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.
No comments:
Post a Comment