Sandy Utah Open House

On Saturday August 9, 2014 we had our Missionary Farewell Open House at our home in Sandy, Utah. We were delighted to have so many family and friends over for some great food and laughs. I decorated the house with lots of African-themed centerpieces (thanks to Hobby Lobby & Zurcher's!) including a gorgeous African elephant & calf statue & a hand-carved ostrich egg that my parents brought home from Capetown. And yep, I had to dress the part in a leopard-print blouse my mom loaned me, haha! It was such a fun evening! 

Some of our fellow BYU Boosters...Lyndel, Lynne, Lola, Kaye & her granddaughter.

Our former bishop, Randy Harris & his wife, Karen

Such a sweet picture of my nephew, Aaron,
with his Grandma Carolyn

My darling daughter-in-law, Loren
with her sweet Daddy.
Love this picture :)
BTW, Loren is carrying our next
little granddaughter (due in Oct)
Grandchild #18!!!
Thank goodness for Skype so we
can see this little dolly!

I can only imagine what Randy was saying to Aaron...haha!

It was wonderful to see our former neighbors, Stan & Jill.
They had just driven in from Albuquerque!

Jeremy helped keep the boys entertained with an
intense game of football. Go Team Back & Orullian!

My cute parents, Gordon & Carolyn Owen, with their
life-long friends, Lawry & Marilyn Hunsaker

Getting all these wound-up grandkids to hold still for a picture
was quite a trick! We love them SO much!!!
Mason, Zoe, Kylie
Kingston, Aidan, Easton, Malosi & Addie

My handsome boys & beautiful daughters:
Shane, Matt, Heather, Mike
Lindsey & Dan

Sunday, August 10th, Bob & I spoke in our Willow Canyon 8th Ward. I spoke about how we came to the decision to serve a mission, & also explained what our assignment will consist of as Public Affairs missionaries. I shared the analogy Brother Otterson used in our training last week about comparing this experience to a roller coaster ride: When we received our call, it was like climbing into the car & getting buckled in. Then... climbing up & up the track in anticipation, as we got all of our preparations made & training done. As you reach the top of the coaster & get ready to descend is like where we are RIGHT NOW! Whoa...what are we doing? Do I want to jump off, or enjoy the rest of the ride? Well, we are about to start flying down the track, & with butterflies in our stomachs...we are going to love EVERY MINUTE! 

I did finally get to addressing our topic, which was "Receiving Guidance & Direction from the Holy Ghost". We have definitely had to rely on the Spirit throughout this entire process. We have felt the Lord's influence & know that this will be one of the most wonderful blessings of our lives.

Sister Andrus & Sister Kristani sang a gorgeous arrangement of "Faith in Every Footstep". This has always been one of my favorite missionary songs, & added such a strong spirit to the meeting. It gave me chills! I was sure glad I spoke BEFORE they sang, because I would have been too emotional after!

Bob gave an amazing talk, he is such a great speaker! He shared many of his experiences working with Family History, where the Spirit has guided him to find ancestors in remarkable ways. He is so dedicated & diligent in his research, & I know there will be a blessed reunion on the other side of the veil as he meets so many of these family members.