WE ARE HOME!

As I mentioned in my last post from Hawaii, it was with mixed emotions that we boarded the plane in Honolulu on June 13 headed for the Salt Lake airport.  We really enjoyed our mission and met some phenomenal people.  We loved the work we were doing and the responsibilities that we were given.  I really think that the people will miss us also, at least for a few weeks until they get used to the new missionary couples.  Funny how that works.  You work so hard to do things in a way that you hope people recognize your contribution. Then someone else steps in and all is well again and who knows, maybe we will be forgotten.  I do think we left an impact on many, however.

When we stepped off the plane in SLC and got to the escalator, the whole family was there waiting for us complete with signs of welcoming.  It was so good to see all the kids and grandkids waiting with happy smiles and hugs.  That was the BEST!  After collecting our luggage, we all went to Leatherby's for ice cream.  It was tremendous.

We were officially released by the Stake President on the 14th of June.  We told him about our mission and the impact it had on us and bore testimony.
Today, Sunday June 26, we met with the high council and reported our mission to them.  Our opportunity to speak in sacrament meeting is July 17 and we get to share the meeting with Spencer as he prepares to serve his mission in Portugal.  So excited for him.

Since we have been home we have purchased a truck, made a trip to Lehi to see Michelle's house and visit the boys, attended the Provo City Center temple and done some miscellaneous yard work here and there.  I really haven't had to do much because Ryan and Allie had it in such good shape.  I was really blessed in that respect.  They are still living here but they do have a house under contract so I'm sure they will be glad to get into something bigger and their own again.
They had the other parts of the house under control too.

I will admit it has been a little hard getting back into the groove of things.  I have been helping Hannah with some sewing.  She is a good little seamstress.  She is making aprons for her friends and herself.  So cute!

Well, in keeping with the things I wrote about while on the mission, I think I will write a little about church meetings today.  We had a missionary farewell for Elder Colton Wilden who leaves for Modesto CA. on Wednesday.  He did a very good job and will be a great missionary. President and Sister Broadbent are also leaving on their 3rd mission to Africa.  Evidently he will be a field representative for 131 mission presidents in Africa.  Hard to believe that there are that many missions in that country.  Both of them talked of missionary work and the importance of it.  Such spiritual people.  If I could only have a portion of their knowledge and ability to speak of the gospel, I would be happy.  Well, I am happy but I would feel better about my level of knowledge.
In Relief Society we were given the lesson I think from the conference talks entitled "Feasting at the Lord's Table."  I need to re-read the talk but in essence it was talking about rescuing the Lord's lost sheep.  That parable from the Bible was referred to so I need to re-read that as well.  We all know family or friends that for whatever reason, have elected to withdraw from the blessings of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I am sure this is concerning to Him since he wants us all to return to His presence and has given us the pathway to follow to get us there.  I know it is concerning to me as well.  I am so glad for the atoning sacrifice of His son, Jesus Christ.  Through him, we have hope in our eternal progression IF our faith in our Heavenly Father is strong enough.

Here I go again.  Off on a tangent.  I will close for now and go read the things I mentioned earlier in this post.

Happy Sunday!!!