The Setting Apart

Yes, we know that it is still 5 days until Rachel goes into the MTC on Wed., July 16th.  Our Stake President, President Hollist, is a seminary supervisor and had to go out of town tonight for work.  And he won't be back by Tuesday, when she would normally be set apart.  So Ken, Elizabeth and I returned from our ward Girl's Camp at about 1 p.m. and he was scheduled to come to our home at 4 p.m.  Needless to say, we didn't unload anything from camp and Rachel and the boys did a really good job of making sure the house was clean and presentable.  In times past this would have been done at the Stake Center, but our stake has made the change that missionary settings apart will now be done in the home. Rachel is only the 2nd missionary going out from our stake to have this done.

It was a wonderful experience.  We chatted for a few minutes, with one of his questions being directed to each of the other children asking them if they are planning on serving a mission as well.  To which each responded yes!  (Well, Elizabeth said, "most likely").  That made me and Ken very happy! Then President Hollist asked if I would give a family prayer.  I did so while we were all kneeling in our living room.  (We won't mention that Tyler's neighbor friend came to the door and rang and knocked as I was praying-hee hee!)  After that, he gave Rachel a wonderful setting apart blessing giving her everything Heavenly Father wanted her to know before going out to serve.  Afterwards we tried to write down everything we could remember so she could record it in her journal.  I have to say, one thing I felt very good about was when he told her that she should follow the spirit as to where she SHOULD go as she's proselyting, and also where she SHOULD NOT go.  As a mother, them's are sweet words!  Afterwards, Pres. Hollist asked Rachel to bear her first testimony as a missionary to her family, and it was a very sweet and spiritual moment for all of us.  

He told Rachel she should follow the mission rules with regard to media, bed and wake-up times and being with a "companion" (Me, Ken or Elizabeth) at all times.  So we're now her babysitters for 5 days!  Elizabeth is thrilled to be her sister's first missionary companion!  He told her she didn't need to wear a skirt/dress at all times, but to treat the next few days like P-Days.  

He then said goodbye and headed out the door.  I had heard his flight was leaving around 11 p.m., so I asked if he was going home to get ready to leave, and he replied that he and his family were actually leaving RIGHT THEN, to drop their kids off in Orem and then back to the airport!  What a good man. He never made us feel in any way like he was rushed, or like we were holding him back or anything.  It was an honor and a privilege to have him in our home. 

We are so grateful for the restoration of the Priesthood in these latter days that helps us in every way.  I am grateful to have a worthy husband and sons who can bless all of our lives every day with this power.  As well as good church leaders to lead and guide and do for us what Heavenly Father's will would be.  

I am so excited for Rachel to get going on her journey, adventure, her mission.  It will be the time of her life thus far.  

Rachel jumps for joy with a natural glow