Farewell Sunday

Wow, its here, farewell Sunday.  He leaves in 10 days....way too fast.   Anthony was supported by family, friends, and ward members like nothing I expected.  It was overwhelming to me to see all those people in my house and not everyone who wanted to could make it.  People have truly blessed us, come out of the woodwork to show their love of my son.  People that have watched him grow up - we moved here when he was turning 5 - that have called me or dropped off cards, cookies, texts, books, and support that just say how much they love my son and just as proud of him as I am. Wow.  That definitely makes this mom emotional.
Anthony's only living grandparents were unable to make it down for his farewell due to weather.  We were sad for that but understood and would greatly like to have them still around than risk their lives driving over in bad weather.  For their sake and anyone else who wasn't able to attend Sacrament Meeting with us, I have summarized Anthony's talk.  He did a great job.

"I was given the subject of Teaching the Saviors way by teaching by the spirit.  I found a first presidency message by Elder Eyring where he talks about relating to the people you teach by knowing what they need to hear.  When I enter the mission field  I won't have my Dad, Mom, or friends to lean on or turn to for answers, I will only have my companion and the spirit.  In D&C 8:2 it reads:  Yea, behold I will tell you in your mind and in your heart, by the Holy Ghost, which shall come upon you, and which shall dwell in your heart.  When my buddy Dan, who's already in the mission field, left on his mission he made it look easy.  I've come to realize that there is a lot more work that goes into it than I realized.  I now understand his comments of "sorry dude, I can't hang, I've got things to do."  I thought it would be buy this stuff, put it together and than have time to hang with friends and family, in the past two months since I received my call, I know that's not the case.
While watching "The District", one of the required assignments before my mission, I more fully realized that it won't be like teaching by the spirit with my friends and family that I know and know what they need.  I won't know these people or have a connection to them.  Therefore, I will need to have a prayer with my companion first, before we leave for the day so that we will be prepared and can listen to the spirit who can tell us what these people need.  I've learned from my buddies, Elder Saunders (Dan) and Elder Lund (Taylor), as I've read their letters and emails, that they do their teaching from the spirit every day and so far, it been the best time of their lives.  I wanted to give my talk, like Elder Lund at his farewell, where he stood at the pulpit with his subject and his scriptures and the spirit.  I highlighted items on the talks I found, items that I thought needed to be repeated and said.
I'd like to close by bearing my testimony that I know the gospel is true, that I am supposed to be on my mission.  There was time when I hadn't decided whether to go or stay; yet as the past 2 months have gone by and I've received blessings by financial support, etc, I know that this is where I am to be and when.The Lord has been preparing the way for me to help the people he has prepared.   As my buddy Dan said, "The worst part of a mission is being dropped off at the MTC, but than the next day you wake up, forget it, get filled with the spirit and set about to do the work."  The spirit comforts and guides us.  This is what the Lord has planned for me.  I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Wow.   My little boy really has grown up.  He stood there confident, happy, and at peace.  I don't know anyone that could have looked at him that didn't know that he understands, accepts, and believes in what the Lord has planned for him.  

We had a large gathering afterward at our tiny home lol - 10 degrees outside and we OPENED a window!! I have never seen so many people in my home at one time.  Wall to wall to wall to wall.  I have wonderful sisters and sisters-in-law who took over and set up before I got home and had everything all taken care of.  The brought soup, rolls, veggies, fruit, soda, sweets, and willing hands and hearts.  I couldn't have made it through today without them. (Cherisa too - she's not a sister though) Linda was able to make it up after having some personal issues we spent a pleasant afternoon giggling, visiting, and taking kid pictures.  She video taped me taking pictures of my children, you wonder why we don't go out?  we don't need to.  >.< I have a house full of hams, oh brother.

Different neighbors have drifted in and out today to tell Anthony congratulations and goodbye in case they don't see him in the next week.  He's feeling overwhelmed and  tired but is being gracious enough that though he may disappear for a minute or two, he reappears and stays with the company until they depart. =] Makes a momma feel good when their boys remember their manners. ♥