Tuesday, April 23rd, 2024
Since the earliest days of our marriage, Trudy and I have dreamt of a future time when we would leave our current circumstances and go out and make a difference in a consecrated way. Our life-long connection to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (hereafter, the Church) presents us with the opportunity to do just that.
After retiring from full time employment two years ago, I have been fortunate to continue to consult with the business that has blessed our lives over the last 40 years. Last September I was presented the opportunity to speak at a scientific workshop, one that I created and lead for many years, this year hosted in Vienna. Trudy and I set our travel plans to first stop in Munich to introduce ourselves to Pres. and Sister Bates who preside over the Alpine Mission. We shared our desire to return this summer to serve as Senior Couple Missionaries. They were delighted with the news and indicated that they would place a request for us to be assigned to the Alpine Mission.
Early in the morning on April 23rd, Trudy and I opened an email sent from the "First Presidency of the Church" announcing our assignment to the Alpine German Speaking Mission for a period of 18 months. Tears came to our eyes as our hearts burst with joy. The notification included a start date of July 8th, to be followed by one week of training at the Mission Training Center in Provo, Utah, with a departure to the Alpine Mission Office in Munich on July 16th.
During the last two months we've been packing up our memories and household effects, making room for the most darling couple, the Stephenson's, who have just graduated from Stanford, to come live in our home while we are away. Trudy has launched into learning German. With countless trips to Germany, Switzerland and Austria, often comprising weeks at a time during my career I've been able to expand my German beyond what I learned while serving as a young missionary in these countries. We're delighted for all the Lord has blessed us with, making it possible to serve under such beautiful circumstances in lands we love.
On Sunday, June 30th, we'll each share a message in our weekly church service. Our message will include deep felt thanks for the many ways the Lord has blessed our lives and how much we look forward to sharing His love with the many wonderful people in our path ahead.