Our Last Farewell
On Monday morning, Garrett flew off to Provo, Utah. Getting him ready for a two-year leave of absence has been quite the undertaking. Hopefully, he has all that he will need. Whether he does or not, I place my complete trust in the Lord and commit him to His care until I see him again. Garrett spoke in church last Sunday and seemed as ready to begin his two years of missionary service as I could have ever hoped he would be. He is a fine young man who truly loves the Lord. My prayer is that he will come to love the Norwegian people with all of his heart.
He was set apart last Sunday evening as a full-time, proselyting missionary by the laying on of hands. The Stake President said that he had been given that authority from the First Presidency of the Church who hold the keys to the gathering of Israel in these latter days. (These keys were originally given in this dispensation to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery by three resurrected beings - Peter, James, and John - that comprised a first presidency anciently.) Before departing to the airport, Dad gave Garrett a blessing that provided great comfort to me in letting him go. Surprisingly, no tears were shed. There were lots of hugs to go around, but the reality of it all has yet to hit. Garrett walked through the security gate at the airport and never once looked back, literally.
Hansen picked Garrett up at the Salt Lake City airport. On Tuesday, they both went into the Salt Lake Temple for an endowment session. Garrett stayed with his grandparents and enjoyed seeing aunts, uncles, and cousins who wished him well. Yesterday, Garrett entered the Missionary Training Center. For eight weeks or so, he will attend classes to learn the language, customs, and culture of Norway and to be instructed in doctrine and in principle as to the full-time preaching of the gospel. I can’t wait to hear from him each week as he shares with us his experiences and spiritual training.
Hansen picked Garrett up at the Salt Lake City airport. On Tuesday, they both went into the Salt Lake Temple for an endowment session. Garrett stayed with his grandparents and enjoyed seeing aunts, uncles, and cousins who wished him well. Yesterday, Garrett entered the Missionary Training Center. For eight weeks or so, he will attend classes to learn the language, customs, and culture of Norway and to be instructed in doctrine and in principle as to the full-time preaching of the gospel. I can’t wait to hear from him each week as he shares with us his experiences and spiritual training.
