Following the fireside the missionaries gave us a Washington Flag with all the names of the missionaries we have had the privilege to serve with written on it. Thank you. Each name is not only written on the flag, but in our hearts.
We were given another gift. Within months of beginning our mission, the mission would have about 80 lessons with members in a week. The prophet has asked that missionaries and members work together. In order for members to want to work with missionaries, the missionary needs to earn their trust. The missionaries have been loving and serving members and wards. They are obedient. The members see the missionaries out knocking doors, even when its dark. Riding bikes in the rain. Working so hard. Many members have come to love the missionaries. Elder Ballard asked that we have as many lessons as possible with members. in the last few months, our mission has been having about 450 lessons with a member present each week. President's goal has been 500. President gave the mission a goal to have 500 lessons with a member this last week of our mission. Your sweet sons and daughters, I know for their love for us, their desire to do whatever is asked, have worked so hard. Each day companionships text in their number of lessons with, so the Assistants knew how close they were to making the goal. of 500. A goal they were trying to achieve before we left. Following the Fireside, the numbers needing to be sent to SLC were totaled. The Assistants asked if we could conference call with the missionaries. On that call the mission announced to us that they had taught 696 LESSONS WITH MEMBERS this week. Our goal was shattered. Our hearts were touched. I know it was the work of their Extraordinary Prayers, their Extraordinary Faith, and Extraordinary work on the behalf of these great missionaries that made for this Extraordinary accomplishment. Your sons and daughters are so good. They are trying to be obedient, they are diligent. They are outstanding. You can be so proud of who they are. They not only "illuminate the goodness of our Savior, but they are representing you with Honor. How we love them. They have touched, and changed our lives.
I am overwhelmed with emotion as I make my last entry on our Mission Blog. Words can't express the gratitude and appreciation I have for all I have been able to experience. I love the Washington Tacoma Mission. I have loved seeing the pictures of your great sons and daughters on my computer screen saver. I have loved sharing the beauty of our mission. I have loved sharing the feelings, the testimonies, the growth of each serving. I have loved sharing the miracles. Through the blog, you have become a friend. We have felt of your great love and support. We appreciate the cards, and gifts that you have given. Again I was overwhelmed, as I packed each to send back home. I will treasure the love shared and given to us. I appreciate the constant willingness to help in any way that we as a mission has needed, especially during the Christmas season. I have felt the love of our Savior in such a personal way as I have prepared and posted on the blog each week. The blog carries with it the love that the missionaries have for their Savior, their mission, and for you. Many times they have posed for a picture saying, "my mom will love it". They love you!!! The missionaries love your letters, your PACKAGES, and your emails. Thank you for sharing your sons and daughters with us. Thank you for your constant trust and faith. We each could not be serving without the support and love of our families at home. I am grateful to our daughters, our family that have sacrificed on our behalf that we could have this experience. Missionary service is such a sacred blessing. As PMG states, "When the Spirit touches the heart, hearts are changed." My heart is changed forever.
Music has been a sacred part of our mission. The words to a song share some of my feelings.
It is our Savior that healed the sick, and feed the hungry. He is the one you and I are looking for. He will take away our pain. When you feel His love you will never be the same. Come Unto Christ, come unto Him, and by His GRACE you will be made whole again.
HE IS CALLING YOUR NAME. HE IS WAITING WITH ARMS OPENED WIDE.
He is the Savior and Redeemer, the Bread of Life, the Prince of Peace.
MAY WE EACH KEEP HIM CLOSE.
I testify of the love our Savior has for each of us individually.
Because of Him, guilt becomes peace, regret becomes relief, and despair becomes HOPE.
Because of Him, we have second chances, clean slates, and new beginnings.
THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE END BECAUSE OF HIM
Our mission is ending, but our hope to see and share with you will continue.
May the Lord bless you with all the blessings that come from service to our Lord and King.
WITH ALL OUR LOVE
THE WEAVERS
