Sacrifice brings Blessings

Another Busy week.  13 Missionaries left this week.  It is the largest intake group the mission has seen.  All of these missionaries were in the MTC together and all served well and were able to leave together.  It was a wonderful week of mixed feelings as we were missing Jeff and Cassie's wedding.  The day Cassie took out her endowments was bitter sweet.  Although we were not able to be in the Draper Temple with Jill, Cassie and our Boys,  we had a unique experience of going to the Fiji Temple with the 13 missionaries that were going home along with President and Sister Ostler, the AP's and Sister Erickson.  Following the temple session which was exclusively our group we had a Testimony Meeting in the Ostler's home followed by a dinner of Roast Beef, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy and all the fixings topped off with Chocolate Cake and Ice Cream.   It was delicious.  The Missionaries were great and it was great as usual to fix dinner and have them enjoy it so much.  And of Course the evening wouldn't be complete without playing Wii with the President!

Although it was difficult for us to be away from home during Jeff and Cassie's wedding we were blessed beyond measure as we met with Neelam for her final lessons and Baptism interviews.  The Lord has compensated us for the sacrifice of missing all that has taken place at home this month.  Neelam will be Baptized and Confirmed by Elder Seare on Sunday, May 23rd.  She has truly been a blessing in our lives and has made being away from home at this time much easier.  Her Husband Billy has been very gracious and kind.  Dave invited him to the Baptism and told him how much it would mean to Neelam to have him and the Children there.  He said he would talk to the Children about it.  We pray that they will attend and that the spirit will touch their hearts as it has Neelam's.   Dave has been doing great things with Billy by being his friend.  Today the Missionaries are painting their home for them.  We have a lot to accomplish with this family in the 8 months we have left of our Mission.