A couple weeks ago I received the sweetest message along with a picture from a member of one of the wards where Xander had first served. Xander had actually met this man his very first day in the mission field and was able to stop by recently and visit with him for a few minutes. This man was kind enough to reach out to me with the following note:
"We met your son originally on the first day here in Utah with his first companion. He was doing splits today and decided to stop by and say hi. He is a good young man, you have a lot to be proud of." I responded with how much I miss him and he replied back: "I'm sure it seems like a long time ago as close as he is to your heart. As a parent time seems to slow down every day he is away. Just know he is making a difference in many people's lives and testifying of our Savior to those who are in need of it and searching for the purpose of this mortal existence. Thank you for your sacrifice to let your son serve. I hope this year goes by a little faster."
What his first year has looked like: trainings, councils, conferences, member messages, personal and companion study, good lessons, new friends to teach, door knocking grind, lots of rejection, struggles, tender mercies, food (his favorite is Chubby's), time at the temple, highs and lows, 8 different companions, 2 different mission presidents, service, P day fun (fishing, pickle ball, Here to Slay, basketball, volleyball), meeting tons of people, spiritual experiences, knee pain, bike crashes, homie members, hitting multiple church services on Sundays, miracles, baptisms (he even got to do one in Russian!), witnessing hearts change and an increased desire to follow Jesus Christ. As Xander put it in his last email - the work continues!
His latest crop of photos!
Meeting up with his very first companion, Elder Reams!
The baptism of a little angel.
Temple Day!
Holy pizza!
No comments:
Post a Comment