DEPARTING MISSIONARIES 4/14

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One of the sweetest times we have in the Mission is when missionaries head home after their 18 months-2 years of service.

Departing in April we have:
Sister Carter, Elders S Cardwell, Mason, Laititi, Gorham, Nield, Van Kampen and Kellett

 As part of their departing experience, we take them over to the site of the Phoenix Temple...which we thought for sure would be completed before their missions ended, but which will be completed this coming fall.

They had a moment of fun when Elder King brought over his 4x4 in the driveway...

 ...and a moment of seriousness in this sweet shot in the "pond" area of the Mission Home.

 We have a special dinner that night with the Mission Presidency and Wives.  It is CAFE RIO pulled pork salads that they love!  Well, not as much as the company they keep!

 Elder Kellett shows off his masterpiece salad!

 We have the most special time of this experience, our testimony meeting in the Mission Home.






Tonight we had two impromptu musical numbers, one by Elders Laititi and Gorham with ukelele accompaniment

 And "Savior Redeemer" played by Sister Carter and sung by Elder Mason.

Both were beautiful and brought even more of the Spirit to this special time.

Each missionary shares a very brief, heartfelt testimony of their Savior Jesus Christ in about 1-2 minutes.  It is power!

 Then it is time for some advice and counsel and question/answer time with the Presidency.

Oh how we love this time with them.  They ask really good questions and we make sure they know how each member of the Presidency feels about them and the hope for wonderful futures as they follow Gospel principles in marriage, education and careers as they ENDURE TO THE END!

There was security in the many pillows and blankets of the Family Room!

 After the members of the Presidency said their goodbyes, it was time for our own FAMILY HOME EVENING with our missionary sons and daughters.  We have a song, a short message and then we play DON'T EAT PETE!!!  Best game ever!!

 President Taylor got in on the action and totally WON!  Made it all the way without choosing Pete!

The next morning it was up at 6:15 to get in a quick walk or run before we ate breakfast and headed out.

All was loaded into the trailer and they all got ready to hug us goodbye.
OH HOW WE LOVE THESE DEAR SONS AND DAUGHTER!!!

They each made a difference in the mission, in our lives and absolutely in their own lives.
They are who they are supposed to be at this time and headed towards a bright future as they follow their Savior Jesus Christ.
WE LOVE YOU!  THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!