Elder and Sister Heninger: A highpoint of our mission

Sunday, April 27, 2014

The last two days could well be the high point of our mission.

The week started much like many other weeks we have experienced here in Sierra Vista. Since RoLayne was sick last weekend, we did not do too much on Monday. We were scheduled to feed the missionaries, but with RoLayne’s illness, we had to cancel that. Tuesday we had one of our busier days at the Turn-Around Point as someone brought in a mass of things Monday and filled the halls. We made a good dent sorting, throwing away junk, and placing items out for customers. Tuesday, we finished reviewing the discussions with the sister we have been working with. That went well and she is committed to talk to the bishop about preparing to go to the temple. Wednesday we attended our district meeting which was good. Thursday was spent preparing for and teaching Institute. We had a good attendance and good class. Friday, we got up early and drove the 110 miles to the Gila Valley Temple to attend a session with the missionaries of our zone. That was a refreshing experience. It was a very large session for that little temple with an additional 22 missionaries. We met a couple from Tacoma named Lawrenson who were visiting. They were a nice couple so we decided to go to lunch with them. As it turns out, they know the Ted Smith family that used to live in our ward. They also know Rick Dyer’s brother Dan. We stopped at a small Hawaiian restaurant that was recommended by the missionaries.

Surprise, surprise, we bumped into President and Sister Killpack. That is the 4^th time in the past couple of months that we have randomly bumped into them. They probably think we are stalking them.

Saturday morning we got up early and drove back to the temple. This time we went with the Kovacs. One of our soldiers that we work with on the post got married. His wife and family came from Virginia, New Hampshire, and Las Vegas. Considering the distance, there were a lot who came. It was a very simple, but beautiful ceremony. He was originally scheduled to get married after graduation in May, but got orders to Korea and was hopeful that if he was married, she may be able to go with him. Otherwise they would get married and he would be deployed for a year in Korea alone. Because of this they moved the date up about a month ago. As I said, very simple, not many family and friends, no wedding gown, no reception, no ring, no honeymoon. In fact, trust the army, he had to be back in the dormitory his wedding night at 9:00PM. That was very disappointing and a very bad PR move by the army. Despite all that, it was a beautiful ceremony. Following the ceremony, I became the official wedding photographer, since they didn’t have that arranged either. The wind was blowing outside the temple about 40 mph. That made it interesting. Following photos, we went to lunch with the family at a Mexican restaurant. The luncheon also was not scheduled, (We waited about an hour at the restaurant to get everyone in.) Despite the delay, it also was very nice and we had a chance to talk with the family members while we waited.


Joseph and Natalie as they left the temple, newly wed

Newlyweds with those who work with the soldiers in the service member's group

Everyone who attended the wedding, except the bishop and his wife who had to leave

Following lunch, we hurried back to Sierra Vista where we had the opportunity to participate in the baptism of our soldier investigator. She was baptized by the soldier who introduced her to the gospel. It was an awesome day!! Life does not get much better than to be able to be a part of two wonderful ceremonies. Today, I was honored to confirm and bless our newest member. It was a very humbling experience. We expect great things from this young lady.