Week 77: Winding Down. Saying Goodbye

It's late. I'm tired and I can't get photos to upload tonight. So, I'll just jot a few notes. I'll do a better job next week -- maybe.

Anyway, it's been a whirlwind week. Transfer Week on top of still training our replacements. Christopher came to Tacoma Thursday evening. We went to dinner at Harbor Lights and then we drove him back to Seattle. Nice evening. Had dinner invitations Friday, Saturday, and today. I'm pretty much done cooking for a while. The cupboards are bare.

We enjoyed listening to General Conference while we've been packing and cleaning. It was a wonderful conference and Easter Weekend. Can't wait to read the talks soon.

Most of our stuff is packed. We will go into the office tomorrow, say our final "goodbyes,"  and then be heading out Tuesday morning. We are ready. But saying goodbye has been difficult. After lunch at Mission Leader Council on Friday, the young missionaries sang "As I Have Loved You" to those of us who prepared lunch. I lost it. Couldn't hold back the tears. We have grown to love so many of these wonderful young missionaries.

I am finding it difficult to even express my feelings. Words are not adequate. So, for now, this is it. Next week perhaps I'll have my wits about me.

Week 76: Livin' On Love

The photo is of our Sunday dinner -- Biscquits & Chicken Noodle soup made last week with the last of the chicken in the freezer, the last few cans of broth, and the only noodles left in the cupboard (penne). Oh, and I threw in the last two cans of Cream of Chicken soup in the cupboard. We've been eating on this soup and a pot of chili for over a week now.

As I set it all on the table, it didn't seem like much, but we were filled. We are happy. I told Elder Hadlock, "I guess we are living on love because there's not much left in the cupboards." He just rolled his eyes.

But, I think both of our hearts are filled with an extra measure of love right now -- love of God, love of His work, love of these good people in Washington, love of the missionaries we've gotten to know so well, love of the other couples we've served with, and even a greater love for each other.

The couple who is replacing us, Elder & Sister Brandi, arrived on Monday, and we have begun training them. They are wonderful people and eager to learn and to serve. We love them.

On Friday, I had my last hair appointment with Sharon. I was a little teary as I left, knowing this was also goodbye.  Today was our last Sunday in the Sunset Ward. More tears, more goodbyes. We have come to love these people. They have been so good to us. We have loved going to Church here.  We are grateful for new friendships formed. We have been changed for good by so many.

As hard as all the goodbyes are going to be (I prefer to think of them as "see-you-laters"), we are looking forward to getting home and living on (and with) the love of family and friends. We've missed that. We are anxious to rekindle and strengthen relationships with our loved ones.

Well, those are today's thoughts. And as powerful and wonderful as love is, I'm not sure we can live on love alone. That's why God created popcorn. I saved just enough for a couple more batches. (Whirley will stay with us for one more week. Then I'm going to leave her with someone we love.)

We love you all. Keep lovin'; keep moving forward. Life is good.

P.S. Since many are asking -- we plan to be back in Vernal on April 11. Bishop Ryan has asked us to speak on April 19.

Week 75: Hodge Podge

Playing a game at FHE

No particular "theme" this week. It's late on Sunday night (I'll explain later), and I just need to jot a few things down and call it good.

On Monday night we went to a Senior FHE. It was held at one of our favorite places -- Zion's Camp. Last time we'll see some of those folks.

Flowering trees at Temple are gorgeous!

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday were special days for the mission. Each day a third of our missionaries got to go to the Seattle Temple. We were there with them on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Tuesday we were able to be in the endowment session. There were over 70 missionaries in the session. Imagine being in the Celestial Room with that many people. You might think it would be a bit noisy and irreverent. But -- quite the opposite. There was not even a whisper among them. What reverent, obedient, righteous young people.

On Wednesday, we were in charge of "security" and lunch. We relish every opportunity to be with these wonderful missionaries. Elder Hadlock & I took advantage of our time on guard duty at the Stake Center by shooting some hoops!

We began moving a few things out of our apartment into the apartment that our replacements will be living in. They'll arrive tomorrow.

The simple life

We're sleeping in a double-bed and using a card table and 2 chairs for "dining." We don't mind at all. As we're sort of forced to start packing up, it's helping us "cut the apron strings" you might say. We're sad to leave, but it is starting to feel like the time has come. We're here for just 15 more days.

On an uplifting note -- tonight (Sunday) we attended a musical production called "Lamb of God," by Rob Gardner. Wonderfully done. Felt the spirit and a greater love and appreciation for Jesus Christ and His Atonement. That's what it's all about. That's why we are here. He is the reason. He is the way, the light, the life. He is hope.

May we just keep moving forward.

Week 74: Plane & Simple

It was a "plane" ole week for us here in Washington. There's a man here in our ward in University Place who is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Air Force. He is a C-17 pilot and trains other pilots here at the McChord Air Force Base. We see these massive cargo planes fly over all the time.  Elder Hadlock has been wanting to get up close to one of these planes. Brother Meyers agreed to take us on a little tour one afternoon this week.

It was very interesting. They can carry a lot of equipment, supplies, vehicles, and/or passengers in these planes. Very versatile. The only photos that we were allowed to take were inside the cockpit. The other photos here are images off the internet.

Side note: Brother Meyers and his family are new members of the Church. They were sealed together as a family just a few months ago. Wonderful family.  

Shot of Mt Rainer from Air Force Base

Then on Saturday we, the Harwoods, and the Foulgers drove to Mukilteo, Washington where we toured the Boeing Airplane Factory. You'd have to see this place to believe it; very fascinating. They build big planes -- such as the 747's 777's, and the new 787 Dreamliner. The building covers 98.3 acres -- largest building by volume in the world. Airplane science, engineering, etc. is mind-boggling enough. But this building, it's crane system, manufacturing system is an engineering marvel on it's own. It was a worthwhile trip for sure.

Elders preparing to go bowling for P-Day -- a simple pleasure

So that's the "plane" story. Now the simple. One afternoon this week, the AP's were in the office for a minute. We happened to be talking about how beneficial a mission is to a young person's growth and development and preparation for the future. I made some statement like, "If nothing else, missionaries are brought to their knees, and they learn to rely on Jesus Christ and the Atonement. They come to know the source of true strength."  Anyway, one of the AP's said something like, "No, if nothing else, it's taught me what I need to do on a daily basis so that I don't have to be forced to my knees in humility. I've learned that SIMPLE things like daily scripture study, sincere prayer, following the rules help keep me humble and prepared. It's not as fun to be compelled to be humble."

Anyway, Elder Sutton reminded me of an important principle: The small and simple things really are important and most essential. We complicate things.  We "look beyond the mark." We look for some "grand" event to make us happy. It's taking care of simple, little things that make a big difference.  I know my best days are when I read the scriptures, give thought to my prayers, try to be nice, and just live as Jesus taught.

Just one more simple thought to share -- a link to a short video called First Things First that was shown in our Stake Conference which was cute and poignant. I invite any who read this blog to view the video at:

https://www.lds.org/media-library/video/2014-06-1140-first-things-first?lang=eng

Well, that's it for us this week. Life is good. May we all just Keep Moving Forward.

Week 73: Firsts

Plenty of new experiences for us this week -- firsts.

It started with a trip to Seattle on Monday. 

We left the office just a little early that day so we could see Christopher. The three of us went to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit at the Seattle Center. This was the first time we’d been there. I am a real fan of Dale Chihuly’s work, and have been wanting to see this exhibit. It was a real treat. Photos don't do it justice. 

Pig Tails

All made out of glass!

From there we made our first visit to Palace Kitchen, a restaurant owned by chef Tom Douglas.  This is the restaurant where Christopher works. He treated us to a delightful and delicious dinner. We got to try several foods for the first time. The most interesting dish was pig tails. Though tasty, it will probably the last time for pig tails.

(We have had several interesting foods here in Washington – alligator on a stick, frog legs, and now pig tails.) 

The next "first" was using Uber to get from the restaurant back to Christopher's apartment.  Then we used Uber to get a ride back to Christopher’s apartment – another FIRST. Nothing "uber" exciting about that, but ... we did it! Perhaps carpooling mothers could start an Uber service in Vernal? 

One of my favorite Chihuly pieces

There were a few other "firsts" this week as well. We got an email from Church Travel with Benjamin's flight itinerary for his return from Arkansas on May 19. I am really used to seeing these itineraries for our WATAC missionaries. It was a bit surreal to get one for our own missionary son.

It also felt weird and a little awkward to prepare letters to President Caldwell and Bishop Ryan from President Blatter informing them of our upcoming release on April 7. I’ve sent hundreds of those letters out. This time it was powerfully personal.

Another highlight of the week was getting to join with the young missionaries in a special meeting on Saturday morning and be taught by Elder Richard L. Maynes of the Presidency of the Seventy. Though we've heard him speak in General Conference, this was our first time meeting and hearing him in person. We felt edified and inspired by the training he gave. 

Afterwards we invited some other missionaries to join us for lunch at the Mandolin Sushi & Steakhouse. We've been there before, but it was a first for some of the others. The young sisters really liked their sushi. We of the older generation stuck with the Japanese food we are used to: rice, egg rolls, pot stickers, stir-fry veggies, etc. I actually love their vegetable tempura. Best I've ever had.

Today's first was fixing corn muffins with ham 'n' beans. I usually fix homemade bread, but we're in "use-up-what's-on-hand" mode.

Well, it's fun to have "firsts." And it's OK if some of them are firsts and lasts. Reminds me of a scripture phrase -- "the first shall be last and the last shall be first." hmmm.  So, with "firsts" and scriptures in mind, I'll just end with a couple of my favorite scriptures about "first."

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (3 Nephi 13:33)

"We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)

Week 72: Why I Believe

Not much new to report from the mission this week. We did go to a great movie on $5 movie night. We saw McFarland USA. Great movie. Can't say enough  good things about it.

We decided that our blog theme this week would instead center around a "Why I Believe" Fireside that we went to tonight.  Photos are from fireside as well. These firesides are held periodically throughout the mission. Two or three Stakes combine to sponsor these firesides. Missionaries serving in those Stakes provide music. The highlight is hearing the testimonies of recent converts.

Tonight we attended one of these firesides here in Tacoma. We left feeling inspired, uplifted, and strengthened by the testimonies of six recent converts.  I wish I could adequately tell some of their stories. I'll just share a few specific things and make some general observations.

Elder & Sister Foulger,

One young many who joined the Church last October had experienced some pretty rough times. Prayer was a great source of strength to him as was his friendship with a member of the Church he'd met in the Navy. He also mentioned having a dream one night in which he say a great light. In the light, a hand reached out for him. He took that hand and felt a most indescribable feeling of love. Not long after that, he was attending an LDS testimony meeting and someone shared the story from Matthew 14:27-31 where Jesus was walking on water and Peter went to Him. When beginning to sink, Peter cried out and said, "Lord, save me.".. "and Jesus stretched forth His hand and caught him."  Anyway this was another witness to this new investigator that God loves Him and Jesus is the Savior.

Another recent convert said that "Why I believe is because I have seen the benefits in my life in the four months I have been a member. I have also seen the benefits in other people's lives as well. Prayer was important to him as well. He said he can't imagine starting a day without prayer or not ending a day with prayer. He said, "As I have practiced the gospel, I have seen the proof of it's truth. We're all here to lift each other up and help each other.

An older man said he first got introduced to spiritual principles by attending Alcoholics Anonymous. Before being introduced to the Church he had a couple of spiritual experiences from reading the scriptures intensely and having a witness from the Holy Ghost that God loved him. He felt like he was building "spiritual momentum." He ignored some of these experiences and "lost the momentum." Then some sister missionaries approached him while he was eating lunch at a Teriyaki place (there are a gazillion of them around here). They invited him to listen to their message. He decided God was putting things in place for him again and chose not to ignore it this time. The rest is history.

The Craney's -- called to serve in Paraguay

A middle-aged woman spoke of here search for the true religion from an early age. She said many children have a teddy bear they hold and cuddle for comfort. She said, "I had a Bible." She could really related to Joseph Smith's story.  Anyway, she moved back to Washington recently and was having some repairs done on her home. An electrician gave her a pass-along card and asked if she'd be interested in having some sister missionaries come to her home. She said, "Yes!." Despite the "No Solicitors" sign on the door. The sisters approached. Before they could even knock, these woman opened the door and said, "I've been waiting for you." -- music to a missionary's ears. As obedient missionaries, they invited her to be baptized on their first visit. She said she'd like to wait but wanted to learn more. By their second visit, shed' read to Mosiah 18:10:  "Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord ..." She was ready to be baptized. She said, "I have never felt so much like home until the missionaries opened that door."

Shot of Mt Rainer while driving down street.

Well, those are just some highlights. It was a terrific fireside. If Elder Hadlock and I had to summarize what we learned and felt it is:

-- God is gathering the elect. People's hearts are being prepared.
-- Members make a difference. We can be good friends. We can share a pass along card with an invitation to visit with the missionaries.
-- God loves His children -- all of them. This gospel is one of inclusion, not exclusion.
-- The Holy Ghost witnesses of truth and the love of God.

We, too, Believe in Jesus Christ, that the gospel has been restored through Joseph Smith. The Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ.  We believe because the gospel has changed our lives for the better. We have felt the love of God and witness of the Holy Ghost as well.

Week 71: Celebrate the Simple

No photos this week so I will just be sharing a thought.  Elder Hadlock, Jr. (Benjamin) recently shared with us one of his favorite scriptures. It's been on my mind a lot.

"Now we may suppose that this is foolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by small and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise. "And the Lord God doth work by means to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very small means the Lord doth confound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls." --Alma 37:6-7

Cross references to that scripture include:

"Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great." --D&C 64:33

"You know, brethren, that a very large ship is benefited very much by a very small helm in the time of a storm,  .... Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed."-- D&C 122:16-17

When it comes to missionary work, these scriptures certainly apply.  I think Alma must have had a vision of latter-day missionary work. Certainly the Lord brings to pass great things using small and simple means. These young missionaries by many measures of the world would be considered "small and simple." Yet,  they put everything they are and have "on the altar" for 18 months or 2 years.

Because they are young, many are still developing their own testimonies. They are often pushed up against a wall -- a wall of decision. They wisely drop to their knees and learn to rely on the Lord. They have plenty of struggles as they face the potential for failure and rejection every day. But, they find solace and strength in the simple truths of the gospel -- the love of God for His children, the Atonement,  the Plan of Salvation, modern-day prophets and restored truth and authority.

Because they are "simple," they are humble and teachable. They do not weary in well-doing.  They trust in God and are quick to recognize that He is the source of their strength and success.  They are, indeed, instruments in the Lord's hands for laying the foundation of a great work. Missionaries are simply wonderful.

It seems that as we get older it's easy for us to complicate things and make the gospel hard. We especially make missionary work hard (I am speaking for myself). I would be wise to observe and learn from these young, "simple" missionaries. Their focus is simple. They love unconditionally. They learn to listen to the Spirit and teach simple gospel truths that change lives.

I hope to find myself more content with the "simple" things of life and not be weary in well-doing. I'm thinking it would be well for me to follow the example of so many missionaries who are simply concerned about being good rather than seeking to be great. I celebrate their greatness because of their simple goodness.