Set apart.

The Zimbabwe Train is full speed ahead. Here are a few of the blessings filling our days:

We were grateful to slip in to the newly reopened Provo MTC to snap the traditional map photo. In all the times I walked past this map in the main hall during the 4 years we had the privilege of serving there, never once did our minds rest on Africa.

We spoke in our home ward on Father's Day, and met two of our soon to be missionaries, as well as the incredible parents of a few more. The sacrifice to serve a mission is about more than just the missionary...there are often loving parents who have spent a lifetime teaching their children and preparing for this day, and we are so grateful for the strength these missionaries will bring to our mission.

When possible, each mission president and companion are set apart by a member of the Quorum of 12 Apostles. At 9:30am this morning, we were blessed to meet with a special witness of Jesus Christ. Elder Neal A. Andersen and Elder Terence M. Vinson of the Seventy spent almost an hour with us, counseling and offering advice and support. Then on behalf of President Russell M. Nelson, Elder Andersen set Gary apart and bestowed priesthood keys and the power and authority necessary to preside over the Zimbabwe Harare Mission. He then set me apart as a full-time missionary and blessed me with gifts specific to assisting with the sacred work of gathering Israel in Africa at this time. 

It was especially meaningful to have our children and our mothers join us for this sacred moment in time for our family. The next three years will have an impact on each member of our family, and Elder Andersen was very mindful of that.  Later I asked them to share their impressions with me. Here is what one of them said, "I was so impressed with how calm, level, and present Elder Andersen was. He was able to respond and relate to each of us as if we were long time friends. He was very in tune with the spirit which helped him say exactly what we all needed to hear. I also admired his realness and that he didn’t sugar coat everything. I thought you and Gary both looked so peaceful and content. It was very comforting to see you both ready and willing."

 

A dear friend took the time to come and see us while we were there, called our kids by name, and ministered to me one on one, just like she always does. It is just one of her many gifts. 

The overarching feelings we each experienced while we were there, were beautifully represented in Elder Andersen's personal secretary, Alisa who has been our contact for this event. In every interaction she was joyful, optimistic, calm, kind, and even suggested the family picture with Elder Andersen (it's like she read my mind!) We feel strengthened and sustained. Our kids did too, and that may have been the greatest gift of all.