For awhile now, every little event has gained sinificance
because it was the last for President and Sister Fry.
because it was the last for President and Sister Fry.
The last trip to Mariupol, the last Sunday meeting with each branch,
the last stay in Kharkov, the last dinner with the couples,
the last time welcoming new missionaries . . . the last time sending them off.![]()
the last stay in Kharkov, the last dinner with the couples,
the last time welcoming new missionaries . . . the last time sending them off.
. I know there were many, many experiences that were, for them, the last.
Most we did not share. Some, we did, like the last Zone conference.
Always it was coming, coming, coming.
The office computers began a count-down
as the Outlook "reminder" screen continued to pop-up
with it's "11 hours until release" . . .
"9 hours 13 minutes until release" . . .
"5 hours until release" . . .
 |
| Breakfast with President and Sister Fry their last morning in Ukraine And then it was here. The plane touched down. The Camperos stepped onto Ukranian soil and the hand-off was made. |
Elder Campero became President Campero.
"Here are the keys to your office."
"Here are the staff who will help make your vision reality."
"Here are the young men and women who will make a difference."
And so, in Donetsk, Ukraine the torch was passed and the flame burns on.
What does it mean that Wade's breast pocket held a fork? Is that his tool for missionary work?
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing thing this gospel is, to call, to require all, then to release, just like that...
ReplyDeleteAnd the released find they are truly released - (peculiar feeling, not needed, for the stone, while requiring our whole hearts, still rolls without hands) -they are FREE to turn inward and homeward, yet after a time they are too changed, too invested in a deeper experience of covenant for their old spot to fit peacefully- so the pattern of growth continues...
Bless you, President and Sister Fry.
Bless you, President and Sister Campero.
Bless you, Elder and Sister Hatch.
(Sherwin, you are too funny. Does Julie deserve you?(Do you?xoxo)
LOL Sherwin! I could see that being Dad's favorite missionary tool! Julie - you two fit so well together . . .
ReplyDeleteand there was a last for you to be with us, a last Sunday, a last meal, a last hug, but then the lasts always lead to a whole bunch of firsts!
For the Fry's they will have a first back in the US after being Pres of a Ukraine mission, there will be the first flight home, the first hugs to their family, their first Sunday as rms, Just as there will be for you. Yes, they are both happy and sad all the way around!! and fabulous that the torch continues on . . . I love how the gospel never skips a beat - when Pres Hinkley passed away, Pres Monson was there to go forward!