Ready or Not

We are on the last days of our mission. That is a bitter-sweet thought.  Of course we are looking forward to returning to our family and friends and home.  But there is still so much that the Spanish Branch here needs help with. We will serve to the very last minute and leave the rest to the Lord.

When we think of the amazing experiences that we have had, the big baptisms are not what comes to mind first. Instead, we think about the four men recently ordained Elders. We think about working with an inspired LDS Employment Specialist.  We remember the Sacrament being passed by three little old men for the first time.  The spirit was really strong then.  We think about the new members being baptized in the temple for their deceased family members and the old members doing the work for their families and being sealed to their deceased parents. We remember the little man sitting there dressed up in his new Goodwill suit and tie waiting for the missionaries to come and teach him the missionary lessons each week. We think of the Relief Society sisters working together to make 400 tamales for the Christmas dinner. And bringing them their first dances at the socials.

We are especially thankful to be a part of people catching the vision of God's plan for them.  Just showing them what is offered in the scriptures makes their eyes sparkle. Hearing the plan of the restoration and the plan of salvation really makes a difference to them. Having a goal of getting to the temple gives their lives new purpose.

We learned to pull as a perfect team with the revolving four young missionaries assigned to our Branch. They gave legs and enthusiasm to our simple wisdom. We truly loved working with the other missionaries in this mission, both the young and the Seniors. We fed them at Zone parties, after meetings, and a hundred dinners. We loved them.

In the few days we have left, we have lined up the members to receive Patriarchal Blessings from a Spanish speaking Patriarch from another stake. We will take an 80 year old couple to be sealed in the temple. And we will invite every single struggling member and investigator to "come unto Christ".

What a blessing it is to go on a mission as a Senior Couple.  Your biggest achievement is learning to live and work together 24/7.  Your biggest growth is studying the gospel together. Your biggest joy is seeing conversion in the lives of the people you teach.

Ready or not we are leaving one area of service and moving on to another.  We are so grateful for the opportunity to serve with the Spanish speaking people, and others, in the California, Fresno Mission.