Flying out to the MTC

September 20, 2012

The day has finally arrived.  We left this morning for Salt Lake City, Utah.  We will spend a few days seeing some of the sister missionaries who served in our area, visiting the temple, then we will report to the MTC Monday, September 24, 2012.   My Dad, Lee's Mom, my sister (Maxine) and Sammie & Elaine Howard saw us off at the airport.  Our flight was uneventful today - thank goodness.  We picked up our rental car and had dinner at the Red Iguana tonight.  Tired from the trip, but otherwise, excited to be here and preparing for our mission. 

 

Sunday on Temple Square

September 23, 2012

We had the opportunity this morning to be in the tabernacle for Music and the Spoke Word....what a treat!  As usual the choir was wonderful!  After the program concluded, the choir sang "God Be With You Til we Meet Again".  Needless to say, Lee & I lost it.  With us reporting to the MTC in the morning, we were both very emotional today.

We had planned to attend Sacrament Meeting at the Joseph Smith Building today.  With the Brigham City Temple being dedicated today, there were no meetings being held in any of the local buildings.  That was okay because we had been spiritually fed in the tabernacle.  We spent some time walking around the temple grounds and enjoyed the quiet and peace you find anytime you are on temple grounds.

Being Set Apart

September 19, 2012

We traveled to the Greenville Ward building to meet with Pres. David Walker and be set apart as full time missionaries.  The following people were able to be with us:  Jasper & Stella Gray, Frances Stroud, Maxine & Bobby Jackson, Forrest & Sandra Gray, Margie Sutton, Austin Sutton, and Andy Sutton.   Pres. Walker gave us each a beautiful key chain prior to setting us apart. 

             

The blessing Pres. Walker gave to each of us was wonderful.  We feel that we are now ready to serve and be the best missionaries we can be.  It was truly a spiritual experience for us.  Now, to finish packing and head to Utah in the morning to the Missionary Training Center.  Utah here we come!

Farewell Sunday

Sunday, September 16, 2012

Today we spoke in Sacarament Meeting for our farewell.  Even though we have talked of this day for years, have had our call for 3 months, and have been packing for a week, I am still not ready.  We asked Shane Whaley to share the program with us.  He is such a fine young man; he will be leaving on his mission next year and will not be here when we return.  He spoke on Honesty.

Lee was asked to speak on basically service.  I spoke on a talk given by Pres. Utchdorf..."Waiting on the road to Damascus".  I did okay until my Dad gave me a hug afterwards and told me how proud he was of me....I lost it! 

This is a picture of me and one of my best friends.....as you can see I had cried all of make-up off. 




Me & Sandra Stanley


 

 

 

 

 

 

Saying Goodbye

September 15, 2012

Family and friends gave us a farewell get-together tonight.  Approximately 150 people attended.  Needless to say there was plenty of food.  It was really hard for me to walk around and talk to everyone and not be in kitchen (where I usually am) helping prepare and serve the food.  We owe a special thanks to all those who planned, provided food, worked in the kitchen and attended this special event in our honor.

In addition to this wonderful send-off, we had a family gathering with Lee's family last weekend.  It has been a week of "good-byes".  We are sad to be leaving family and friends, but look forward to our year of service. 

It's Getting Close...

September 6, 2012

Wow! Two weeks from today we leave for the MTC.  Does not seem possible.  The time has really flown by and I'm still not ready.  We spent this past weekend with some of our grandchildren.  And believe it or not, we left without a tear....well, not too many anyway. 

I spent this afternoon working on my talk for our farewell.  We will be speaking in Sacrament Meeting September 16th.  As the time draws closer I feel more and more inadequate.  I know that is Satan working on me and I keep reminding myself that wherever He calls me, He will qualify me.  Regardless, I am excited and scared all at the same time.  Much to do in the next 14 days....