On Wednesday, March 18, 2015 five wonderful missionaries returned back home. The evening before, they all gathered at the Mission Home.
Standing in front of the world map is a traditional photo.
The missionaries are served dinner buffet style.
Fun memories are shared while gathered around the dinner table.
Sister Radjabova retired her scarf and her name tag...
as did Sister Dudley.
Elder Elwood retired his tie and name tag...
...as did Elder Price...
...and Elder Shepherd.
The devotional where testimonies are born and favorite memories and scriptures are shared is always a high point.
Here Elder Price is sharing his favorite scripture.
With luggage piled almost to the ceiling in the back of the van, the missionaries are ready for the ride to the airport. It's hard for them to hide their smiles of excitement to see their families once again.
Sister Radjabova's flight left first as she flew to Moscow.
Sister Radjabova is the oldest of two girls in her family. She lives in Moscow, Russia and is fluent in three languages including English. Her other sister is finishing her mission this month in the Rostov Mission. Sister Radjabova was known for her tenacity and never-give-up attitude. It was this tenacity which helped her find a family: mother, father and seven children, several who are baptized now. She took to heart the saying, "Love is the lubricant of missionary work."
Sister Radjabova plans to study in school and work.
Getting ready to check-in bags is Elder Shepherd who was eager to get his bags "saran-wrapped".
This became a trend as Elders Elwood and Price followed suit.
Sister Dudley joined in as well.
The missionaries ascend the escalator for the last time moving towards customs.
Elder Price is the second of four children (has three sisters). He is from Salt Lake City, UT. This summer, he is thinking of working as an orderly at a local hospital to give him a first-hand view of medicine. In the fall, he will attend the University of Utah. He is thinking of becoming a doctor, continuing a long line of medical doctors in his extended family. Elder Price is known for his Russian-speaking ability, great smile and desire to always be obedient.
Elder Shepherd is the oldest of 3 boys in his family. He is from Salt Lake City, UT and attended high school with Elder Price. They were both featured on YouTube announcing/opening their mission calls. Elder Shepherd plans to attend Utah State University in the fall where he plans to pursue education in Aerospace Engineering. Elder Shepherd could always be counted on to be an example to others. His warm smile endeared him to the Russian people.
Elder Elwood is from Logan, Utah. He is the fourth of five children in his family. Elder Elwood is deciding between BYU and Utah State for school this fall where he plans to pursue a business degree. Elder Elwood was known for his ability to dive in and get the branch records "cleaned up". He did this on special assignment from Pres. Brinton making the records for several of the branches current and "in order". He did a great job working in the office as well as reactivating several people.
Sister Dudley hails from El Dorado Hills, CA. She is the oldest of five beautiful daughters. What a great example of serving a mission she set for her younger sisters. Sister Dudley is a Thomas S. Monson Scholar at BYU where she is planning on majoring in business. She won't be wasting a moment upon returning home. After some fun family time, she will return to BYU for the Spring Term. Sister Dudley is known for her dedicated efforts and beautiful smile. For one of her baptisms, she wanted everything to be "just right"...so she ironed the baptismal outfit the young girl wore!!
What an outstanding group of consecrated missionaries! Everyone of these elders and sisters gave "their all" to the service of the Lord. We will miss them very much and wish them much joy in the new phase of their lives.
Two days later, Elder and Sister Nelson, the CES couple who spent half their mission in Vladivostok and the other half in Irkutsk, departed for home after serving 18 months. They flew directly from Irkutsk west through Moscow. On our last trip to Irkutsk, we held a "farewell dinner" with them. How we appreciate the loving service they rendered.
The Nelson's spearheaded YSA Events and supervised Institute and Seminary. They prepared many a meal for young and old alike.
We are grateful for the dedicated service of senior couples who sacrifice time away from family and grandchildren to serve the Lord for 18-23 months. We will miss the Nelsons and wish them many happy memories and fun times ahead with grandchildren!
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.