In the beginning:

Jerry and I have dreamed of serving together as missionaries as long as we've been married.  He served in the Great Lakes Mission in 1964 - 1966.  Todd served in Korea, Shawn served in Chile and Vanessa served in Brazil.  We love the missionary spirit.

Now our children are raised and on their own and our grandchildren are in great hands.  We will finish our service at the prison this Sunday and it's time to get out there and serve a mission. 

THIS IS HARD!  How did I not know all the emotions that go into preparing to leave and serve?  Good thing I have such a wonderful companion.  I don't know how I could do this alone!  At first, my mind began reviewing all the "to-do's"  :  what do I wear?  should we leave the house vacant or have someone live here?  what about the cars? , etc.   Then I began to realize that these are just "things" and the spirit took over to help me give up my "self" and to prepare spiritually.  It's so interesting when that happens.  Almost as if I am watching myself in a movie, going through all the daily motions, while inside I am growing and changing and allowing myself to not be in charge or control, but rather to do the right thing and everything will work out.  I do know that preparation is the key.  Now that we are physically prepared, the house is in order, etc.  it is wonderful.  I am disconnected from the house, while still engaged in the process of preparing it for others to come and enjoy it while I am away.  A year ago, I was adamant that I could not have anyone else in my home.   Now I understand!  I don't need this home while I am serving, and this home can serve someone else.  Check that off the list!

When our calls came, we thought about waiting a couple of days until we were all together as a family, but that thought quickly fled.  We were too excited!  We picked up the phones and started to call everyone and share our excitement.  Our kids were so excited with us and told all the grandchildren.  We used Facetime to tell the three grandchildren in Austin, TX.   I posted on Facebook and received such lovely replies.  Three other couples posted their mission calls also and we feel like part of a worldwide team.    "Member and Leadership Development" is the name of our call.  Our Mission President (a dear friend) wants us to be finding and teaching.  There has been good success with the couple before us.  They will be released early in May and we look forward to meeting with them before we go. 

That's all for now.