Our Sunday smiles and a farewell

Today has been full of smiles and tears for our family.

It was one of those once in a lifetime days for us.

Actually, that is not true.

It was the third time in our lifetime that we

have had the privilege of attending our child's or grandchild's

missionary farewell.
Our son David served his 2 year mission in Argentina.

Our daughter Erin served sign language mission to the deaf community

throughout the United States.

Today our 19 year old grandson, Justin had his missionary farewell.
He will serve the Lord for 2 years in Guatemala in one of the areas
Grampy John served his mission from Sept. 1961 to March 1964.

He will join the 50,000 other Mormon missionaries

who are serving throughout the world.

If you would like to learn more about our church
and missionary program click here

Justin gave a beautiful talk in church today.
Afterwards friends and family gathered at his home to eat,

wish him well and say goodbye. Here Lynell and Erin are grabbing a bite to eat.

We have been preparing for this day for a long time.
Justin has studied the scriptures at home and at church since he was a youth.
Since our missionaries must pay their own way, Justin has worked hard to save money for his missionary fund.
Four weeks ago we took him to Mr. Mac's to buy his missionary wardrobe.
Missionaries boys need 1 , 2 pant suit,
6 pairs of slacks,
12 white shirts
2 pairs of good shoes,
12 pairs of socks and underwear
and several ties.

Mindy and Ernie, Dathan and Lynell and John and I had a good
time helping him pick out all of his new clothes.
I was smiling that family was generous in helping him get the things he needed.

After buying his missionary wardrobe we went as a family
to attend a session at the Salt Lake Temple.
It was wonderful being in that beautiful historic building
worshiping the Lord together.
All these things culminated in this farewell today.

Justin got hugs from his brothers today.

Actually he got hugs from everyone today.

Everyone enjoyed the good food and the good company.

Lynell is a wonderful hostess.

Friends and family came from near and far.
Fran and Dee just got home from their Australian mission and joined us.

Calan made a new friend.

Justin's Grampy and Dad wish him well.

...

We have a hymn that says...

I'll go where you want me to go dear Lord,

Over mountain or plain or sea.

I'll say what you want me to say dear Lord,

I'll be what you want me to be.
...

I am smiling that this dear grandson is ready and eager to go and

serve the Lord by serving the people of Guatemala.

We will miss him during the 2 years he will be away,

but I know that the Lord will bless him.

He will learn things from his mission experiences that will bless the rest of his life.
God be with you,Grandson, until we meet again.
These things are making my heart smile.

Glenn Beck's Restoring Honor event at Lincoln center also made me smile this week.
I hope that you have had lots of smiles this week too.