Gretchencompleteshermission!!!

You have heard from gretchengoestocanada for almost 18 months now! But the time has nearly arrived for gretchencomeshome!


Yes, you will no longer have to put up with sporadic, lame blog entries from her Dad! You will very soon be able to hear from Gretchen directly and in the first person and in all her glory as a proud returned missionary! Sister Chemmy (as she has often been called on her mission) will fly home next Friday (August 27th) and will formally be released from her mission that evening. It is hoped that we (her parents) can drive her straight to the Missionary Training Center (MTC) in Provo from the airport so she can briefly visit her younger brother, Phillip, who will have entered the MTC two days before her arrival home (to begin his two year mission to the Dominican Republic).

As you might suspect, her parents could not be more excited to see her! She has served honorably and has blessed the lives of so many through her selfless service. And no doubt she will say that her life has been blessed beyond description over these many months of hard work and service.

For those interested, Gretchen will be speaking in Church on Sunday, September 12th beginning at 10:50 a.m. and ending about 12 Noon. You are also welcome to drop by our house afterwards for treats and mingling with Gretchen whether you come to the meeting or not.

Gretchen has been keeping her focus on missionary work these last few weeks of her mission despite the natural anticipation of returning home that comes near the end of any mission. She and her companion had a baptism a week ago and they have two more scheduled for this weekend! After all, that is what missionary work is all about. In her own words from her last email: “This week is going to be amazing! I love you all! I love being a missionary!”