South Africa Johannesburg Mission: 2014

Showing posts with label 2014. Show all posts

Friday, June 20, 2014

"...to ordain evangelical ministers." (D&C 107:39)

It's official! Last night we had the remarkable opportunity of being in the office of an Apostle, Elder Dallin H. Oaks who, along with Elder Whitney Clayton, set us apart for our mission. It was really tender to have our entire family there (...except for Madison, Tagg and Zach :<) and to be taught by Elder Oaks. Among other things he told us that our mission and Perth, Australia are the two missions in the church that are the furthest from church headquarters (...obviously so we can do as little damage as possible!!!) He also spoke of his high regard for the peoples of South Africa. He marveled at their "...dignity and grace..." and confirmed that we are going to a very special place. We completed our evening with a visit to the temple and dinner at the Cheesecake Factory (...Miso Salmon...unreal).

We attended the temple as a family after the setting apart. It's a sweet memory we will hold forever ; having everyone together in such a sacred place.

With Linda's mother Ginny

Dinner at The Cheesecake Factory after

There's no going back now!

Follow along on our adventures here.

So long, Farewell...

This past weekend we had our mission "farewell." This is our worship service (called a "Sacrament Meeting") where Linda and I spoke about our feelings as we embark for our missionary service in South Africa. One of our leaders, Elder Dallin H. Oaks, called Sacrament meeting the most "sacred and important meeting in the church." That's because we renew our covenants with the Savior through a Sacrament of bread and water. As part of the service, Steven Sharp Nelson and Marshall McDonald played "If you could hie to Kolob" as a cello/piano duet. Admittedly that is our favorite hymn, but it was seriously the most beautiful rendition of it I have ever heard. All in all it was one of the most tender meetings we have ever experienced. Adding to that was the fact that so many families of current missionaries in ZA showed up to meet and greet us! But I have to admit, that was a long, lonely road on our walk to the church...

Our family at our home after the farewell includes Brady, Mindy, Madison, me, Linda, Emi, Chase, Whitney (holding little Zach) and Jeff.

Proudly flying the colors of ZA on our front porch.

The night before the farewell we had an open house where neighbors and friends brought some of the best food we have ever had! Thanks to all including the Hogues, Cowans, Buehners, Clements, McCulloughs and Holdings who pulled it all together for us.

Holding my grandson Taggart and talking to my brother Jimmy, my mom Patty (...who came all the way from her home in Cannon Beach, OR with her husband Jim Logan—the guy taking the picture on the far right), and great friend Emily Utt.