This morning we gave our mission report in Sacrament meeting in the Hillside Ward, Lehi Stake. Hna. Johnson and I were very pleasantly surprised to see so many of our friends and family that made the effort to come and hear our talks. I talked to the Ward clerk and he said that there were about a hundred more in attendance today than they have on an average day.
There was at least one former Santo Domingo West missionary there; it was Elder Justin Bates, my “Trainer”. He has been home for over 6 months and it was really good to see him.
There were others in attendance; like Clara and many of our old friends from the Alma 5th Ward like Chuck & Gwen and Dan Rogers. The Behrmann’s from the Aspen Ward came with one of my old boy scouts, Bear Behrmann and his wife. Scott & Lynette and their sons Matthew & Michael were there too.
My Uncle Ed and Aunt Rose Mary also came. Hna. Johnson and I were so very pleased to see them. Aunt Rose Mary is the last surviving sibling of her generation. She and Ed have been a tremendous support and help for Hna. Johnson as well as the flower shop way back in the 70’s. We think the world of them.
In our talks we spoke of the love, support and prayers everyone had for us. We couldn’t have accomplished our mission to the Dominican Republic without it. We were truly blessed to have their support and be called to the best mission in the world, to work with the best Elders and Sisters in the world and to serve under the great, dynamic leadership of Pres. Juan E Almonte.
We still don’t know what we did to deserve such blessings. To serve with Pres. & Hna. Almonte was a tremendous blessing. We will always consider them our close friends and treasure their friendship forever. Pres. Almonte is a spiritual giant; he teaches and motivates the missionaries under him through the inspiration of the Holy Ghost.
We will also treasure our association with the other Seniors in Santo Domingo. The FHE’s we attended each week with them was a precious part of our week. We also went on trips and tours with many of them. We grew very close to all of them and will consider all of them to be our close friends.
And finally, Hna. Johnson and I love every one of the Elders and Sisters we worked with and consider each to be one of our own children. They really are the Lord’s finest young men and women. It was a privilege to have worked with them all, to feel their spirits, enjoy their successes and sorrow over their disappointments. Our calling to be in the Mission Office put us right in the middle of all the action. It was perfect, we couldn’t have asked for a better assignment as a senior couple.
THE END
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