Week 110: March 15-21, 2020

Due to COVID 19, Sr. missionaries (except essential office staff) were asked to return home (released).  We were surprised when the mission president and his wife met with the office couples individually.  We were more surprised when they told us they were strongly impressed we should return to UT soon even though we have a home in FL.  We were prepared to remain in Kissimmee and continue our mission in FL as planned.  After quick consideration we decided to be obedient and a good example for others.  The health of each missionary is being carefully considered.  Many of the younger missionaries are returning home much earlier than planned due to risk for COVID 19.  Some served in FL less than 1 month.  We feel their disappointment.  We enjoy our mission work immensely and sometimes it is not easy to change.  

This week we said goodbye to dear friends.  We spent a delightful warm Saturday afternoon/lunch with Michael and Steve.  They are making their home a beautiful, dream come true.  We enjoyed a delicious grilled chicken salad and strawberry cheesecake dessert.  Steve has a  weekly Sunday talk show and hosts a Friday night smooth jazz segment.  He recently celebrated his 100th radio show in FL.  Michelle works at the local hospital as a case manager.  

We took photos, recalled good times, hugged office colleagues, and made preparations to return to UT.  Life as we know it is rapidly changing.  The Church announces/releases new safety guidelines frequently due to COVID 19  The Lord is in charge.  He has a plan.  We hope to make our plan align with His. We seek to reassure and comfort others. We feel inner peace amidst global turmoil and pray others may feel that same peace too.

Office Sisters Gibbons, Ekenstam, and Faulk:

Elder and Sister Gibbons and the Golden Plunger Award:

Michelle and Steve:



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Week 111: March 22-28, 2020

Image
Very few people were at the airport Monday evening due to COVID 19 travel precautions.   Joseph landed in Orlando as Sister Faulk’s plane was boarding and they had 5 minutes together.   Daniel picked up Sister Faulk in SLC and took her home.   It was a treat to see 2 sons on the same day.   Kim had a banana cream pie, a beautiful bouquet of dark red/purple carnations, and a welcome home balloon on the kitchen island as a thoughtful surprise.   Tuesday morning Elder Faulk and Jospeh packed up and headed for UT.   They made the drive in 3 days staying in Mississippi and New Mexico overnight.   After 2 years, Portia and Duke remembered and greeted us with wagging tails.   FL and UT are very different and quite unique places.   We are quite fond of both.   We have so much to be grateful for and recognize the hand of the Lord in our lives.   We are most thankful to have been part of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints F...
Read more

Week 107: February 23-29, 2020

Image
Sister Faulk spoke in Church on Sunday.   Her topic was the Second Great Commandment given by President Nelson during the October 2019 General Conference.   Love Thy neighbor is an endearing topic and something the world could surely use more of.   Being the mission finance officer, Elder Faulk hosted an auditor on Friday.   The Church desires financial responsibility in all its departments and missions. We welcomed another new group of missionaries and said farewell to others.   We have grown so fond of the Florida Orlando missionary flock over the past 2 years and feel many are like family.   It is heartwarming to see them learn and grow in the Gospel and develop stronger testimonies of Jesus Christ.   They really look forward to their first and last home-cooked meal at the mission home. Thank you Sister Bair for planning and making the meals tasty, and to Sister Ashcraft who makes everyone feel welcome and appreciated. Elders Marple and Cr...
Read more

Week 109: March 8-14, 2020

Image
Sunday morning we woke up a little earlier with daylight savings time.   It is nice to commute to work in the sunshine.   Our bodies needed a few days to adjust to the new time. The world is taking precautions for COVID 19.   We received a Churchwide email that worship services will be held at home.   The church has been preparing us for home-centered gospel learning for over a year.   Temples are closed except for living ordinances.   Group gatherings are restricted. The CDC strongly advised social distancing, staying home if one is ill, respiratory hygiene, handwashing, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.   The new normal is change, rapid change, for health promotion and disease prevention.   The Florida Orlando mission is keeping the missionaries informed and practicing the health guidelines. COVID-19: The Mantyla’s stopped by the office for a few minutes.   They served in the FOM and completed their mission abo...
Read more