Anticipation has been growing as our mission reunion approached.  Today was the day we all were reunited.  It was glorious!

It’s been 10 years now since we arrived in Yakima.  That’s a long time.  This morning I looked through our book of missionaries with their photos and names to remind myself.  Many of the Sisters now have married names to remember.  And the Elders have wives and many have kids.  Our mission family is growing.

John spent the day in the yard setting things up.  I vacuumed the pool.  Our 3 Amigos (reunion committee: Allsop, Harman and Connor) came at about 3:00 to help put out the tables and chairs.  John had put up a tent and umbrellas and we had a TV to show photos on that I’ve collected since our return–more than 800 of “post missionaries” that I’ve found and shared on FB.

We had no idea how many to expect.  We set up about planned for about 80-100.  We had J-Dawgs come cater their famous Polish and beef dogs.  We told the missionaries to come at 4:00 and food would be served at 5:00.  At 3:00 they started coming, and they kept coming all night long!

We had a really fun evening and were thrilled that so many came. I think they grilled about 85-90 dogs. The missionaries brought desserts and sides.  I added watermelon, grapes and pumpkin pie.

The yard was full of good old friends and everyone seemed so happy to be here. It really was wonderful.  I have to say that it feels really good to be home and to be near these missionaries again.  Lots of them are ending up in SL and UT Counties.  I love that.  What a blessing that we all got to serve together.  We had such an outstanding mission experience with them.

Many stayed until it got dark, not wanting to leave.  We were happy. It was a huge success. We are reconnected now with so many loved ones.

Below are their beautiful faces.