Good Sunday

Today Josh gave his homecoming remarks. His brother was the youth speaker. I took notes. 

Let God prevail 

We must not give our choice to God, we must strengthen our connection to Him. Nephi received the power to seal the heavens. Let God prevail. Fellow shipping. Being involved in missionary work as a family. 

God knows and trusts us. How can He use such broken tools? 

Boaz’s talk was awesome. We had people come and say they were going to have to ponder agency again. 

Josh started off by acknowledging that he was coming home to a ward he had never been in before. He told them he was called while we were in California, he left from Colorado, and he came home to Idaho. Transfers were not really as hard because he was used to moving. 

Mission report

Lessons that I learned. The stories that define me. 

Lima Peru MTC. Most of the missionaries bore their testimonies. Spirit was so strong that I could not doubt the words that came out of my mouth. Missionaries purpose - doctrine of Christ. Testimony is essential to that purpose. 

Homesickness. Capability. Wonder what my role was in that purpose. God gives us our agency and expects us to use it. (Quotes from Boaz, who spoke truth.) Learn from my decisions. Some of those would be mistakes. And that is okay. Book of Mormon. Elder Gong - BoM is the promised instrument for the gathering of God’s children. 

BoM helped me come closer to God. It carried me in those first hard months in my mission. Also in SLC. Woman who experienced stress. Found the missionaries a year before Josh got there. A step toward God was a step away from her family and friends. BoM was the focus. Miracle of growth. More willing and able to listen to the Spirit. Golden investigator. Feel godly sorrow in her repentance. 

Listen to the Spirit. With a plan in mind, set out to do the best I can. Time and time again my plan was interrupted by a impression to go somewhere else. Nephi to get the plates. Nephi had a plan. Plan A - Laman. Plan B - exchange. Then led by the Spirit. Planning is essential. Even if it doesn’t go according to plan. 

Greatest successes. First area. Referral from grandma. Family had some knowledge of the gospel. Older brother, younger sister. Scared of the water. Older brother offered to get baptized with his sister to help her feel comfortable. 

The Spirits words that came from my mouth. 

A mission is an exercise in obedience training. Obedience brings blessings. Exact obedience brings miracles. President Nelson

Secretary. Lost a pday. Didn’t have a chance to do the chores. 6-9 critical proselyting  time. Prep time extended. Not the best use of time, even with President’s permission. First obedience is to the Spirit. 

Wonderful opportunity I have of bearing witness of the Son of God. I am a witness of the power of the BoM in changing hearts. I am a witness of the Spirit. The Spirit has led me to places I have never thought to go. Saying things that I never thought I would say. I am a witness to the power of obedience. I bear my witness that is is the true Church. 

It was such a great day. 

I stayed late to do Primary chores. Josh went to the Spanish Branch. They had already started, Josh gave his talk again. The Branch President was happy to see him come. Josh was thinking it would be next week. Crazy. 

Sixes

And it’s six of one, half a dozen of another. 

Can’t get much closer than that. Both are disappointed and a bit relieved. 

He’s home for reals

He flew into Idaho Falls again. This time he had one bag. His two bags are still in Peru, but we’ve heard the borders are open. So maybe we will get them back soon. His scriptures, his journals, his clothes and whatnots. 

This time I was wholly joyful. No other emotion mixed in to confuse things. 

We borrowed signs from previous Elder Oswalds return and stood outside the window and waved them as he came down the stairs. He saw us and hesitated. I’d like to think he smiled, but he was wearing his mask 😷.  I went in, even though I didn’t have a ticket. Crazy Covid rules. He came out to greet us and Aunt Sandy as we all stood outside the tiny airport. 

His backpack is wrecked. 

He is rather proud of it. 

We gathered his bag and headed to Chick-fil-A like last time. Family who lived close gathered for a parking lot picnic. 

Brad did a good job with the selfie to get everyone. 

We stayed out long enough for me to get a sunburn. 

With all the things to do in Idaho Falls, we decided to just head home. Josh played his favorite songs from the sacred music app, and we did Boaz’s history homework on the way home. 

Since Josh missed the cinnamon rolls, I made a new batch. Josh went with his dad to the stake meetings and got released again — this time for reals. He came home a little sad without his badge on his white shirt. He held it in his hand. He was a civilian again. 

We gathered as a family and watched Hamilton. And then Josh who introduced our family to the music years ago finally saw it. 

We are all headed back to our lives today. I close, which means I work until 7. Craig has already left for work and Boaz is heading back to school. 

Josh has his college application to complete. He wants to go to BYU-Hawaii in the spring. He has institute to sign up for. And he is going to read up in prep for his Drivers license. He’ll have the dog to keep him company today. Craig will probably come home for lunch. 

And just line that life is different. 

The badge worn for nearly two years. 

His well worn shoes. The other pair is still in Peru. 

October 6, 2020

Today is Tuesday. 

I have anticipating this day for almost two years. 

The other time was lovely and amazing. My heart was full and overflowing. But there was unfinished business to negotiate. 

Today he has completed his mission. He has served his full time. 

He has had three mission presidents. He has served foreign and domestic. He has served in Spanish and English. He has served the old way by going house to house. He has served the new way on social media. He has been a junior companion, a senior companion, a district leader, a zone leader, and served in the office. 

He has had almost every mission experience there is. 

Last night I received this lovely message. 

Dear Oswald Family, 

My name is Bro. Miller from the Herriman Utah South Stake. I am the  High Councilman over missionary work and I have the privilege to be in touch with the missionaries every day or two. Your son just left my home as I wanted to bid him farewell before he leaves tomorrow on his way home. I want you to know that he is an amazing missionary!  What an exceptional leader he has been in the mission and the zone and in our stake. Our family has come to love him and his companion, Elder Johnson. They are fantastic together!!!  I know that your son has served with all of his heart in Peru and in SL South. He has changed the direction of missionary work in our stake. They have no fear as a companionship!  The spirit emanates him and I am so excited that you get to hug him once again tomorrow!  We are very grateful for his service here and are excited for his future. Here is a picture of us in my home just 45 minutes ago. Thank you for raising a wonderful young man that has done the Lords work!  All the best to you all!  

The Miller Family

Herriman, Utah 

What a sweet blessing. 

This was my response. 

Thank you so much for your sweet words. You brought happy tears to my eyes. We are so excited to see him tomorrow. Missions are miracles. Miracles for families, miracles for missionaries, and miracles for those they serve. Thank you for your food service and example you have been to my son. He has told us how much he learned about the importance of those that hold your position. You have been one of his heroes.

Don’t you love auto correct and fingernails. “Good example”

He flies home today. 

We spent the night at our dentist, Craig’s brother. Boaz has an appointment with him today. Not very many people have sleepovers at the dentist before their appointment. 

Then it is the airport and Chick-fil-A.

I am so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!