What a blast!

You've heard me say before that serving this mission is lots of fun. Everyday brings new experiences and new friends. One day this week I had 2 different patrons ask if they could give me a hug as we parted. Such is the nature of my work that I often feel like I have become a part of the family that these people are seeking so earnestly. Needless to say, it is intensely satisfying to be a part of the search and discovery of each of our library patron's long lost family history.

But I have loving family and friends that I had to leave behind in order to serve this mission, and I would be less than honest if I didn't admit to missing them terribly. My homesickness has been greatly diminished by recent visit by 3 of my sons and their families and some good friends from home.

Two weeks ago Andy and Jenny and their adorable son Cohen came for a weekend visit. It was a warm and wonderful time. We went for a wild ride on the horses, played and visited and caught up on the comings and goings of their family during the past few months. Cohen has grown so much and looks more like a kid than a baby now.

A week later Christian and Susie and their 4 wonderful kids came. They had been on a little camping trip and made the extra effort to include Salt Lake City in their loop. We were able to visit Temple Square, watch conference together, build snowmen, and celebrate an early Easter before they had to return to their busy lives.

This weekend Daniel and Kathryn and their precious little ones came calling. Included in this group was tiny newborn Derby who we met for the first time. In addition to much needed hair care, we were able to enjoy a temple session together and participate in the party of the century, a toy story themed birthday party celebrating David's 24th.

Tonight we went to dine with our dear friends the Washington family (Eric's famous ribs were the main course) and old friends the Miller family. Dominic is entering BYU in the fall and they came to look over the campus and meet with counselors.

Each visit, each embrace, each conversation with friends and family gave me much needed fuel for the year ahead as we continue in our mission service. I wouldn't trade our missionary experience for anything, but I'm so grateful for the tender mercies that enable us to stay connected to the people we love even while we are away.

My Valentine

Friday evening Mom and I attended a concert of Synthesis, the BYU jazz ensemble. Very Fun. But during intermission one of my zone leaders approached me to tell me that a young man had been looking for me at the library after I left that day, and had left a letter and a valentine for me. I assumed it was a relative, but was told this was someone who didn't know me but had something special to give me. Now I was intrigued. I went by the library to pick up my valentine. I was a large, flat box, with the following letter attached:

Dear Sister,

Yesterday I happened onto a beautiful winter scene and quickly retrieved a camera so I never would forget it.

On the 4th picture I realized I had not noticed that a pedestrian was walking through the scene and I had caught him in the picture.

You and I both will have the same thought "how did I miss that!" I'm not sure either, but to a fellow who truly has no photography skills I found it added greatly to the scene.

After a small search, and prompting from the spirit, I learned who the individual was and a bit of his history. Hence a Valentine from someone you have never met.

Hope you like it.

Jeremy Lambert

Inside the box was a large (16"x20") matted and framed photograph of the Salt Lake Temple with a lone pedestrian, my son David, under his red umbrella walking to work.

This little reproduction really doesn't do the photograph justice. I don't know Jeremy Lambert, and my cursory attempts to locate him have not been successful, but I hope to meet him and let him know how touched I am by his thoughtful gift, and that it will undoubtably be my favorite keepsake of our mission experience.

Beauty is as beauty does

I recently posed for a snapshot with a group of my fellow missionaries in front of a beautifully decorated tree in the family history library. The photo was printed and passed around for us to see. I was shocked by the picture. Not because I had spinach in my teeth but because I, in my missionary flats, stood a head taller than all the others in the picture. How had I failed to notice how short all these people are?! I looked closer at the picture and saw such an ordinary bunch of people. These can't be the same people I work with! The people I work with are beautiful, radiant, brilliant (and even tall). It got me to thinking about what makes them beautiful. The picture confirmed to me that physically they don't stand out. It has to be their spirits. Here is a group of people who are united in their desire and commitment to serve, not only God, but each other and the rest of humanity. They seem to me to be completely without selfishness, competitiveness, greed, laziness or any of the other vices so common in the world. What's left is truly beautiful.

Last week David and I went to the festival of trees. This is a huge auditorium full of Christmas trees, wreaths, quilts and other Christmas items, lovingly crafted, decorated, accessorized, and then donated to the festival. They are then sold for outrageous sums and all the proceeds go to the Primary Children's Hospital here in Salt Lake City. I am told they raise over $5 million this way each year. Again, I was in awe of the beauty of these trees. I walked around looking at each one, sure that a Christmas tree had never been so lovely. David was also moved by the spectacle and insisted on buying a tree for our room. After returning home I couldn't help feeling that it had been an almost magical experience. Was it because the trees were really better than any I'd seen elsewhere? I think not. I think it was the combined, selfless efforts of so many people that made this a remarkable night. The love and commitment of so many people, the organizers, the craftsmen, the artists, the purchasers, all working to do something to make the world a better place, filled the event with the true Spirit of Christmas. If Christmas has become too commercial, then this was an event even Christ Himself would applaud.

So I'm learning to see things with my other eyes. The ones that see goodness, not just good looks. The ones that see joy, not just fun. The ones that see purpose beyond the day to day struggle for survival. Merry Christmas to all.

Sacrifice

I was prepared to sacrifice! I was going to grit my teeth and endure 18 months of missionary life because the Lord asked me to. The problem is that I'm having too much fun. I was counting on a little misery so I'd know I was really serving. So far, everything I've been asked to sacrifice is compensated for so greatly that I'm afraid I'm not earning any stars for my crown.

I was prepared to give up my social life. Bruce Willis wasn't answering my calls anyway. While I'm not going to find romance on the mission, I am working with the nicest bunch of people. I've met missionaries from all over the world who regardless of their circumstances (some would make you cry) just want to be of service and be a part of the great Redemptive Work. I meet people everyday who, religious or not, Christian or not, are touched by the Spirit of Elijah as they search out their ancestors.

I was prepared to leave my home. I was blessed to have my son's family be available to take care of my house. I am blessed to be able to live very comfortably in my parent's house, with all the comforts of home.

I was prepared to leave my kids and grandkids. I am blessed to have all the modern conveniences of travel and communication which have shrunk the distance between us. Phone, e-mail, texting, iChats, blogs, etc., keep me close to the ones I love. I also have been called to an area where many loved ones live, even a few cute nieces and nephews to give me my kid fix.

I was prepared to be miserable but I'm happier than I've ever been. The work that I do is a tiny, tiny contribution to the great work of the Church. Maybe less contribution than what I've done in the past, but it is incredibly satisfying. The Campus we occupy is basically the blocks around Temple Square in Salt Lake City. This is sacred ground and it is a thrill to walk these paths and feel the Spirit every day.

I wanted the Lord to be grateful for our service, but I can see He just wanted to bless us. Again!

As always we are destined to be (happily) unprofitable servants.