Thursday, August 13, 2009

A Fond Farewell!

We seem to become rather 'attached' to some of the missionaries here. It has been a pleasure to have them in our 'home away from home' as they teach the Gospel to investigators, work with them in the branch and as we invite them over occasionally for a meal. We have some absolutely wonderful Elders and Sisters in this mission and many of them will be wonderful leaders in the Church in the years to come as they also become some of the best moms, dads, husbands and wives. And their experience here in Mongolia will help them tremendously!

The sad part is that they all think they want to go home when their time here comes to an end! We are actually a bit surprised at just how attached we sometimes feel. It almost feels like we are saying goodbye to our own sons and daughters sometimes!

We had one of those moments a couple of nights ago. Two of our really choice elders finished their missions and their parents came from Utah to 'collect' them. Both had served in Nalaikh (the branch which we are assigned to) and we always consider them 'our' missionaries! Before we could let them leave we had the whole group over for dinner one night. It was really fun!

We don't have very many opportunities to become acquainted with folks from the states and we really enjoyed our visit with them! It was easy to see why these two had become such special missionaries. They have wonderful parents who raised them well in the Gospel and set a proper example for them to follow.

We actually forgot to take a picture until just as they were ready to leave, so this is them all in the hallway.

We made them promise to keep in touch. We'll have to wait and see if they do!

Next Post: Sister Caldwell rides a camel! You won't want to miss this one!
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4 comments:

The Fendleys said...

That is really neat that their parents got to come over there to pick them up, I bet that was fun! Who is suppose to come there and "collect" you?

Mr C said...

We're looking for volunteers. Anyone game?

Ryan Cowley said...

Julie is going back to full time this year so she will have enough money to do it!....;D

Can't wait to see mom on a camel!

Bressler Bunch said...

I am ready to jump on a plane. If I come tomorrow, will you come home with me?

We are not going to know our mother when she comes home. Planes, boats, camels, what's next?