Pre-Mission

May 30, 2015 (Sunday)

John and I gave our farewell talks in sacrament meeting today. My topic was the Plan of Salvation and John's topic was Christ-like Characteristics. I was so pleased to see that Gina Cabrera and her family came to listen. Gina is a very special friend and we pray for her to be able to stay in Canada. Many other friends also came to show their love and support. There are so many who have impacted our lives and it was wonderful to have them share this special day with us.

Ready for our open house.

 P.S. I lost my pictures with all our guests. If anyone happens to have one, please send it to me.

June 4, 2015

Our pre-mission photo shoot done by our granddaughter Emmy Burton. It was a beautiful spring evening at Indian Battle Park. Apart from the gazillion caterpillars overtaking the park, it was the perfect setting. 10 days and counting down...We officially report on June 15 to the Salt Lake Temple for 3 days of training before flying to Hong Kong!

June 7, Sunday

Sunday dinner was at the Burton's. Byron, Nancy, Hannah and Mitch and of course Debo were all there. Hot dogs, saucy burgers and corn on the cob. It might be a while before we get good old American food again. I love Chinese food, but honestly, I think I'll miss my burgers. Of course I'll also miss Nancy's scandalous cheesecake desserts.

As 9:00 pm rolled around we made our way over the President McLennan's home where John and I would be set apart as missionaries in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In attendance were the Burton's, Deb, President and Sister McLennan, President Gordon Smith, President Jim Clark, President and Sister Gedlaman, and Bishop and Sister Jubber.

Emotions began building even before we arrived at President McLennan's home. I was excited. I was nervous. As each blessing was pronounced upon John and myself, I truly felt the spirit of our Heavenly Father embracing us with his love. Tears flowed freely. Words cannot describe the emotions, but suffice it to say, we are so grateful for this incredible opportunity to serve in the Hong Kong China Temple Mission.

Of course, what would Sunday be without our traditional Sunday Selfie...

June 9, Tuesday

Here we go...up and and away. Today we left our home sweet home. It was a sad feeling but glad to be able to do it.  Thank goodness for niece Hannah who will live in our house for the next 18 months.

Our family (including Deb) gathered at YQL to send us off. We had an hour delay in Calgary before arriving in Salt Lake. 5 days with Jade, Mike and the kids before we officially start our mission.

June 10, Wednesday

It sounded like rain that woke me up.  Oops! not rain at all. Water was dripping into our bedroom, actually, running down from the window well! The carpet was soaking wet! It was a beautiful morning...no rain at all.  Some one had left the hose on all night and it filled the window well. With a mini bucket brigade and using hands as a squeege we finally got the water level low enough to prevent further leakage. Nothing like a shop vac and fan to dry things out. All is well...window well.


June 11, Thursday

It's all about eating out and traditions. Of course we had to have one final meal at Chuck-a-rama.
M-m-m and Oh-h-h so full!!!


June 12, Friday

Yup, more eating. Had a family dinner with Ken and Carol Goodman (Mike's parents) and some of John's distant cousins we found through doing genealogy. They are also members of the Church. Aria is currently serving a mission in England and another cousin is serving in Hawaii.


June 13, Saturday

Jade was being very patient in trying to give me a crash course on blogging and downloading pictures. It's like trying to teach an old dog new tricks.


June 14, Sunday

Off to church with the Goodman's. Came home and had a wonderful BBQ steak dinner before heading to Salt Lake. It was a perfect Sunday evening for a walk around Temple Square before heading to our hotel for the next 3 days of training.

Family picture with the Goodman's at the reflection pool.