Three missionaries return home!

It's hard to believe that another group of missionaries has successfully completed their two-year missions!

 Elder Hardy does the ceremonial "retiring of his tie" on the Wall of Fame...

 ...as does Elder Laursen...

 ...and Elder Mitchell.

 After the farewell dinner, the elders gathered in the living room to ponder what they would say about their mission experiences. The closing devotional is always a highlight. President Brinton also gives his "10 Points to Always Remember Upon Returning Home" advice!

 Traditional photo in front of the world map in the Mission Home.

 Elder Mitchell couldn't resist the urge to have his bags "saran-wrapped" for the trip back home to the U.S. 

 Elder Hardy is from Layton, Utah. He has one older brother. He plans to enter Utah Valley University in January, but in the meantime has some river rafting/white rapids trips planned. Elder Hardy did a wonderful job serving as an office elder for part of his mission. He helped to keep things running smoothly. He has a deep, radio-announcer voice when he speaks. Who knows where that will take him!

Elder Hardy also had a "surprise purchase" of a new suit with the Russian flag colors sewn into the lining!

 Elder Laursen is a convert to the church for the past three years. He spent the last two years as a missionary. Hailing from Chino Hills, CA, Elder Laursen also has some fun travel planned before returning to his studies at BYU in January. His ultimate dream is to own a motorcycle business. The person responsible for introducing him to the gospel is currently serving a mission. She...will be returning from her mission on Christmas Eve. 

 Elder Mitchell is from Oregon City, OR. He is one of four children in his family. As such he was the first one of his siblings to serve a mission. Elder Mitchell will attend BYU in January where he will resume his studies in the field of science or mathematics. He tirelessly served part of his mission in the office producing our mission videos, paid-out missionary funds for rent and living expenses, produced flyers for firesides, and monitored all missionary travel within the mission...a huge responsibility as we are the largest mission geographically in the world.

We will miss these wonderful elders who have added so much to our mission. We pray for the Lord's choicest blessings to be upon them as they go forward in a new phase of their lives.