We have been called to serve a CES (Church Education System) mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the England Birmingham Mission. Our assignment is to work with the Young Single Adults - ages 18 to 30 years - teaching religion classes, supporting their activities, assisting in the day to day running of the institute, and anything else as directed by our Mission President. Our 18 month mission begins on December 27, 2010.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

We are official full-time missionaries! President Kevin Anderson came to our home tonight at 5:00 pm to set us apart and give us each amazing/encouraging blessings as we are about to enter the MTC tomorrow. His blessing was rich with promises of health, blessings for our beloved family, the ability to do all that will be expected of us, the reassurance that everything will be okay at home in our absence, and also promised the company and guidance of the Lord in all that we do. It was a wonderful and spiritual experience.
We were so grateful to share this experience with some of our sweet family who were able to come (thanks, Tanner, for the photo).
We also had a special visit from our dear neighbors, Don and Carolyn Kleinman, who braved the cold, snowy evening to stop in and say good-bye.

All that's left to do tonight is make a few phone calls and pack our bags. MTC - HERE WE COME!

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Two weeks left for preparations. Our Sacrament Meeting talks are over and yesterday was my last day at work. We have been blessed to work with some pretty amazing people who will always hold a special place in our hearts. So many changes - sleep is hard. Our calendar is full with Christmas activities, Grandkids' programs, goodbye time with friends and family, putting home affairs in order, finishing projects (quilts for grandkids), final medical appointments; and at some point we need to start packing. It is a wonderful life!