Mission Assignment for Thomas Confirmed between June 22-25
In the heart of summer, a garden at an unspecified location is thriving for its fifth season. This idyllic setting has been a backdrop for a series of memorable moments, from playtime antics to spiritual milestones.
During playtime, roasted pieces of cheese and beef stick sizzled over an open fire, while card games such as Old Maid were enjoyed by Andy and Tilly. The fun didn't stop there; Tilly and I even took turns playing with Mini American Girl Dolls, featuring a circus theme and a camping theme.
Among the highlights of the summer was the arrival of an e-bike, the result of a collaboration with a company. After assembly and testing, the e-bike was found to be a joy to ride, offering fun and easy maintenance.
On a more personal note, Thomas, a member of our community, received his mission call. The opening of his call was a spiritual experience, filled with feelings of peace, joy, and spiritual assurance. His call to serve as a missionary was a pivotal moment, marking the beginning of a spiritual journey that will require faith, endurance, and continual direction by the Spirit.
Thomas's mission call opening was a sacred event, often accompanied by prayer and reflection. Stories from returned missionaries highlight how such moments strengthen faith and ignite a lifelong commitment to the gospel and service. The setting felt sacred, with Thomas sensing angels or divine help "round about" him.
In the evenings, we worked on the mud kitchen together, with Andy and Tilly painting the wood stove burners black and the griddle. Tilly and I spent extra time together, with Tilly being a great helper with the garden, chickens, and other chores.
On a lighter note, Tilly and I also had the opportunity to ride llamas and alpacas (silkies) during playtime. We even captured a special moment with a photo shoot of Tilly wearing her baptism dress.
Pictures of the garden for June 2025 were also shared, showcasing its continued growth and vibrancy. As the summer progresses, we look forward to more moments of fun, growth, and spiritual milestones.
In this summer of growth and spiritual milestones, we are reminded of the importance of faith, endurance, and continual direction by the Spirit, whether we are serving as missionaries or simply enjoying the beauty of life.
While Tilly and I spent time together, we also indulged in fashion-and-beauty moments, such as a photo shoot featuring Tilly in her baptism dress. In the heart of the garden, we paired our home-and-garden chores with discussions about modern lifestyles, aspiring to create a harmonious blend between the two.
