4/3/2009: Utah: Mission reunion & General conference

Wow. It’s been 10 years since I returned home from my mission. Lots has happened since then, but there will always be a place in my heart for the special memories and relationships forged while serving the Lord full-time. A mission reunion was arranged for April 3rd, so we loaded up in the family car and made the 14 hr drive to Utah so I could participate. President Jones and sister Jones were able to make the trip from their California home, so it made it a really neat experience to see some familiar faces, find out what people have been up to, and reminisce about our time serving. I had forgotten about some of the funny videos that were produced for zone conferences, and just some of the general jokes/humor that can only be understood by someone who has served a mission. It was great to reconnect with old friends and thank the Jones’ once again for the service they rendered all of us. Missions are not easy. But they are definitely worth it. Testimonies flourish (if allowed and with deliberate effort) and eternal bonds can be created. What a wonderful thing it is to serve in the Lord’s army, even for a short season…then continuing on in other forms throughout our lifetimes.