Reflections...........1 year

     Yesterday, Dec. 5, 2012 ( today for those of you in the states), marked our 1 year mark as missionaries.  One year ago, on Dec. 5, 2011, we entered the MTC in Provo, to begin our journey as full time Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. On Dec. 12, we will reach the 1 year mark of when we said our Goodbyes to our children and grandchildren, Mom and Dad , brothers and sisters, & friends. On Dec. 14, we will have been on Pohnpei for 1 year. How the time has flown.
      In most ways the time has just flown by and it does not seem possible that we have been here 1 year. When I hugged and kissed my children and grandchildren goodbye, I thought it was the hardest thing I would ever do. I cried all the way to Guam, the people on the airplanes probably thought I was crazy or something  Now the thought of leaving here in 11 months and leaving these wonderful people, that I have come to love with all my heart seems like the hardest thing I will have to do. I know I will cry all the way back home to Utah.
      I can say that this last year has been a growing time. My testimony has grown immensely  my love for the Lord and my Savior, Jesus Christ, has grown, my desire to teach HIS Gospel has grown, I am not afraid to talk to people about the church anymore. I realize more and more each day how important this work is, and that all of us have to do our parts and be missionaries. I know that when I get home, I will share what I know with all, because that is what we all need to do. Not just the "full time" missionaries, but every member of Christ true church. I have really come to realize how important members are in welcoming, fellow shipping  and encouraging new members and members that have become less active. They are all His children and He loves all of them and wants all of us to come home one day.
      I have grown to love and appreciate my family & friends so much. If we did not have the great support from our children and grandchildren  we could not do this. The support from Mom and Dad, and our brothers and sisters has been wonderful. Thank You to all for watching over each other, for watching over mom and dad and our kids and grand kids  Thank You for remembering us and our family in your prayers. Thank You for praying for our mission and our little Island. We have felt those prayers and we are seeing them being answered, as so many hearts are softened towards the church and the missionaries. Please keep praying for our Island and the work of the Lord here.
      I have grown to love my eternal companion even more. Has it all been great, well, we have had our moments when we both were hoping for a "transfer", but we have learned a lot and are growing every day. I could not do this without him, I have the best companion in the whole mission.
      To all you Sr. Couples out there, find a way, come, the Lord needs you and it truly is the best thing for your life. To all you younger men and women. Come, if you need to get your life in order, go to your bishops, get things taken care of and come. The Lord needs ALL the laborers in the field this last time. Come be a laborer for the Lord, He is the best boss you will ever have.
      On to the next year, we only have 11 more months, and there is so much to do and so little time.