Mission Memories... Then and Now

My favorite mission companion Tracy Davis Larsen and I went to lunch the other day. We served together for 6 months in a tiny, old, pretty gross apartment above a karate studio in Wellington, Ohio almost 22 years ago (yikes!)

I found an awesome picture of us serving together in the Ohio Cleveland Mission in June 1987. Notice the hair is a bit bigger and there aren't any wrinkles yet, but the smiles are still the same.

We met a very good friend in Wellington, Amy Young, who was 17 and just graduating from high school. Her family was Catholic but they were so kind to us and very fun to be with. Amy didn't join the church but she listened to the discussions and felt the spirit on several occasions.
(This is a picture of a zone conference where we played baseball and had a BBQ. Amy came with us.) What is with those flowered pants I have on??!

When my mission was over I brought a couple of friends home with me to So. California so they could meet my parents and see the sights. I think they even drove to Utah with me too... Amy is on the left along with another friend Celeste Bates (she joined the church along with her brother and they both served missions).

I miss the life of a missionary... I think spending time in Atlanta with my sis made me think of the wonderful experiences and memories I will hold dear forever! (Thanks Tracy and Amy for being a big part of those...)

PAY IT FORWARD

"The first 3 people to leave a comment on this post will receive a handmade gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. There's a small catch though...Post this same thing on your own blog and then come back and leave a comment telling me you're in. Remember, only the first 3 comments receive the gift!"

(I SO want something from my niece since she is amazing in everything she does so I am willing to do the same for 3 others... can't promise it will be AS amazing, but it will be something...!)

The Devil Went Down to Georgia...

... OR Georgia on my mind (depends on my personality that day). My parents and I went to visit my sister Michelle, husband Steve and son Connor for 5 days in Lilburn, Georgia. My dad always takes his "girls" to Market Street Grill for a Valentines Lunch and slides us a $100 bill to spend "only on ourselves." With Michelle's husband serving as mission president of the Atlanta North Mission until July 2011, my dad said we were going to lunch in Atlanta this year! Very fun visit--very fun time!

...I was impressed with the homes in Lilburn and surrounding areas--big, spacious and lovely--all for about the cost of a lot in Bountiful! Loved the weather too...

...Sister King at work in her home office.

...President King at work in the mission office.

...Lake Lanier--great recreational destination in the summer (reminded me a lot of Pineview).

...Stone Mountain (5 min. from my sister's house) was very cool. Didn't realize the guy who began this project (wasn't the one that actually finished it) was the same person that did Mt. Rushmore.

... mom and Michelle LOVE watching CNN and know all the broadcasters, journalists and commentators SO we had to do the CNN Studio Tour.

...visiting Centennial Park after CNN and before the World of Coke. (Look how tall Connor is--15 years and growing!)

...saying goodbye at the Atlanta airport after 5 days of fun and visiting... (love the hair and humidity)