Mission Release

On Sunday, September 30th, our stake president, Brother William Perez, met with us to officially release us from our calling as ITEP missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  For 18 months these nametags have been so meaningful.  It was sad to remove them but it is time, and we trust that the Lord will direct us in our next chapter of retired life.

Mission Homecomings

SALT LAKE CITY layover afforded us the opportunity to meet our son Max & Kathie, and sons Jason, Dagan, Trey; my sister, Trudy; nieces Haley and Amber & Beau, Maizy, Sunni, and Canyon.  Trudy was so thoughtful to bring a meat and veggie tray because we hadn't had dinner.  Our feelings of joy are inexpressible.  At one point Dagan came to me and told me that I wasn't to be gone longer than a year if we were to go again.  I assured him that we would not be going anywhere for a long time.  He was so sincere and sweet.

Sunni holding the poster.

Hugs all around!

Max & Ron

My sister!

With all of Max's family!

Dagan & Grandpa Rees

 

Grandpa Rees with Jason & Trey

Beau, Amber, and Canyon

Sunni & Beau

Max's family & Haley

Trudy & Maizy

LEWISTON, IDAHO, home sweet home....September 28th (gained our 23 hours back)

Here at last!

Banner the grandchildren made for us and they gave us leis.

Spencer & Ron

Mary & Louie Pond

Gram & Riley

Grandpa Rees, Chris, & Kaden

Gram & Elise

Jared, Chris, Kaden

Bryce & Riley

Jesse & Gram

Gram & Jared

Ron's Return With Honor socks.

POST HOMECOMING

Michelle, Brandon, Diego, and A.J. came to visit us Oct. 4-6.  So great to be surrounded by family!!

Diego, Brandon, Michelle, A.J., and Henry, of course.

Mission Departure

Our last day at the mission home was Sept. 28th...

The Winegar family from Provo, UT and their friend were on our same flight.
They served a one-month service mission, one of many.
He had served as a missionary in Samoa when he was a young man.

Also, at the Faleolo International Airport were Elder & Sister Little's son and his family and one of our mission's returning Elder, Elder Snuka.  When I sat down by him, I put my arm around his shoulders and said, "Elder Snuka, Elder Thurber (AP) told me that I was to take good care of you."  He buried his head in my shoulder and wept and wept.  We truly understood his emotions.  We were on the same flights all the way to Salt Lake City.  He had a brother in Honolulu attending BYUH who met him for the layover.  When we boarded in Los Angeles, Apostle Elder Gong was seated toward the front and he shook our hands, thanking us for our service.  It was touching.  Elder Snuka was excited too.

When we descended the stairs to baggage claim in Salt Lake City, it was a sight to behold missionary family groups behind the tape waiting for their returning missionary like us.  There were banners, cheering, and excitement in the air.  And we were part of it!