18 January 2008

Well it is official – we are now Elder and Sister Pier.

How wonderful it was to be surrounded by family and friends as hands were laid upon our heads and by the power of the Priesthood be set apart to serve in the South Africa, Durban mission for 18 months and receive great blessings of support.  I had forgotten that President Jackson received a commission from the First Presidency to have the authority to set us apart.  Also in the circle was Bishop Peterson, Kevin Kelly, Nate Tanner, Tom Alexander, and Bob. I got to join it when Mary was set apart. After we were set apart President Jackson asked Cindy to be the scribe and write down the reactions of the grandchildren to being there. I amost forgot that Jim was able to take part in the setting apart through listening on the phone.

It was wonderful to have Bob, Cindy and Tom with their families at sacrament meeting. Also there was Melvin and Fran Anderson and Cathy and Glenn Roberts. I think we both did well with our talks. Of course as usual my prepared talk mainly went unused. But the Lord truly blessed me as he always does. My theme ended up being about trusting Christ and I did.

After Church we spent some time talking to the Roberts. What a great couple. Cathy is recovering from knee surgery and this was the first time she had been out. We felt honored that she would take the effort to come to hear us speak. They could not come back to the house because she needed to get home and rest.

The Anderson’s did come to the house for a while. They are among our oldest friends. I was really surprised when Fran said that she always enjoys my talks and still remembers a talk I gave over 40 years ago in Inglewood Stake. When she told me about it, I did not remember ever giving it. They are going to be a great missionary couple when they can  serve.

We have been truly blessed with family and friends. But the greatest blessing we have is knowing our Redeemer, Savior and God, Jesus Christ and being able to always have His spirit to be with us.