Cookies and Grapes

After 2years or 18 months (Hermanas) of missionary service, the missionaries have opportunity to have a final interview with President Cox, farewell dinner, testimony meeting and pictures galore. All this takes place on Sunday afternoon. I really enjoy this time because they all come into the mission home at different times and while they wait for their interview I have time to visit with them in my kitchen as they nibble on grapes and cookies. It is a great time to hear about their favorite area of service, their favorite companions, what they have learned on the mission, things they will miss about their time in the mission field and people that have become special to them. We visit about their future plans for education, work and girlfriends. For the most part they are soooo unsure of what tomorrow will bring. I love to assure them of future happiness as they apply the same counsel to their lives that they have taught to their investigators for the past 2 years. We love all of our Elders and hate to have them leave but in the same breath we are excited about their futures. This generation includes Elders Yañez, Wells and Hansen on the top row. Elders O'dell, Raya, Lopez V.,Candia and Elders Kay, Lara and Motolinia on the bottom. They were a strong force of our missionaries and we'll miss each of them individually......