If you hide from the missionaries did you purchase a first class ticket to Hell?

We moved to Florida in 2006 for work and a change of scenery. We both worked in the hospitality industry and Orlando seemed a logical place. When you move far away from family and friends you find out quickly that you really are alone. Dennis went to the grocery store one day and ran into the LDS missionaries. He was excited because it was something familiar and began talking to them. After giving them our address he gathered his things and left. Now, if a "less active" member gives the missionaries their address...what do you suppose they will do??? They come over! At the time neither Dennis or I were interested in hearing their message. So after that when they came over, we would literally hide in the closet or a back bedroom. How pathetic is that?!? It wasn't like they could see through the door, or that we were obligated to answer the door and let them in. Looking back I think it was because we knew they were there to tell us something we needed to hear. And for the record after getting to know the missionaries they informed us that they know when you are hiding from them. Maybe it was the lights being on or the TV. We were not the first and certainly will not be the last. Months went by and at least once a week we would come home to a note on the door or a pass-along card from the missionaries. A short time after that something happened and we decided we were ready to at least hear what they had to say. So we invited them over and took the discussions, just like a new member would. We set up appointments and the missionaries started coming over once a week. We usually had them over for dinner and then we would have a lesson. They invited us to church so we went. Well, technically we went for sacrament meeting then made an excuse that we had to leave. The ward was awesome and after a few weeks of going we decided to stay for other classes. It was an amazing experience. Our ward was incredible at making you feel welcome. I even attended activites which were my biggest fear. Dennis starting visiting people with the missionaries, which was a great experience and testimony builder. During those six months we built relationships with some amazing people. Even though we were only active for a few months before we moved we encountered a ward split. This was a huge challenge. We had relationships with our ward members and now we were being asked to move to a different ward. Although that ward was amazing I always feel a stronger bond with those whom we met in the Metrowest Ward. Recently, I was talking to my family about finding our missionaries. They made a huge impact on our life and I just wanted to thank them for everything they did for us. So naturally, I turned to Facebook. And through a few searches I was able to find Elder Bonnett. And from looking through his friends I was able to find Elder Unga. I sent them messages and they are both home and doing so well. They live locally and we are planning on getting together soon. Hopefully Elder Unga will not mind me stealing this picture from his Facebook. I just wanted to show you our missionaries. This picture was taken in the community where we lived called Metrowest. So from Left to Right is: Elder Olson (New York), Elder Hamilton (Arizona), Elder Unga (Utah), Elder Bonnett (Utah)

New Years and an Apostolic Blessing

I really need to get back on the ball. I am only now getting to posting about New Years. For New Years Eve we celebrated with Mom, Dad, Dennis, Myself, Lisa, and Bryan. The grandkids were here to but they went to bed about 7 pm so they don't count. We decided to play Phase 10. This game has a special place in our heart. We played it just about every night when we went to Cancun in June of 2006. After Cancun Lisa affectionately called it "Skip Lisa." So it was really fun to play it together as a family again.



While we were playing cards we put on the cable oldies music channel. The challenge was to try to guess either the artist or the song name. Let's just say that Lisa was a fierce competitor, but I won that game. Mom was the all out winner of Phase 10 though. Good job Mom! I asked Lisa to take a picture with me and this is the hairstyle she decided to go with.



At 11:50 we woke my dad up and poured the sparkling cider. You have to toast the new year with something bubbly. Since we don't drink champagne, Apple Cider was the next logical choice.



It was so nice to ring in the new year with some of the people I love most.



The Sunday after New Years was fast Sunday. I hadn't been feeling well and went in to church feeling tired and overall less than thrilled to be there. I sat down and looked on the stand. Sitting there was none other than Elder Jeffrey R. Holland.



His daughter lives in our ward and he and his wife were babysitting for the weekend. What an honor to have an apostle in our presence and the spirit was definitely felt there. I think it was one of the most spiritual fast and testimony meetings I have ever been to. After everyone had a chance to bear their testimony he got up and spoke to us. It was amazing! He concluded with an apostolic blessing for us for the new year. It really was the best way to start the new year. I could not have asked for more. So here's to a great 2009!