Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Picture in the snow:
back row from left to right:
Elder Doyle, Elder Madsen, Elder Spencer, Elder Robinson, Elder Jones, Elder Hess, Sister Woffinden, President Howell
front row from left to right:
Elder Reece, Elder Waltman, Elder Christensen, Sister Brammer, Sister Parks, Sister Stokes, Sister Howell

Pictures of new missionaries with their trainers:
back row from left to right:
Sister King, Elder Hess, Elder Evanson, Elder Nebeker, Elder Hardy, Elder Doyle, Elder Spencer
middle row from left to right:
Sister Ostler, Sister Ross, Elder Robinson, Elder Christensen, Elder Jones, Elder Waltman, Elder Nielson, Elder Madsen, Elder Reece
front row from left to right:
Sister Chamberlain, Sister Brammer, Sister Parks, Sister Howell, Pres. Howell Sister Woffinden, Sister Stokes

These wonderful missionaries arrived Wednesday morning! It was a snowy, cold day, but our hearts were warm as we came home, had some hot soup and sandwiches (thank you to all who helped). We were able get to know them better during lunch, a brief training and introductions to their trainers. What a powerful, exuberant spirit and testimony each of these missionaries have, how prepared and ready for the work before them! How we enjoyed hearing their testimonies in the afternoon and watching them meet their new trainers. Tears were shed, as the spirit confirmed their previous and lasting associations. It was a time of divine rendezvous!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU to the families who sacrifice their association with these dear sons and daughters for 18 months to 2 years so that they can serve the Lord. The Nelson family shared this quote with us, displayed in our kitchen: "Missionary: someone who leaves their family for a short time so that others may be with their families for ETERNITY."

How true this is --- with these comings and goings of missionaries, how sad it would be if our associations were not forever. Such transitions are a constant reminder of the short duration of this probationary state --- how precious this time is, every moment we have to serve our Heavenly Father and his Son. We are eternally grateful to watch the Lord's hands in their lives, to watch such profound transitions --- to see how each of us change out in the mission field, as the Lord turns our water into wine --- HURRAH for ISRAEL! Sister Howell