Elder and Sister Johnson aka Kent and Dawnine Arrive Home

 So, realizing that our last post left you and us on the way back to Utah from the U.P., we thought it appropriate and fitting that we close out this chapter of our lives with patter and pics from our adventure home. First the good news, the A/C seemed to right itself as we traveled on. It wasn't really blasting out cold air but it was indeed adequate for both of us. (We had it looked at when we got the car serviced upon our return and the tech said there are little doors in the unit that are not opening/closing as they should)

 The second day we stopped for a couple of hours at the Winter Quarters Temple and Visitor center. It was a great experience. We met some brand new Sister Missionaries who were brimming with enthusiasm and Spirit. One of them agreed to give us a tour. It was humbling to reflect on the profound sacrifices made by these pioneers.  We believe their sacrifices played a major role in strengthening their abilities and resolve when it came to the faith necessary to build God's Kingdom in the Great Basin. 

This handcart is literally headed West. You can feel their "Faith in Every Footstep"

 The following two days were pretty uneventful (mile after mile of grain and feed growing) until we began to see the mountains, once again and Dawnine's emotions got the better of her. On Thursday we were headed into the Salt Lake valley when we got a phone call from one of the children who had been monitoring our travels every step of the way. We were instructed to "circle" and not to land because every thing was not yet in place and ready. We didn't know whether to expect a marching band or what. It just takes time to get a big family like ours organized.

Here is the welcoming committee...our grandchildren not counting the dog, Leia, in the foreground. The
youngest, Boyd, is in the carrier on the extreme left and the next one to be born is in utero
with Michele our daughter in-law-on the left also. 

Maybe our last picture as Elder and Sister Johnson...sad.

After our releases on Thursday the days that followed were a whirlwind of activity.

Sister Johnson with our daughters: Stephanie, Camille, Mary and Jenny

Kent's siblings and their spouses at the Johnson family reunion on Saturday.

 On Sunday we both had a chance to report on our missions at sacrament meeting. It was kind of strange to be in a meeting with so many people and children, but we quickly adjusted and it was great to make old acquaintances. We were also saddened by the passing of some of our old friends. Oh well, just like every other calling there will be a eventual release from this life for all of us.

 Our children and grandchildren are keeping us busy, at least for the next week, until many of them return to their homes in other states.

Celebration of Jenny's birthday at a charming restaurant about 6500 feet up in the Wasatch Mountains.
Most of our children and their spouses are present. Our mission ends like it began with a special dinner
with those we love the most, our family.

 Stay happy and know we love you, but not nearly as much as our Father in Heaven loves you.

Kent and Dawnine

Farewell U.P. - Hello SLC

What can we say in this concluding mission blog post that has not already been said. Not much, except to reiterate the fantastic experience it has been to serve with the people and serve the people in Upper Michigan. 

We always seem to underestimate the time and effort it takes to load, prepare and clean for a move. And even though we tried to be careful not to add more "stuff" during the two years we served, we did notice many new things we purchased and wanted to bring home not to mentioned thoughtful gifts from those we have grown to love. The end result was our leaving approximately 3 hours later than we had planned. We were beat and sweaty and hoping to get some relief from the car's A/C. One of us did. The A/C worked OK at first but then it gave up and began to send heat instead of cold to Dawnine's side of the car. It's going to be a challenge. We intend on driving during the early morning hours with no A/C and then if we can get the A/C to cooperate we will leave it running and not turn the car off. (That seemed to kill it last time) Oh well, it wouldn't be life without challenges. 

We intend to post to FB along the way, if we remember. Getting home safely to the ones we love  is our number one priority.

See you soon,

Elder and Sister Johnson

97th Week Behind, Final Week Ahead

 We have enjoyed a great week following the baptism of 9-year-old Akasha on June 22^nd. We had worked to get her baptized almost since we got here 22+ months ago. She brought a little non-member friend to church with her yesterday. We are confident that our branch leadership will help the Iron Mountain missionaries follow through with rides to Iron County, where she lives, as there are other individuals waiting to be taught there. (Iron County is 30-50 miles from the branch) Also, we visited other less active members and two investigators last week and had gospel lessons with each of them. We are hastening our work as well, although it is a good bet our end will come before that of the world's. We have seen our efforts magnified in the Lord as He has used us to find and re-energize members in this branch including the branch callings in which we have been serving. We will miss it all, but especially the people. We understand, however, there will be new challenges and callings we will receive that will be just as fulfilling.

 Early in our mission we reported seeing what we thought was a bear. We were maybe 90% sure but that sighting was a considerable distance from the car. Not so last Friday. As we were traveling to Florence on Wisconsin N, a road we frequent, we came around a bend and there sitting on the side of the road was a genuine black bear. He didn't move and since we weren't ready for a picture we stopped and slowly backed up. As we got closer he got suspicious and bolted into the woods. He didn't go far as you can see in the picture. But we now have a confirmed sighting with evidence. The only other animal we were hoping to see before we returned was a moose. It looks like that will need to be postponed until a later trip.

Since the bear can't see us, we're thinking he thinks we can't see him.

 With this transfer we lost four of the six elders in our district including Elder Christensen our District Leader. Our new District Leader, Elder Johnson, and his companion right out of the MTC have been assigned to the Escanaba Branch. With that change our mission has come full circle. Escanaba was the location and weekly meeting place of our district when we first arrived in the U.P. In fact our first District Leader just announced his engagement last month on Facebook. President and Sister Jones are now in route home and President Cutler has been in charge since last Friday. We will have an opportunity to meet him and Sister Cutler this Wednesday in Appleton. Things in the Lord's church are always changing and yet, somehow, they stay the same. When you examine it I think you'll agree that, that is another evidence of the true church.

 As we’ve been sorting through things we need to pack for home, we came upon a quote from Pres. Ezra Taft Benson, “Most senior missionaries who go [on missions] are strengthened and revitalized by missionary service; many are sanctified and feel the joy of bringing others to the knowledge of the fullness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.”  There are few blessings greater than being called to serve the Lord 24/7. We have very much appreciated this opportunity.

Still, for a little longer,

Elder and Sister Johnson