Mission Farewell-River Second Ward Sacrament Meeting

Today, August 23, was a special day for us! Several weeks ago, Steve and I were asked by Bishop Michael Degn to report in sacrament meeting in our home ward, River 2nd ward, regarding our recent return from serving an inner-city mission. We were well supported by family members, e.g. Wayne (brother) and Sally Viehweg, and five of our eight children and spouses, e.g. Janie and Mark Ogletree, Christy Watkins, Matt and Trista Cook, David and Sarah Cook and Joey and Ang Cook accompanied by their children (22 grandchildren). We primarily spoke on service (Mosiah 1-5), giving a brief overview of our inner-city missionary experience. Hindsight is 20/20 as they say...and it was a spiritual yet heart-wrenching experience reviewing our service, our former close friendships, our personal growth and continual prayers that we will reunite with many of these dear friends in the celestial kingdom. We shall always treasure our service and association there.

In keeping with a desire to keep the sabbath day "low key," afterward sacrament meeting, we gathered at Joey and Ang's home in North Salt Lake and feasted on a simple dinner of burritos, fruit and ice cream, of course. What a choice experience for the adults to have a casual, informal afternoon and share experiences as summer came to a close (children started school the next day) and families departed for home, e.g. Burley ID, South Jordan, etc.. Truly, our children are the "jewels in our crown!"