From the refrig Nov 2010

"Now, before we hear from our speakers this morning, may I mention a matter close to my heart and which deserves our serious attention. I speak of missionary work.....And now to you mature brothers and sisters: we need many, many more senior couples. To the faithful couples now serving or who have served in the past, we thank you for your faith and devotion to the gospel of Jesus Christ. You serve willingly and well and accomplish great good.

To those of you who are not yet to the season of life when you might serve a couples mission, I urge you to prepare now for the day when you and your spouse might do so. As your circumstances allow, as you are eligible for retirement, and as your health permits, make yourselves available to leave home and give full-time missionary service. There are few times in your lives when you will enjoy the sweet spirit and satisfaction that come from giving full-time service together in the work of the Master.

Now, my brothers and sisters, may you be attuned to the Spirit of the Lord as we hear from His servants during the next two days. That this may be the blessing of each, I pray humbly in the name of Jesus."

Ensign, Monson, Nov. 2010,pp. 5-6


Guy and I were in that session and we both knew that it was time to get ready to go. Our thoughts were to put papers in in the spring of 2012, after Mikes graduation. Guy and Maria have both squeezed a baby in before our departure too. The other families are complete now and so unless Mandy has a baby while we are gone, we are good to go for at least a while! There is great freedom in serving in the mission as an adult couple today. We are told that if emergencies arise we would be able to travel home for a day or two. It takes a ton of worry away from our minds. We will make sure that everyone can Skype, even Grandma and Grandpa Hill before we take off. We live in a wonderful time. I wonder if I will still be able to work on my genealogy tapes???? I have been walking around the house making all sorts of lists of things to do and take etc. Its amazing when we get down to it how little some things mean and how precious others are. Won't miss TV but don't think we could live without the computer!