On Wednesday, April 20th, Jon and I flew to Orange County for the Interim Mission President Seminar. This is the first time that the Brethren could remember that the Wives were invited. They said it was because they were introducing some big changes that were coming in the training of new missionaries, and they thought Wives should be there with their husbands so both could be on board. I secretly think we were invited because I missed the Seminar last September because of my chemotherapy, and I needed to see all of these great women one more time before they were released! (That is what I believe!) And, we did receive some great instruction together! Another little gift from Heavenly Father was that Elder Kearon was there. Remember when I said I didn't think I would ever see him again. I was so excited! And, we got to meet his wife Jen as well! It was a fabulous couple of days!
We started Wednesday at 1pm and went until after dinner around 8. Thursday, we were at the church from 8-8. I was a little worried about how I would handle such long days...I did great! I think that must be a good measure of how I am returning to normal, right? Friday we were there from 8-1, then we flew back and were home by 8pm. During the three days we were blessed spiritually, to understand some things better and to be rejuvenated to get totally engaged in the work again upon returning home. Elder Rasband (the senior President of the Seventy), Elder Clayton (one of the seven President's), Elder Bowen, Elder Kearon and Elder Allen were all there to teach and uplift us. I learned a lot! I was so grateful for the nudge I felt to be better when I returned to Santa Rosa.
On Thursday afternoon, the Women got to meet together for a bit of a testimony meeting. It was a sweet experience! It is in those meetings that you really feel bonded to one another! Friday morning all of the Area Authority Seventy were there. We had thirteen members of the Seventy bear testimony to us that morning. It was a powerful and memorable experience! We felt so blessed to be there!
I got some courage and asked if I could take a few pictures. Here are some of my favorites!
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| This group includes Elder Trythall, The Jackson's (San Jose Mission) and the Pendleton's (Roseville Mission). |
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| Elder Kearon, and Elder and Sister Bowen |
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| The Wives :) |
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| The President's and Elder's :) |
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| Jon and President Jardine (Sacramento Mission) |
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| The Jardine's and the Pendleton's (my mentor's) - finishing their service in 2011 |
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| Elder Steve and Nancy Allen - "the MAN" and his wife! |
