Sunday, December 7, 2008

We have finally landed!!!

It has been some time since we last wrote but we are now settling in and have Internet access again. We have had a great month. We left Palmyra on October 31st after finishing our final shift and cleaning assignment. That Friday morning eight couple missionaries and Pres. & Sister Jones looked out the clear window and watched the sun rise over the sacred grove. What a glorious experience. We had also had a wonderful temple session with all the Presidency and missionaries that week on one of the sessions. We served with a great group of people.

Our lasts goodbyes to our beloved Temple President and wife, Ralph and Timmy Siebach. They were so very good to us and we love them dearly.


Our last view of the Palmyra Temple. Even as I write it brings tears to my eyes. We spent much of the last week in Palmyra seeing all the sites one more time and feeling that special prompting of the Holy Ghost that this great work is true and that there are prophets on the earth again and Christ's church has been restored in its fullness. What a blessing in our lives.

A few of us pulling out from the temple Friday morning. The Pestanas, Lewis' and Gehrigs.

Our greeting home from a few of the grandchildren. Kory and Katie and Tyler, Josh and Gage came up to Kelly's for dinner and to welcome us back.


After three days we took off for Camarillo, California. We took Kelly, Robbie and Riley with us.


We arrived at the Los Angeles Temple Apartments and Rose, our dear friend, had a beautiful orchid waiting for us to welcome us back. Paul spent Saturday in the temple helping with the Camarillo Stake Baptism day. He was there from 5:30 am to 8:00 pm. What a great opportunity to see so many of the people from our Stake. While in Camarillo we had the privilege of speaking in the Camarillo 1st and 2nd Wards on the 9th, then in Stake Conference on the next Sunday and on the 23rd in the Oxnard 1st and Camarillo 6th Wards. I think we're done for awhile. We did enjoy bearing testimony of this great work.


Riley ran right up to Minnie with his arms outstretched. He turned 2 on the 6th of December, his party is tomorrow night.

Robbie really did have a good time. Can't remember what the frown was for.

I got to spend a day with my dear friend, Edwina, in Hemet. We were lucky enough to catch her daughter, Lesliann and her son Spencer, who were visiting from Alabama. Alaina is standing next to me, Edwina's daughter who is 12.

We took a quick one day trip to Jerome, Idaho to see Kimberly, Gary and family. Then on our way home from California we went back that way and spent a week and Thanksgiving with them.

Black Friday we were up at 3:30 to go to the Penny's sale where Kimberly, Paul and Sheri had to have leather jackets. We have Kimberly, Debbie, Staci, Alex, and Sheri. We had a fun time and kept the economy going.

On the way back to Utah we had to drive past my growing up home. It brings back such memories.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are happy your home for awhile. We love you.

andreamichelle said...

It was nice to see you at thanksgiving.

Mary said...

Your mission sounds wonderful. It's hard to believe that Paul was ever a non-member! Sure wish you had made a quick stop in Nampa, Idaho before going back to California; would have loved to see you.

Melissa said...

Wow! You've been busy! It's great to hear what you have been doing. I loved hearing about all your experiences. I can't wait to take my family there and feel of the spirit.

Kevin said...

Welcome back!

Anonymous said...

We are so glad that you came back to Camarillo for a visit! It was wonderful seeing both of you again. I hope you will find time for a return visit.
We're really glad that you are continuing to write weekly blogs. We love reading about your comings and goings.
Is there a way to get your home address?
We wish you a wonderful holiday season with your extended families and friends. We love ya!
Bob and Roberta Goodman

Chuck and LeOra said...

We were glad to hear about all the things you are doing. I talk to Kenlyn often so she had told me you were spending a little time in Camarillo. I can't believe how fast our mission is coming to a close. This has been a wonderful opportunity to serve a temple mission. The people of Costa Rica are so good to us. We also enjoy President and Sister Haws, our temple president and matron. We should be able to see them after we get home as they are from Santa Barbara.We miss our family so will be glad to see them and our new little grandson. Thanks for keeping such a good blog.

Buzz said...

So where have you landed to roost?

I would love to hear from you both.

What number can I reach you?

~Adam Basua

Holly Steffen said...

I can't remember where I first saw your blog but I've been semi keeping up with it ever since.

My husband, son, and I lived in Farmington for a couple months in the beginning of 2008 and we had the chance of going to the temple once a week.

I will miss seeing you in the temple. You both have such sweet spirits. Come back and visit anytime!!

Debi Lassen said...

So where are you both now? We're glad you had a nice holiday season with family and friends.

Hope to see you back in Camarillo soon.
Love, Debi