Reunions

Kelly and Spencer Kimball hosted a Brussels Reunion for us.  Fun times to reminisce, and chat and reconnect.  Valenzuelas (neighbors downtown) Zoolakis (there in MD and BRU!) Sponbecks, Kimballs, Simmons, Moons, Tomlinson, Jessie Taggert were all represented by either one or more family member.

The Bluths had us over for dinner.  Talented couple.  Always fun to brag about joint grandchildren! They came to our farewell.  We really like them!

One more lovely week-end to spend with Dan's family.  Love them all to pieces!  Thanks for all the love Herways!

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Coming home from a Heber trip we had a stunning light show to enjoy

Mom came up for our missionary farewell!  What a phenomenal woman!  Four generations:   two Stouts, Herway, Packer...

Another four generation:  This time three Herways and a Packer!  Steve and Felicia drove down from IF to join us for our missionary farewell and drop off at the MTC

Jessie had me over for lunch at her apartment.  Her mission is to convince me that I will love living in SLC...we shall see.  She is a good friend and I love hanging with her.

This foursome that really enjoy each other.  It doesn't happen often, but we all enjoy each other very much and love to be together.

Richard and Pam Norby and Jayne and Glen Steinblick.  Missionaries in Brussels.  Richard was caught in the airport for the Brussels bombings.  Next month it will be a year.  He is a walking miracle and one of the reasons we are serving our mission now and not later.  Richard and Pam say, "We want to be where God wants us to be!"  And even if they had the bombing to relive again, they would do it, if that is where God wanted them to be.

Suzanne's family.  We had lots of family there and can't include all photos:  Brent and Shalamar Packer, Austin and Emma Packer, Jaydra Jolley and husband, Shauna and Carolyn Packer and husband, cousins Spence Lloyd and Sandy, Gary and Sue Carpenter,  Steve and Renee,  Karen and Gary Burke, Jenny Tomlinson, Zoolakis,  Eliza Valenzuela.  And of course the Stouts and Steve Herway family, and Mom and Suzanne.
It was fabulous.  Our talks in church went well.  The spirit was really strong.  Suzanne gave a superb review of her 34 years in that ward.  So hard to move on and say good-bye when there are so many memories!  A beautiful musical number with violins and Suzanne playing the piano.  I talked about using our strengths to move the work of God along and that we all have a part.  Also that the whisperings of the spirit are so soft, so gentle, and we can miss them if we aren't listening carefully.  Tom spoke about happiness based on belonging and meaningfulness in our lives and the gospel gives us that opportunity.  Fruits of the Gospel and the power of example, and we go on missions to share the fruit of the Tree of Life.

Below are the pictures taken at our setting apart.  We are now officially full time missionaries!  It's been fun to be nomads and hang out with family and friends but now we have a mission to complete!  Love to all, and thank you for your love and support.  We will try to make you proud of us!  XOXO