This Too Shall Pass

Home Again, Home Again, Jiggety-jig

Wednesday morning, March 18th, President Marsh called and informed us that all senior couples working as MLS (Member and Leadership Support) missionaries were required to go home.  So we packed up and the next day we left early in the morning and traveled for six days, visiting Diane's brother, Gary, and his wife, Marcie, in Owasso, Oklahoma, our son, John, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and our son, Jared, and his wife, Jessica, and grandson, Elijah, in Moab, Utah.

We arrived home to several inches of snow.

It's hard to be a Grandma long distance

The immortal words of beloved singer and song writer, Gaye Beeson, ring loud and true, "It's hard to be a Grandma long distance".

Whether six feet away or thousands of miles away, we miss not being able to hug our grandchildren.

The Protection of the Lord

As a young missionary, I served in Brazil.  A few weeks after my arrival in Tubarão, Santa Catarina, my companion, Elder Richardson, and I experienced a devastating flood.  Over a hundred people died and about 80% of the people were homeless.  Through it all, we were safe.  It took almost a week before our mission president found out whether we were dead or alive.

During the night as the water continued to rise, we left our flooded home and walked along this street barefoot.  At that time the water was above our waists and flowing sideways.  We walked hand in hand and stayed in the center of the road by feeling the yellow blocks with our feet.  Eventually we found someone with a flashlight who led us to safety.

In Good Hands

One year ago, I fell ill with a bleeding ulcer while Sister Erickson and I were serving a humanitarian aid mission in Cape Verde.  We received excellent care despite being in a third world country.  I spent one week in the hospital.

Bishop Ribeiro, one of my nurses, and our stake president, César Fortes.  Upon our arrival in the United States, I continued to receive the same medication and treatment and completely recovered.  Four months later we were re-assigned to the Georgia Atlanta North Mission.

COVID-19

Now we are again facing another crisis.  Upon our arrival home, we have been in isolation and are following the guidelines to prevent the spread of the disease.

Preparing to administer the sacrament to my wife and daughter.

This Too Shall Pass

While we live during this time of uncertainty, we have the calm assurance that circumstances will change and improve.  This is also a time of excitement and optimism.  We look forward to what the future may bring.  Through it all, the Lord is in control.  We have personally felt his influence and protection while serving as missionaries.

We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet

This weekend the General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints was held remotely and transmitted throughout the world in over one hundred languages.  President Russell M. Nelson, our prophet, seer and revelator, presided at the conference during which messages of hope, love and assurance were delivered.

This is a picture of the new symbol of the Church, showing that Jesus Christ is at the center of all that we do.

A New Proclamation

Among several memorable announcements was the presentation of a new proclamation issued by the First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles.  It is entitled "The Restoration of the Fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ".

A Call to Fast and Pray

During this pandemic, President Nelson has designated Good Friday, April 10th, as a worldwide day of fasting and prayer to alleviate the effects of COVID-19 upon the world.  As such, he has called upon all people of all faiths throughout the world to participate in this fast with particular emphasis "that the present pandemic may be controlled, caregivers protected, the economy strengthened and life normalized".

The Missionary Couple of the Week

President and Sister Colton from Marietta, GA.

Even though many plans are temporarily on hold, missionary callings continue to be made.  President and Sister Colton have been called to be a mission president and companion over one of the many missions in the Philippines.

The Family

We were so fortunate to return to our home and find it well cared for by our daughter, Lisa.

She is also becoming quite the cook.

Stayed tuned.  The Gospel is true.  We are not yet released.  There will be more to come.