Sunday, 4 Feb 2018

Yesterday, Saturday, Elaine and I visited my brother, Howard, and his wife, Laurel, in their home in Pleasant Grove. We had a very nice visit before we leave on this mission to Monterey, CA. I'm the youngest of my siblings, and we never quite know if everyone will still be alive by the time we return. Howard desired a priesthood blessing, which it was my honor to provide.
        Today was a sweet and tender time together with most of our family members. Our two oldest sons, Blake and Jeff were unable to be with us, but family members from those families were present. Two important events happened today: Ryan (youngest son) blessed their infant daughter, Lucy Elizabeth, in sacrament meeting. A large group of family members on both sides stood in the circle while Ryan gave a very beautiful and heartfelt blessing and naming. Afterward, we gathered at their home nearby and had a meal and time together to talk and enjoy one another's company.
        At 4 p.m. we gathered at our home on Oak Lane where Elaine and I were set apart as full-time missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for the third time in ten years. The living room and kitchen were filled to capacity with children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. James Blair, our stake president, set us apart, and our ward bishop, Aaron Jackson, was also present and participated. Our son, Ken, gave a beautiful invocation that set the spirit, and President Blair had each of our children and spouses offer one trait they thought would make us good missionaries. We shared scriptures and then Elaine and I each had a moment to bear our testimonies and express our love to our posterity. I told them why we served missions for the Lord, so that they would understand why we left them periodically. It was a nice time to affirm our love for them and our desire that they remain strong and firm on the gospel path, and that they prepare to serve missions themselves. We have several grandsons who will be mission age within a few years. Our granddaughter, Madison, who was unable to attend because of sickness, is already putting her mission application in. We are happy about that. We were tuckered out at the end of the day, but spiritually fed. Tomorrow, we enter the MTC. We will have to get used to the busy routine again.
     The photos below from top to bottom: (1) Family gathering for setting apart; (2) Ryan, Melanie, and children (L-R): McCoy, George, Clark, and Lucy (in arms); (3) Grandma and Grandpa with Lucy Elizabeth (23rd grandchild); Grandpa with little Faye our 2nd great grandchild (Bronwen & Josh).