us grew up with, and then the Roberts and the Lashers were invited to share a favorite memory here in the mission. 

Here is my feeling on serving with different people.  As I thought about those memories made with individual missionaries, I was impressed to recall, in my mind, some initial feelings.  Not all the relationships started off strong.  Some of the missionaries were shy, and some were very loud and enthusiastic.  We had different ideas, at times, on how to do some things, and  on so many occasions we were all on the same page wanting to be the best we could be.  

After some time in working together and getting to know each other better, the feelings of love and appreciation began swelling in my breast!  And my impression led me to think how important it is to recognize we are all different and we all have some very strong ideas.  But we are all children of a loving Heavenly Father who has put us together to get along and solve unique problems together!  What a great way for the learning process to mature!

Going forward, each of these experiences have been for my good, and will be invaluable as I press forward with my next assignment!  Actually I am excited to see what the Lord has in mind for us when we return back home.  With His work moving along at such a rapid pace, under the direction of President Nelson, and our Savior, I do not want to be left behind.  Nor do I want any of our family members and friends to be left behind!!  These experiences will benefit me the rest of my life!  That is why this last picture that I am posting from this mission experience is this;

Jacob 6:12 - "Oh be wise; what can I say more?

Thank you for your faithfulness in following us in this blog.  This is my 775th posting from both mission experiences as well as the three weeks in the Philippines.  It has been one of the highlights of my life, and mom's life, to record and share these experiences of the last two missions for our precious family, and friends, and you have been so good to follow along!  We love you and will see you soon!