Easter, Wedding, Mother's Day

This latest group of missionaries was the largest of the year. They came from England, Ireland, South Africa, Scotland, China, Singapore, Germany and 22 of them from the USA. The large group of Americans brought with them an openness and playfulness that is usually not present in those from other nations. But it does not take long before they begin to unify and support one another. it is a great experience for them to work together and learn of other cultures.




These missionaries experienced 3 major events while they were here. The first was Easter. It was a beautiful sunny day and we had an Easter egg hunt on the grounds. They were to find 2 plastic eggs, One egg was numbered and the other was plain. Both had candy, but the numbered ones each had a scripture and put together they told the Easter Story.

We gathered together, read the scriptural account of the crucifixion and resurrection and had several musical numbers that they had put together. It was a beautiful day and we all felt the true spirit of Easter.

The 2nd event was the royal wedding and I have already blogged about that.

A birthday is always a special occasion and the chef bakes a beautiful cake. Here is Elder Turner getting ready to endulge himself!

And finally Mother's Day!

They were all able to call home. They had not been gone from home very long, nevertheless, it was a welcomed call and most were bujoyed by the encouraging words they received from home.
Having been the recipient of those phone calls in years past, I relived the excitement that goes on at home when that missionary is connected by phone from across the world! Oh Joy!

Now, the picture above.......

The sister missionaries went to Walmart and bought matching scarves. They all wore them that day and in Relief Society, they presented Sister Williams and me with a scarf and a Happy Mother's Day Card. We linked our scarves together and shared our love and testimony.

"...........having our hearts knit together in unity and in love one towards another"

Mosiah 18:21

By the day of departure they are ready and excited to get on with their missions, but there are still lots of tears. They have come to love one another. The pangs of homesickness have disappeared. Any companionship trouble has dissolved and been replaced by love.

........and so at the end of their stay when the busses pull out into the morning dawn we wave our final good-bye with a prayer in our hearts that all will be well with them.