IOWA DES MOINES MISSION.....here we come!

Mission Call

We always planned on going on a mission for the church when Mark retired.  He retired the first of April.  I had some health issues that needed to be treated before we could even fill out the papers.  In February, we found that I had gluten intolerance and after going gluten free for several months I was feeling so much better.  So we started the process of filling out the papers.  Soooooo many papers!!  By the end of  September we had our papers in.  There were a few little glitches where we heard back from the Missionary Department via our Stake President and after that was cleared up we waited. 

I really wanted my children and grandchildren to be there either in person or via FaceTime.  I got my wish when Brian had his kids the weekend that the call arrived.  It came in the mail on a Saturday early afternoon.  At 6:00 pm everyone was to be there or connected via FaceTime. 

Called to the Iowa Des Moines Mission as office specialists!

Need to report to the Provo MTC (Missionary Training Center) December 9th.

I am looking at Jamie, because her baby is due the 21st of December!

Not to happy about that part.  Also, was hoping to have more time to fly to visit Jason and Jenn in their new home before we had to leave.  Really thought we had until after the first of the year.  No matter when we left, this family is so busy and big that we would have to miss some important events.

There it is in black and white and signed by our prophet, Thomas S. Monson.  We are very excited about where we are going.  So far what I know about Iowa is it gets very cold, they have had tornadoes, they are very serious about their corn, have several medical schools and they have a great state fair in Des Moines, IA.

 

The grandkids that were here for the picture!!

We have such a long To Do list and we leave in about a month.  We wish we could sneak in a visit to Pennsylvania to see Jason and Jenn and family.  All their kids and especially Jim Jim are growing up way too fast and we will miss so much of it.  But, thank goodness for facebook, FaceTime, email, instagram, and blogs!!!

I have to say that I am very excited about this chapter in our life.  Both Mark and I served missions as young adults.   I hope I will be better at it and more seasoned in teaching and in my testimony.  Having the gospel in my life gives me purpose, strength to face hard times, a guide to a happy life, a desire to become more like my Savior (and that is a work always in progress). 

It seems as if we will start out as office specialists in the mission home where are responsibilities will include, but not be limited to:  computer work, ordering supplies, caring for the young missionaries with health issues, homesickness, cars, bikes, apartments, mending their clothes and generally being their "parents" away from home.  Also general office work that includes mail, packages ,  There is probably more that I can blog about later.

Going shopping today with Maria and Becca.....now that we know where we are going!  They are super great at finding styles that are not in the least frumpy and look good on me!  And they are fun to be with!!