WASHINGTON D.C. SOUTH MISSION: FAREWELL TO ELDER GIFFORD 1-04-10

Sunday, January 24, 2010

FAREWELL TO ELDER GIFFORD 1-04-10

Elder Gifford's father came to Washington to pick him up from his mission. We got some pictures of when they first saw each other. It was very touching. Reuniting missionaries with their parents is a hard reunion to explain. I have experienced it twice and it is like Christmas morning for the mothers and fathers. I think it is more of a sureal and confused feeling for the missionaries. They have just completed the most wonderful and meaningful two year experience and they are usually wishing they could stay in the mission field, yet at the same time excited to see their families. I remember, as a mother, counting the days until my sons came home. If I knew then what I know now. Here comes your missionary, back to your care and really they have become incredible leaders and grown men and women able to run wards and branches, preach great sermons and and show love for so many kinds of people. They are excited to see their families and at the same time the adjustment is probably harder than when they came into the field. Sorry about all this rambling. It was just that we got to witness this reunion. It was fun to see a father and son be reunited after 2 years. We had them over for dinner at the mission home the night before they left. Thanks for all you did Elder Gifford. We miss you already..

Jan 4,2010 at the mission home

Elder Gifford and his father

Pres and I with the Giffords

5 minutes after the reunion

Elder Gifford sees his father and gives him a long hug.

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Stephanie Smith Fireside

Last Sunday evening we were privileged to attend a fireside in the mission. It was held at a beautiful old chapel in McLean. One of the pictures shows the inside of the chapel and the wood beams on the very steep-pitched ceiling of the room. The gym is under the chapel in the basement. I have never seen a floorplan like this one. Very unique. This fireside hosted Sister Stephanie Smith. Her story was in the Ensign sometime in the last year. She has a remarkable conversion story. She has held very high government positions and at one time was 5th in command at the CIA. She said something at the first of her talk that I wrote down: she said, "I've been on some remarkable adventures. But no adventure in my lifetime has been as extraordinary and life-changing as my path to conversion and baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. She then told about her introduction to the church. She was at a time in her life with tremendous worldly success achieved after clawing her way to the top without any regard for others, and she felt her life was shattering into a million pieces. At this time she turned to a colleague she admired who was a member of the church. He told her two things. That her Heavenly Father knew her by name and loved her and that Heavenly Father had a plan for her success. The next day he sent her a map to the temple visitor center. She told how when the missionary sisters came to her door, she didn't think she could relate to these young women. The first thing they did was ask if they could sing to her. They sang,"I am a Child of God." That was the beginning of her conversion, a long a beautiful story. You can read it on the web at Meridian Magazine. Her testimony was a real inspiration to me. There were over 350 people there and she does a great missionary work speaking to investigators. What a blessing to have heard her and felt her spirit.

Chelsea Our recent Convert

We have met the sweetest young sister. Chelsea is amazing. She joined the church during the last year and has an incredible testimony also. She never misses any missionary function and we were able to take her with us to the Stephanie Smith Fireside. She also came to the mission home a few weeks ago and we had family night. She gave the lesson and is was unbelievable. She is hoping to go on a mission next year. What a great young woman. This is a picture of her with Elders Ganaway and Gifford.