Last Sunday, September 22, 2013, Bonnie and I had the opportunity to speak in Sacrament Meeting for a final time before we head off on our mission. Bonnie talked from her heart about the atonement, the resurrection, and what great gifts God has given to each of us. I spoke about our own personal conversion chains, and what we can do to be lifetime missionaries in our everyday pursuits.
After Church we had the privilege to spend time with family and friends. Kathleen came out from Minnesota to be with us during this special time, and all of our other kids, with their spouses and children came to support us. My 86 year old mother came from Sacramento with my brother Dave, and my sister, Cheryl, to support us, and it was great to have them here. Bonnie's mother, as well as her brothers and sisters and some of their children came to our "farewell", and we are truly grateful for the love and support from our wonderful families.
Dear friends from North Ogden came down and friends from work came as well. We enjoyed a wonderful Italian meal that our daughters and daughters-in-law helped prepare. And our Italian feast could not be complete without some authentic gelato made by Patrizio Santurro, a Florentine gelato master who has set us shop in Salt Lake City. He and his family are members of the Church, and we plan on visiting them this Fall since Florence is very close to where we will be serving.
We have been in contact with our Mission President, and we have learned that we will be living in Siena, a beautiful and majestic medieval city in the center of the Bella Toscana. We will be performing leadership and training functions for the branch located in Siena. In addition, we will be working with the young single adults throughout the Florence district. That district includes the cities of Florence, Siena, Pisa, Livorno, Prato and Pistoia, and maybe a few others. We are looking forward to these great opportunities to serve the Saints in Italy, and to help the missionary work florish as a rose as prophesied by Lorenzo Snow when he dedicated the land to the Lord many, many years ago.
We will be heading down to the MTC on Monday, September 30, where we will receive about five days of training, focusing mainly on Preach My Gospel and related topics. We will return home for conference weekend, and then spend another 2 1/2 days at the MTC where we will receive some CES training. Then, on Thursday, October 10, we will board the big bird and fly to Milan, Italy to start our missionary service.
Exciting and challeging times are ahead, and we are anxious to see what the Lord has in store for us as we embark on our mission. You are in our prayers, and we hope that you keep us in yours as well!
