Yesterday we had our mission farewell, or "non-farewell." It was such a lovely, happy, spiritual day. Many tender mercies have been bestowed upon us by a loving Father this weekend. Family and friends made it an extra-special experience for us. Our talks went well, and we stayed within the time limit, which was one of our goals. After we'd finished speaking the bishop gave us a boost of support. Kristina played "Teach Me to Walk in the Light," on the violin, with Kathryn singing, and Evelyn providing piano accompaniment. They magnify their musical talent and they love performing. Kristina played the violin that my dad purchased at an antique sale many years ago. Interestingly enough, while I was preparing my talk, once I found out that Kristina was going to play, my talk came together and she gave me my "lead-in" remarks. Friends and family came by the house where we had a light buffet and where we could visit and catch up with those we haven't seen for a while. We enjoyed having our family with us as we "proceed down the home stretch" -- we will be set apart on Sunday, July 5th, by the Canyon View Stake President, and will be able to have our family with us for that sweet blessing. We will enter the MTC in Provo between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m. on Monday, July 6th. The Rowe's, whom we know from the temple, will be the ones to "greet" us at the MTC. "If you think about Him long enough, you'll begin to act like Him. If you act like Him long enough, you'll truly become like Him." Elder Gene R. Cook, Ensign, May 2002. That is our prayer and our goal.
Our son Jeff and his wife Evelyn and children came Saturday afternoon, and the kids helped me to prepare some of the food for the buffet we served. I had fun teaching the girls how to make Quiche. Here's a picture [above] of [l-r] Kathryn, Kristina and Angela with their "finished products." It was wonderful to relax and spend time with each of them. The children were especially helpful and happy. Sweet blessings!
On Sunday afternoon, right before Debbie and John and their children left, their son Jake, who's 8, came to me and gave me a hug. He wished us well on our mission and said he was going to miss us. Sweet blessings for the heart, indeed!
From Don: Portia and I enjoyed a quiet Father's Day on June 21st. I received a few phone calls from some of the kids. And Portia prepared a lovely breakfast and a turkey dinner. And "showered" me with presents throughout the month of June, including a Kindle, which is an electronic reading device. I spent some of Sunday afternoon "tinkering" with the Kindle, learning how to understand how it works. We hope all you fathers also enjoyed a good Father's Day.
Friday and Saturday were our final days on-shift at the Mount Timpanogas Temple. We both served on Friday and then Don substituted for another worker on the 3rd shift Saturday. We have loved our time there and will miss it. We said goodbye to a lot of our friends there. Sisters I have grown to know and love these past seven years were particularly sweet and kind and loving to me, and I'm so grateful to know them and to have served alongside them each week. It is an extraordinary gift unlike any other, to work as an ordinance worker in the temple. We know we have been -- and continue to be -- blessed in limitless ways. While we are in England, my heart will remember my sisters, especially on Fridays, even if we are 7 hours later in the day!
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