As we finished sending off our 26 new missionaries with their trainers to their new areas, other missionaries were transferring to their new areas and six more were arriving at the Mission Home in preparation for their departure home. What great missionaries they've been. We had dinner at the Mission Home, last interviews were conducted by President Stevenson, and there was a departing fireside, lots of shared memories and then off to bed in preparation for a trip to the Denver Colorado Temple the next Day.
Our First trip to the Denver Colorado Temple
Our Departing Missionaries
The Assistants
There is a small waiting room to the left of the temple.
We had wonderful time at the temple. We did endowments and Sealings. It was wonderful to be there with them and look forward to the blessings that lie ahead of them as they return home to be with their families and to pursue their College educations, and become leaders in their families, the gospel and their communities.
We performed ordinances for my family members. When we were finished, Elder Hagman looking at the submission name on the card asked, "Sr. Stevenson, is your maiden name Karg?" I affirmed that it is.. "I have been watching for a Sister Karg to enter our mission. My Grandmother lives in your parents ward and told me their granddaughter would be serving in our mission..." Another Elder's Grandmother lives in the same ward with my parents in Gridley California. So many unexpected connections. I don't have any brothers making my mom the last and only Sister Karg from our family. We messaged photos to my parents
When we arrived at the Mission home, there was another delicious meal waiting for us, the table was all set and ready. She prepared so many wonderful meals for us this week. Dinner for the arriving missionaries, breakfast for us all the next morning, lunch for 87, dinner that night at the Mission Home for the departing missioinaries, ... she calls herself our Goldie Locks but she does quiet the opposite. Instead of tasting and eating all of the bear's porridge, she sets out a beautiful table and an abundance of delicious food. Allowing me to have a "Mary" experience with our missionaries instead of a "Martha". Thank you Linda for all of your planning and hard work. I appreciate all that you do and the love you show our missionaries.
Our wonderful Missionaries. Check President out in the mirror.
After the sharing of favorite mission stories and a testimony meeting, the Elders and Sisters headed off to prepare for bed. We had to be up at 4:30 a.m. to get every one through the showers, fed and to the airport on time. I noticed all of their well worn shoes. What a story they tell, many miles walked, hours of service given, miracles seen. If they could speak, imagine the tales they could tell.
They have defiantly been worn out in service.
"Well done my good and faithful servants" They served their hardest right up to the very end.
"That we should ...wear out our lives [and our shoes] in bringing to light all the hidden things of darkness, wherein we know them; and they are truly manifest from heaven-- (D&C 123:13)
Loading the Mission Van...
...completely stuffed!
I don't know if you can tell but it started to drizzle a little...do you think Colorado is weeping at their departure and grateful for the way they served this beautiful state?
Loading up...
arriving at the airport...
Heading to the ticket kiosks
... picking up tags for their luggage...
Sister Gielisch actually had family living in her mission...
They came to the airport to send her off home to her family, with a sign that said, "Fly Home, Fly Free!"
Elders Hagman, LaRose, Lloyd, Tallman, and Sisters Anderson and Gielisch
After sending off the other missionaries, we headed back to the Mission Office with the assistants and Elder LaRose to await the arrival of his family. They are going to vacation in Colorado and visit the places and people he served.
Screams of joy and running to see their missionary.
... hugs from mom
...and the whole family...
...and for those he served with... God be with you 'til we meet again...
No rest yet for the weary! After sending them all off, President Stevenson did a training call for all the newly-called district leaders this week. (While Sister Stevenson napped!)
No comments:
Post a Comment