The past several weeks have been a master class in preparation — and in patience.
We’ve spent countless hours studying. Preach My Gospel, the scriptures, the General Handbook, leadership materials — the kind of deep, purposeful reading that reminds you why this work matters and just how much you still have to learn. That part has been wonderful.
The rest has been, let’s say, character-building.
We decided to dig into our storage room and sort through what we’d packed away, pulling out the things we want to bring to Indiana and putting back what stays behind. Once that was done and everything was neatly back in place, the water heater failed. So we unpacked it all again, fixed the water heater — then a new water softener while we were at it — and put everything back. Again. The furnace has also decided that now is an excellent time to develop a personality, so an HVAC technician is coming to deliver what will either be good news or an expensive surprise. We’re optimistic, but prepared.
Then, the night before the movers were scheduled to arrive, our safe — the one holding every important document we own — decided it was done. Just done. A new safe is on the way.
We would like the record to show that none of this has slowed us down.
On a happier note, we were able to sell my laptop for a reasonable loss, which in the world of aging technology feels like a win. And we said goodbye to our beloved GMC Denali — the truck that has pulled our trailer to so many beautiful places, weathered so many miles, and become something of an honorary family member over the years. It deserves a good home, and we trust it found one.
The movers came today. Our things are on their way to Indiana.
We enter the Missionary Training Center in eight days.
We’re taking our favorite things with us, including this painting of the Sermon on the Mount that we love. It will hang in our mission home and remind us every day of the Teacher we are trying to follow and the standard we are trying to meet.
We’ve also included a photo of the Provo Utah Temple — not from a recent visit, but because it holds a place in our hearts that no other building does. Linda and I were married there 43 years ago. The temple has since been torn down to make way for its replacement, which makes this image feel all the more precious. As we leave for Indiana to begin this new chapter of service, it feels right to carry that memory with us.
Perhaps we should write a mission departure song. Something along the lines of “All my bags are packed, ready to go…” — and honestly, that about covers it. Things have gone wrong, but overall life is great and we are still ready. More than ready.
The Lord’s errand waits. We can’t get there fast enough.