Ames All Around...and then some: Transfers #8- Departing Missionaries

Departing Missionaries

I realize the three pictures below look the same, but I love the slight difference/faces some of the missionaries are making....we love and miss them already.

1. Attend the Temple together, eat lunch and then worship together the rest of the day

2. After the Temple, we return back to the Mission Home for a final Texas barb-e-que brisket meal, where the ward members of the Colleyville ward feed and serve us.

3. Then we gather together in the living room, and sing to the sweet sisters who fed and served us and where the missionaries will sing "Called to Serve" most likely for the last time as a missionary wearing the badge..(ouch). Then we get comfortable in the living room where thoughts, love, feelings and testimonies are shared. It is a very powerful experience to hear each one of these missionaries talk about some of their experiences and growth from their mission. Mostly, its awe inspiring to see the women and men they have become in that there is a confidence and credence that is solid and unwavering. Its not emotion but conviction. Its not hope but faith. Its not warm feelings but pure love. Its not over but progressive. Its not limiting but blessings. They are truly made of the stuff of eternity and realize that endings are not their destiny. They know who they are, they know God's plan and will follow him anywhere, anytime and anyplace. And though they are somber and sad about leaving, they are SO HAPPY!

4. At the very end, each of the missionaries are given a hard bound binder that has all of the letters that they are asked to write to their Mission President each week. There are also all the letters written to them by their Mission President and other important documents. We then/now have them sign their board picture and place in the treasure box where something special and extraordinary will be made and brought to mission reunions held in the future.