Welcome Home for Elder Kris

We made it to the sacrament meeting to hear our grandson, Kris give his return talk about his mission in Madagascar. The theme of his talk was about how the Holy Ghost assists in bringing the gospel to others. His response to those promptings were so helpful and the examples he gave.

I saw and heard how much he loves the Lord, and his willingness to follow him and feel the greatest conversion in himself. He spoke to a packed chapel and cultural hall. It was practically full to the back. The other speaker was a young man, Kevin Martins that participated on the program giving his farewell to leave to Brazil for his mission on Tuesday this week. He is a native Brazilian and received his call to go to his native country. Elder Martins is also a good friend of K3.

Kris' grandparents, Lynn and Linda Weight, his Aunt Lynette, Aunt Lisa and Jeff with their daughters, JoLynn, and Julani from Wenatchee all came too to hear him speak.

There was a full turnout from our family too, for Kris' homecoming. Tanise, and Kaiwi with all of her family were present, Tara and Russell and theirs as well. Traci, and her four, Drew, Adam, Madi, and Luke attended. Aaron and Candice with their four, Aislyn, Ella, Parker, and Joel enjoyed being there too. Besides, Grandma and Grandpa Ron.

We had a get-together at Aaron's for a nice potluck meal, of roast beef, baked mashed potato casserole, and large green salad, rolls, and chocolate cake with whipped frosting. We wanted to celebrate Ron's birthday this week with family here. We were able to visit with everyone and then rushed off to Hank and Lori's.

Ron and I were invited to dinner with them and had time to visit with the return missionary over dinner. We also had roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, candied carrots, and sesame green beans. There was carrot cake and ice creams for dessert.

We missed Hank, and know it was difficult for him to not be there for Kris' return. We love you Hank and know you are being blessed and watched over nevertheless being so far away. You were there in Spirit.

As I looked at Kris when he gave his talk, I, for a moment saw my son and he was that same age. He had his head bowed to look at his notes and as he looked up, there I saw his father, Hank's image. What a transformation for this young man who left two years ago, and returned a full grown man! Missions have a way of doing that, for which mother's are most grateful.

I noticed that the opening song was the same as when his dad left of his mission, "Dear To The Heart Of The Shepard."

God bless him as he adjusts to being "Kris McIntire" and decide what he is about with work and school ahead of him.

Well done thou good and faithful servant.