MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!

Today we finished our mission.  We worked in the St. George Tabernacle this morning, my favorite place of the historic sites.  We are happy that we made it through the year without any huge calamities.  The Lord blessed us with health and strength.  We didn't miss one day.  That was a huge blessing because some of the other senior missionaries had issues like cancer, a broken foot, Parkinson's, etc.  It was wonderful to serve, and we are thankful for the opportunity we had to teach about Jesus and the restored gospel.  Also, when you serve a mission, you have increased love for others.  We instantly cared for all the members and non-members who came to our sites.

Elder Ballard came to our mission in January and talked to the missionaries.  He told us we need to to be better teachers, become great teachers.  He said we need to engage in conversation about who God is, who Christ is, and that the restoration is the message.

Since the St. George Temple Visitors' Center is closed, we have been trying to have  a few activities with the young sister missionaries, so they can socialize and enjoy a preparation day together.  For one of their morning training meetings we had it at our house in connection with a yummy breakfast. Scott made his legendary omelets, and I made waffles with real maple syrup, whipped cream and fruit.  I decorated the tables with a Valentine theme, and we gave them each a rose when they left.

Sister Parton from Australia, Sister McNaughton from Texas and Sis Meek from Idaho Falls, Idaho

Many of the sisters are from warm climates or places where it doesn't snow.  So we took them to Pine Valley which is 30 miles to the north for a day of playing in the snow.  First we visited the historic Pine Valley Chapel which was built in 1868 and was designed by Ebenezer Bryce, a Scottish shipbuilder.  Then we had lunch at a big cabin and let the sisters play in the snow.

                                                     Sister Meneses from Guatemala

The last few weeks we have had some visitors from home.  Scott, Nathan, and Liz all had birthdays in January so they brought their family and came down to see us.  It was really exciting around here with their festive decorations and great food.

 Three weeks ago the city of St. George put up some trail markers to the quarry where the pioneers cut out the red sandstone for the tabernacle, temple, and courthouse.  A few of us hiked to the place located by the Dixie Red Hills Golf Course.  It was fun to see some of the old tool marks in the sandstone.

 Last week was filled with goodbyes.  The senior couples had a goodbye party for us and the Fullers.  We received a quilt which included squares the couples made for it.  Then three days later we had a joint meeting with the seniors and the young missionaries so we could give some parting remarks and share our testimonies.  It was good.   It's hard to express the feelings we are having at the end of our mission.  We are sad to be leaving and happy we did it.  A part of our heart will remain in St. George.
We will always be thankful to our Savior Jesus Christ for his atoning sacrifice so that all who repent and believe in Him can be forgiven of their sins and be resurrected to live with our Heavenly Father and our families in a state of happiness and joy.