Elder Borchert's Final Entry

In a couple of days our mission will conclude and it seems only fitting that I make a final contribution to our blog.  It is obvious that our blog has only succeeded because of Dawna's faithfulness in sending regular updates.  Mine have been few and far between; clearly recognition that Dawna has done such an outstanding job.   When I think about a summary of my mission experience I think of categories to describe:

My Companion:  Serving a mission with your eternal companion is indescribable.  I've been given a glimpse into what the next life will be like as we work as companions in building God's kingdom.  A great concern of people that retire is what it will be like to be together.  Having worked out of a home office the past 10+ years I can tell you retirement is nothing like serving a mission.  We have truly been together.  I've become Dawna's walking, shopping , working , cleaning and sounding board buddy.  I know she's looking forward to reconnecting with old friends in Mesa and having those girlfriend times.  I've had the opportunity to watch her excel in a new and wonderful way.  Dawna was concerned about doing proselyting and was thinking an office mission fit her better.  She has become a teaching and testifying marvel.  One of the most fascinating aspects of this mission is that we haven't worked together.  We go to one of the historical sites together but because of the volume of visitors we always give individual tours and do individual teaching.  It has been really enjoyable listening to Dawna as she engages with visitors.    Her genuine love of people has shown through and she handles those who come wanting to pick a fight magnificently.   Our mission has given us the opportunity to truly find out we can be eternal companions not only because we've been sealed by the Holy Spirit of Promise but also because we just plain love each other and enjoy being together.

My Fellow Servants:  Our Mission was a bit unique in that we served in the St. George Temple Visitor Center, the Tabernacle, the Brigham Young Winter Home and the Jacob Hamblin home.  These sites are open 365 days a year and up to 12 hours per day.   We have had 325,000 visitors in the past year.   We have had 10 - 12 Senior couples and 20-24 young Sisters to work at these sites.  What this means is that we've had the great joy of meeting some of the most amazing people you can imagine.  The devotion and commitment they've displayed has been one of the top aspects of this mission.  These Sr. couples have come up to 80 years of age.  Some have had health, financial and children challenges yet have served happily.  We now have dear young friends all over the world.  More than half of the Sister missionaries have been from outside the US.  They are wonderful examples to the world of what a young women should be like.  We had no idea that it would be possible to develop such close friendships so quickly.  It has been a highlight of the mission.

Growth:  When you are 66, have served in Bishoprics and High Councils and get called to a Visitor Center mission you anticipate that you will be giving people the knowledge you've obtained over the years and sharing life's experiences.  I did not expect that I would be on the receiving end of so much learning.  I have gained such a new appreciation for Brigham Young and the Saints.  Learning their history and the devotion that was required of them has been a testimony building experience.  Regular lectures in the Tabernacle by scholars has been like attending a weekly Church Education Week.

Teach and Testify:  Every day has presented me with the opportunity to use Preach My Gospel and teach and testify.   Each of the sites we host has its' own way of leading to questions that allow a teaching experience.  What is the difference between a Temple and a Tabernacle provides the opportunity to talk about the Priesthood, Eternal Marriage and Baptism for the Dead?    A picture of Brigham Young and the Twelve provide the opportunity to talk about Priesthood and the restoration.   Jacob Hamblin's home and his experiences are perfect for talking about Prayer and Revelation.  I have taught substantially more discussions during this Sr. Mission as compared to my Mission at 19.  My testimony has grown as a result of these teaching experiences. 

Testimony:  I left on my mission and return with a stronger and expanded testimony.  Stronger because I've experienced watching God and Christ touch individuals in a very special way and lead them to come visit with us.   It has been borne out to me time and again that the scripture that tells us that a sparrow doesn't fall from a tree without God's knowledge.  He is aware of each of us and wants the best for us.  Those on the other side of the veil are engaged in missionary and family history work.   Expanded because my testimony prior to the mission was limited in the area of the History of the Early Church.  The knowledge I've gained concerning those early years has increased my love of the Church and my love for my Father in Heaven and His Son in a very profound way. 

In short, my Mission exceeded my expectations in every area I can imagine.  When we went into the MTC we were stunned by the number of Sr. Missionaries on their 2nd, 3rd and 4th missions.  Now I understand why this happens.  It's been a great year and one of the best of our marriage.  

Count Down

Dear Family and Friends, 

Count Down is here.  We have 20 days left of our mission.  Where has it gone?  We don't know, but we have loved every minute and will treasure this experience and hope we have done what our Heavenly Father wanted.  We are committed to finishing strong and hopefully introduce a few more souls to the gospel in our time remaining.

It has been a crazy few weeks.  We have experienced another transfer, another "Night of Music" and another "Investigator Fireside," along with our regular shifts and our Grandson's HS Graduation.  The sites are experiencing tons of visitors.  We are starting with family reunions and will take two different Romney families through the Tabernacle on Friday.  Miles Romney was the construction supervisor on the Tabernacle and Temple, along with helping Brigham Young with the addition to his home.  Mitt and Ann Romney brought 10 of their grandchildren through the Tabernacle about 1 year ago to show them what their Great- great- great grandfather had built.  He designed and built the free-standing spiral staircases in the Tabernacle, which are true works of art.  We have families, of the early pioneers, who bring their children to the sites to see and feel the spirit of their ancestors and hear the stories of how they built this city in the middle of "The Lifeless Valley of the Virgin." (nickname the early settlers gave this area).  Wouldn't the early pioneers be surprised to see what St. George is now.

On the 28th of May, Logan, our oldest grandson graduated from HS.  What a treat to see him complete this part of his education.  He graduated with Honor's and we couldn't be more proud. We know he will continue with his education after his mission to Warsaw Poland.  BTW - he will be a terrific missionary as well.  We are looking forward to watching him grab this adventure by the horns, hold on, and conquer. 

Our investigator fireside was very successful.  The VC was packed with the missionaries who are currently teaching investigators. The missionaries put beautiful music to a narrative detailing the restoration.  A few of the Sr. Missionaries were asked to sing "Oh How Lovely Was the Morning."  It didn't sound to bad, if I say so myself, but we have a couple of sister's who have beautiful voices and a couple of Elders who can carry a tune.  The investigators loved it and hopefully their hearts were touched and will continue their journey on the path to baptism.

The VC hosted a "Night of Music," Fireside last Sunday night.  The theme was "I Love To See The Temple."  We had a primary children's chorus and then performers from the community who sang and played music about the Temple.  There were about 350 people who attended and it was a beautiful night.  Part of our mission is to invite all to come to the VC and feel the spirit and hopefully prayerfully consider someone we can share the gospel with.  It was very successful and we will continue these firesides once a month.  (only we won't be here for the next one.  boo hoo) 

Wow, another transfer.  These are such bitter-sweet experiences.  We have sisters who we have become so close too, go home or go out-bound and this transfer will be our last.  Some of these sweet girls we will never see again.  But boy am I grateful for social media.  I am friends with most of the sisters on Facebook who have left and gone home all over the world.  England, France, Samoa, Canada, Australia  Mexico etc.  I love seeing them start their lives, post-mission.  Some are returning to finish school, but many have already graduated and are teachers, nurses & professionals.  It is so wonderful to see what a mission does for these young Sisters and Elders.  There is nothing to compare to this experience.  The growth and maturity is amazing along with Testimonies that are so strong.  We just pray they remain strong.  

And now P-days.  We are cramming as much as we can in these last few days.  We went to Kodachrome State Park,Grosvenor's Arch and Willis Creek.  These are in the Escalante Staircase.   I about killed Bruce on the Willis Creek Hike.  I just couldn't stop.  It was one slot canyon after another and I just kept going and going and going.  I think it ends up in Kanab but I finally got worried about the weather.  The clouds gathered and they were black and we are in the creek, in slot canyons, so I turned around.  By the time we got back to the car there was more water running down the creek so apparently it was raining up stream.  But oh my, what a great hike and I was enjoying every minute.  Then this last p-day Bruce's group of friends, the Phantom's, met in Moab and road 4-wheelers for 3 days.  We joined them on their 2nd day and rode up Hurrah Pass.  This was a magnificent ride and we ended up at the Colorado River where we ran into an unexpected Adventure Lodge.  It is out in the middle of no where and only accessible by the Hurrah Pass narrow, dirt road or the river.  Some really steep narrow places on that road.  But we get down there and their is a company holding its annual retreat with their employees in SUV's.  We talked to the owner and he explained that the BLM got into trouble about 15-20 years ago and sold off 300 acres along the river.  This guy bought 50 acres, his neighbor bought 150 and then there is another owner who owns the other 100 acres.  His neighbor was there and invited us over to his place and you wouldn't believe it. Its run with solar power, rain collection provides a lot of the water, but he has built actual Indian Hogan's that are amazing.  One as a bedroom and another as a gathering place with Indian rugs, drums, blankets etc.  What a treat to see some peoples vision of a vacation home.  They did have satellite and indoor plumbing.  Truly magnificent.  Great P-Days.  We continue to be awed by Southern Utah and the Arizona Strip.  There is so much to do and so little time.  We will be coming back here to play again in Mother Natures play ground.

Its time to quit.  I have rambled on long enough.  We send our love to all and pray for your continued health and safety and Heavenly Father's blessings on all.

We Love You,

Bruce and Dawna

Elder and Sister

PS  We feel so sad that we are unable to attend McCall's (our niece's daughter's wedding) but know her day will be perfect.  Shannon is the supreme wedding planner.