Transfers and Testimonies

Tuesday, Feb 22 was Transfer Day.  All of the departing, arriving and transfering missionaries met at the Hartford Stake Center.  Since this is the last transfer meeting before we return to Utah, we decided to attend. We were given the opportunity to bear our testimonies along with the elders who flew home on the following day. 

I must admit, we both shared our testimonies with tender hearts and moist eyes.  Funny how the spirit does that to you. 

Another reason we attended is to say good-by to Elder Kunz, pictured below. He was an assistant to the president and served in the Avon Ward that we attend.  He has such a kind, gentle manner.  We love him and know good things are in store for him in the future. 

The other two elders featured are not returning soon but we have had special experiences with both of them.  Above is Elder Shepherd.  He is the most gifted elder with music.  Everytime he plays the piano, the music is so sweet and invites the spirit. 

He also composed music and wrote the Christmas devotional this past Christmas. It was absolutely wonderful.  We love him too.

Below is Elder Stephens.  What can I say about Elder Stephens.  Well to start with, he has read the Book of Mormon over 30 times. He teaches with the Spirit and gives some powerful blessings.  He and his companion asked me to attend their teaching of Marvia, a black investigator.  Marvia was having some personal conflicts and Elder Stephens gave her a beautiful blessing. He blessed her to be able to get the necessary sleep. Well, for the next several weeks, Marvia had trouble staying awake at church!  I kept having to nudge her to stop her from snoring!  Marvia is a wonderful lady who I love and respect. We've also learned she has sleep apnea so falling asleep wasn't intentional but it gave Elder Stephens and I a good chuckle.

Ready, Set, Click Three Times and Say, "There's No Place Like Home"

Yup, I bought myself ruby slippers.  I'm getting ready to click my heels and repeat, "There's no place like home," three times. At least I think that worked for Dorothy.  I realize I'm not in Kansas nor am I heading to Kansas--just hope to come close to it on the interstate.  By the look of all the snow here, Doc and I might be in the Yukon! Regardless, we learned this week we need to be back in Utah County by Friday, April 9.  That's the day Doc passes "the phone" to our replacements, Dr. Ron and Sally Saunders from American Fork, UT. The new date has us returning 10-days earlier than we originally planned.  Yippee! Grandkid kissing and squeezing, here I come!

(Note to self- be sure to carry a hanky; you're going to need it with all the tears.)

Back to the shoes . . . I've been mesmerized by The Wizard of Oz since Tiffany played Dorothy in her elementary school play.  She did a great job even if the munchkins towered above her.  I've always wanted ruby slippers and DSW Warehouse had the perfect pair and for 30% off! P.S. I think they look pretty styling with my Valentine outfit too.

Speaking of ruby slippers, Kerry Blair wrote the following: "I have a pair of ruby slippers. I don't wear them to enrichment night or the grocery store, but I do keep them handy because, like Dorothy, someday I'll want to go home. I see The Wizard of Oz as a metaphor for life. The characters all search for the strength of character we all need to make it back to our heavenly home. The scarecrow needed a brain. Don't we all. We need to be smart enough to stay on the yellow brick road instead of wandering off into orchards where we're likely to be pelted by bad apples. Prophets call this the strait and narrow path. The tin man sought a heart. Pres. Hinckley said, 'Love is the very essence of life. It is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Love is at the beginning also and from it springs the beauty that arches across the sky on a stormy day. The cowardly lion sought courage. The scriptures tell us if we're prepared, we shall not fear. We have to recognize there are things in Oz (the world) to look out for. Caution is also given against witches and flying monkeys. The monkeys could represent everything that's a distraction from focusing on Christ. The world is full of them. Despite what Dorothy thought, despite her fears and struggles and insecurities, she had within her the ability to fulfill her destiny all along. No power on Oz-the earth-is stronger than our power to pray, repent, persevere, and progress. If we have faith in the plan, stick together and stay on the strait and narrow yellow brick road, there's nowhere to go but home. The ruby slipper are just a fashion statement.

Paraphrased from - Kerry Blair, Counting Blessings, 59-62