Monday, August 30, 2010

High Hopes for Tom and Janet


Elder Atcheson, Elder Blair (Tommy),
Elder Olsen, Elder Garcia
One of many missionary moments
from the last two years -
Serving at a soup kitchen

Sister Reynders (Janet) performing in
High Hopes and Riverboats
More than once I have referred to my niece's mission in Nauvoo as "Mormon Summer Stock"; meaning, she gets to entertain visitors in her calling as a Young Performing Missionary.  She sings and dances, but more importantly - TESTIFIES.  Janet is home now and heading back to BYU-Idaho for school.  Happily she made a point to stop by with other family and friends this weekend to celebrate Tommy's homecoming.

She was able to be here to visit and hear Tommy speak about his mission on Sunday.  We also had a little family fireside while she was here Saturday night.  We sat and talked enjoying each others company, but we also shared in their missions as Tommy and Janet told stories and experiences.  Again, more importantly, they testified of the divine truth.  Their testimonies touched our hearts.  What a great weekend we had together.  I was so glad to feel and be a part of it all.

Best wishes to Janet and Tom as they move on.
 
Gifts to Bring Home from the Mission Field
1. A knowledge of and love for God our Eternal Father and His Beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.
2. A knowledge of and love for the scriptures, the word of the Lord.
3. An increased love for parents.
4. A love for the people among whom they labor.
5. An appreciation for hard work.
6. The assurance that the inspiration of the Holy Spirit is available to each of us when we live for it.
7. An understanding of the importance of teamwork.
8. The value of personal virtue.
9. The faith to act.
10. The humility to pray.

Gordon B. Hinckley,
“The Message:
Gifts to Bring Home from the Mission Field,”

2 comments:

  1. What a great family experience for all of you! I would have loved to hear all of their stories! Those are the moments that make life so worth living!

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  2. Can't wait to hear Tommy speak in our ward on Sunday!

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