Pugmire farewell

My wonderful parents-in-law received their mission call to serve in Honolulu, at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Last Sunday they spoke in sacrament meeting in their ward, kind of their "farewell". We got up early that morning, we wanted to be there by 8:30 am to get seats, their ward gets kind of crowded. This was a challenge with the kids, plus I had helped with the Stake Dance until about 11:00 pm the night before. Anyway, we made it up there on time. The roads weren't even too bad (it had snowed a little the night before).

We were all in the chapel when Don and Jo walked in. The grandkids went up in little groups to give them a hug as they came through the doors near the stand. The smaller ones came up first, up to Drew and Maddies. Don and Jo did such a wonderful job speaking. Jo spoke about the three things that hold couples back from serving a mission. She also talked about trials and blooming where you are planted. Jo mentioned about Don, doing so much to make her burdens light. Jo has had Parkinsons for 9 years now. A few months ago she started some medication that has improved her symptoms enough that they felt like they could serve in the mission field. Don was very emotional, mostly about Jo, and how well she just did giving her talk. He also talked about missing the grandkids. They are amazing examples to me, and have been since I met them. They have a very self-less relationship. They've kept their courtship alive all these years. They do everything together and really seem to love that. They have had common goals, and continue to have those.

I will miss Don and Jo so much. I know the kids will, too. But, I'm so grateful that they are willing to sacrifice to serve the Lord. They will bless many lives and will be blessed themselves. I can't wait to hear about their experiences. This is the first time that someone close to me has been in the mission field--since I don't have brothers.

Here are some pictures we took at their house after church.