A Day to Remember!

Our day started with a session in the Salt Lake Temple. Our son Chad and his wife Melissa were in town from New York and they joined us for the session, along with our dear friends the Nicolaysens. Then we headed to Elder Oaks office for our setting apart. Elder Oaks was so gracious and visited with us for a long time. Joining us there were our son and daughter-in-law, the Nicolaysens and then Rudy's "adopted" American family--Al and Marian Walkowski and their daughter Sharon.
Elder Oaks set Rudy apart and Elder Jensen set me apart. We both received blessings that touched our hearts. This was truly an unforgetable experience.

Last night we had the privilege to gather with the families of 19 of our missionaries. Thanks to Brother and Sister Hale who opened up their Orem home for the occassion. Elder and Sister Breese were able to join us as well. They will serve as our office secretary and finance director. What a joy it was to meet so many wonderful people and to learn a little about each of the missionaries. We shared many stories, hugs and tears. Sister Webre and her parents came, she enters the MTC today. We understand that we will have the opportunity to meet with our missionaries who are currently at the MTC on Friday night. (Sister Webre, Elder Brown, Elder Valdez, and Elder Crowley!)
We are so grateful to each of these families who were able to join us. We also realize that there are many other wonderful families that couldn't make it and are just as anxious to meet their missionaries. (On Sunday we were able to spend some time with Elder Naylor's family as well as Elder Bean and his family. Elder Bean goes to the MTC in September.)

Last Day in Sioux Falls

While in the midst of packing, we received a call from one of the local TV stations, inquiring about our mission call. They thought this was a newsworthy event and asked to come to our home, interview us, and share our story. We obliged, and are grateful for the interest. We are only disappointed that all references to the Church, and Jesus Christ were edited out.

All is well!

We are happy to report that we got a good offer on our home. The buyers have sold their home, prequalified and ready to close in mid-July. (One of our sons will serve as our power of attorney and take care of the closing for us.) We consider this a miracle and know that many of our friends have been praying for it to sell. Thanks to all of you who cheerfully reminded us time and again that God is in charge and it will all work out.

This is the last piece of unfinished business. Now we are ready to charge forward. Cauayan City, Philippines...here we come!

Sister Carlos