View from our room at the mission training center in Provo. 

The hymn, "Firm as the mountains around us" comes to mind as I enjoy the beautiful view from the window in our view. The mountains remind me of the need to be unwavering in faith, hope and charity.

Tomorrow is our last day here before we begin our journey to Nebraska and our home for the next 18 months. Sometimes friends wonder why we would leave home, at our own expense, and serve as missionaries in a Christian area.

There is a need for seniors to serve as support in many ways all over the world where The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints is established. This week we have met many seniors who are giving of their time and money to serve as missionaries all over the world. Some are working in visitor centers; some as facility management over gardens; some in temples;  some in offices; some in high school religious instruction; some in young adult religious instruction; some in repairs of vehicles; some are working in genealogy; and one couple is working in the archives in Washington DC. There are also many other areas of service for the seniors who range in age from around 50 to 80. 

The amazing thing is the dedication and faith of these amazing people who come from all walks of life - from farmers to accounting and a variety of professionals--all who willingly pay their own way - all their own expenses - as we do also. Why would we do this? Because we feel with all our hearts the true and pure gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored and can bless the lives of families and individuals as they accept the additional truths His restored gospel adds to their own religious beliefs. 

3 Nephi 27:20  "Repent all ye ends of the earth and come unto me and be baptized in my name, that ye may be sanctified by the reception of the Holy Ghost."

I know that I feel great peace and happiness when I improve myself by repenting, or changing habits that cause me to feel angry, etc. and replacing them with desires to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ more completely as I read and study all his revealed scriptures. It is wonderful to feel the warm, happy and peaceful feelings given through the Holy Ghost that gives me great hope in the midst of trials and challenges.