Bittersweet

Not wanting to really commit that our mission here in Michigan would soon come to a close, we hesitated talking about the date we would actually be leaving. In fact, I think this is the first time I have mentioned it our blog although we have known for some time that we would be leaving at the end of the semester. Time never does stand still and on December 10, 2011, by way of speaker phone, President Ron Dillender officially and honorably released us from our mission. Although we longed to see our family and home, it was a sad morning as we did our final packing, took one last walk through the institute, said good-bye to dear friends, took a last look at our cozy apartment, and drove one last time down Grand River Avenue to the freeway heading west. I cried all the way down Grand River Avenue. We were excited to be going home, but sad to be leaving so many dear friends and a place we had grown to love. Michigan really is a beautiful state full of wonderful, kind, generous people, not to mention the tasty ice cream. There was lots to love about our mission and we will cherish the memories we shared there forever.

I went on this mission in order to be of service and to teach others, but I have been the one who has been served and taught. I have been so blessed to increase my knowledge and understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ through preparation and studying the scriptures more than I ever have in my life. Also the young people, including the elders and sisters, and others in Michigan have taught me so much by their amazing example of true charity.
My testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ has grown and I have never loved nor learned more about the Book of Mormon than I have in the last year and a half. Every word of it is true and the messages contained in this book offer such hope to the world. In it's pages are inspiring stories of families and people who really share the same problems and concerns that we have today. Its words can help us learn how to best navigate through the trails and tribulations of life. Its message is one of hope for the future. However the greatest message of all is that it is another testament of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Throughout its pages, it testifies of Him and His atoning sacrifice. We can learn that the Atonement does not only work for our sins, but also for our shortcomings, our weaknesses, our imperfections, and our infirmities. I love the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the Book of Mormon with all my heart and testify of its truthfulness.

“Yea come unto Christ, and be perfected in him, and deny yourselves of all ungodliness; and if ye shall deny yourselves of all ungodliness, and love God with all your might, mind and strength, then is his grace sufficient for you, that by his grace ye may be perfect in Christ……
“And again, if ye by the grace of God are perfect in Christ, and deny not his power, then are ye sanctified in Christ by the grace of God, through the shedding of the blood of Christ, which is in the covenant of the Father unto the remission of your sins, that ye become holy, without spot.” (Moroni 10:32–33).

Winter has definitely arrived at our favorite garden and it illustrates our sadness in leaving Michigan. On our morning walks we loved to watch this ever changing garden blossom during the early spring and throughout the summer and fall. It seemed that it never looked exactly the same. I will think of this lovely garden next spring and know that will fully bloom just as I know the wonderful young people of Michigan will continue to bloom.


Our favorite gardens on MSU campus look so sad.

Our last district

The corn is harvested as late as possible.

The last Friday Forum lunch for the semester.

I was so proud how this Christmas salad looked.

Dear sweet Marcia who kept the institute so clean for all of us.

Sister Keys and Sister Topchiyska

Abby and Daniel

Jonathan and Alisha who are married now.

Kim and Michelle

Cody who always brought us ice cream and who is married now.

Jenny enjoying one of my sugar cookies.

Sister Bogar and Sister Jensen

Amy

We spent our last night in Michigan at Benton Harbor.

Missouri River, Davenport, Iowa

Crossing the Missouri River at Davenport,

We had a great visit with Karen and Jim as we spent the night in their home in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Although it was super cold, the roads were dry and the sky blue all across Wyoming.

We spent a night and had a wonderful visit with Jim and Lynnette in their home in Santa Clara, Utah, near St. George. It is getting warmer as we go south and west.

Visiting the beautiful St. George Temple with Jim and Lynnette on our way home.

Christmas Eve with most of our family--such joy! Many of our family were on the sidewalk to welcome us home with open arms as we arrived back in California. Yes, it was bittersweet to leave our mission but such sweetness to be back with our wonderful family again.