Sunday, August 9, 2015

We attended the mission farewell for these two young men today:

E.J. Castillo and Lolo Escondone.

 

E.J. is the son of Kendall and Kristy Thomas who were in our ward when James was the bishop.  We are so proud of E.J. for choosing to serve a mission.  He will be the first in his family.  Lolo is a convert of just 2-3 years, but what a wonderful testimony he has. 

I am so glad that Alex and Michael went with us to this farewell because it was so inspirational.

E.J., or Edward told a story about reading the Doctrine and Covenants for seminary and coming across this scripture:

"Thus saith the Lord God, the Mighty One of Israel: Behold, I say unto you, my servant Edward, that you are blessed, and your sins are forgiven you, and you are called to preach my gospel as with the voice of a trump;"

D&C 36:1

It was this scripture that made Edward realize he wanted to serve a mission.

The young man in the middle plays on the Chandler High football team and Alex says he's the best tackle in the state.  His last name is Tillini.  He dad played the ukele and he sang

"O Lord, My Redeemer"

At the end of the song he had tears in his eyes and so did I and several other people in the congregation, including President Mitch Jones.

Bishop Richardson spoke highly of both young men.

Here he said he now knows what an Oreo cookie feels like.

President Jones came off the stand before the meeting started to come to the middle of the row where we were sitting to shake hands with James.  He did this same thing when we attended Joseph's seminary graduation.  He and James have known each other since college when they wrestled on the same team at Mesa Community College. 

After the meeting I got hugs from my dear friend Sheila Young.  Sheila and I both grew up in Show Low and I knew her sister Wanda and her mother Louise who was one of the nicest sisters I remember in our Show Low ward.  Sheila and I have become good friends.  I also got a hug from Kristy Kaufman Boyer whom I've know all of her life, but whom I've gotten to know better via Facebook.

Oh yes, one more friend in this Ray 2nd ward.  Mark Coria, a friend of Sheri and Kim's in high school conducted the meeting.

 

We got a call from our realtor Jen MacLay this afternoon saying someone wanted to show the house.  James and I were on our way to Rowan's birthday party so it worked out fine. 

Rowan's birthday isn't until tomorrow but he celebrated tonight with his family.

9 years old tomorrow

I visited with Suzy Case.  She has two of her kids and their children living with her right now.  She is an amazing mother and grand-mother.  She works in the temple and is the Primary President in a ward with about 120 children.  I admire both her and her husband Bob.  They are wonderful people!