Welcome home, Elder Garmon!

 Elijah's brother got back from his mission today. He served the beginning of his mission in Kentucky while waiting for his visa to Brazil. For almost two years, Elder Garmon served in the San Paulo, Brazil mission, teaching the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to the people of Brazil in their native language. Seeing this sweet boy return with honor and with a strengthened testimony of our Savior filled my heart with joy and my eyes with tears. At times I wonder how the whole world doesn't accept the news of the gospel just by observing the light that comes out of the heart and countenance of our young missionaries!! What a blessing to have the word of God in our lives! What an amazing opportunity for our young men and women to start their adulthood by serving our Heavenly Father and his children. It is truly a miracle and a blessing to feel of the purity and righteousness of these return missionaries in a world where immorality, selfishness, and corruption of righteous standards has become a commonplace. The next missionaries from both sides of our families (Elijah's and mine) are Gillian and Jefferson in 6 years time. I can only pray they will be worthy and prepare themselves to be part of this great work that through humility, service and unconditional love for God's children allows these young men and women to transform themselves into extraordinary people. The power of righteousness is truly manifested in the light of our missionaries. As Elder Richard G. Scott said: "Your righteousness gives others a confirmation of the goodness of life anchored in eternal truth."

We woke up the kids early in the morning and left our home around 5 am.  We met my in-laws and aunt Rita at the airport around 6.  We didn't have to wait too long to see the handsome face of our missionary.  What joyous occasion!  My kids have been talking about seeing uncle Abe for weeks; I think my whole ward knows about Elder Garmon because my children's excitement and longing for their missionary was evident in all they would talk about.  I loved feeling Abel's humble spirit and loving personality.  He truly reflected the light of Christ in the purest form.

 

 "Mother's love is peace. It need not be acquired, it need not be deserved." - Erich Fromm

I almost didn't take this picture of my mother-in-law embracing her son, the returned missionary.  I felt I was intruding in that special moment of a mother and her child communicating two years of unexpressed feelings through one tender hug.

+6*

 

Afterward we drove to our home, had a delicious brunch, and talked and enjoyed Elder Garmon's special spirit and stories.  Tonight he will be released as a missionary of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a true representative of our Savior in preaching His gospel.  But I have a feeling that although Elder Garmon won't be a full time missionary any more, at least for a while, he will always be the sweet and gentle soul and a light for good to others as long as he continues to follow in his Savior's footsteps.