A very nice surprise

I had the nicest surprise on my way home from the office today. There on the corner of Muravskaya and Piatnitzkaya was Alexander's van with all of our wonderful missionaries who are returning home tomorrow. They were there all together! I had the opportunity to visit with each one for a couple of minutes and there were hugs all around. Saying goodbye to this amazing young woman, Julene Jolley, and our wonderful elders (Elder Stegeby, Elder Starr, Elder Jones, Elder Raymond, Elder Law and Elder Kirkham) was bittersweet. I have gotten to know and love them over the past 15 months. Requests for new name tags or ordering new Book of Mormons, letting them know they had received a package from home or talking to  them about their flight home and whether or not I should add de-worming pills to their departure packets (not THAT made for some interesting conversation)!  They thanked Elder Sutton and I (remember, he is the one who put money on their MSF card every month) for everything we had done. Serving in the office is a joy. It is far more than sitting behind a desk all day. They have been such a blessing to US. We love them for their dedication and service and  commitment here in the land of Russia, having put their education on hold for a season to serve the Lord. They are an inspiration and a wonderful example to us. They have done more for us than we have ever done for them. It has been said many times over that you learn to love those you serve. And we do love these young men and women dearly! We are looking forward to staying in touch with them through FB. and pray the Lord's blessings upon them as they return to their homes to pursue their education, get married, and embark on their careers. Yes, it really was the nicest surprise and happy ending to this day.