Welcome Home President and Sister Hill!

(President and Sister Hill just returned from 3 years of service as president of the Japan Tokyo Mission.  They were well loved by all the missionaries, and we honor them for their sacrifice, dedication and leadership.)

Hello, it's Karen here, aka: Missionary Mom.  We happened to be in Utah this past week for a family party, when the Hill's reported their mission in Sacrament Meeting.  We felt fortunate to be able to attend, and hear from this wonderful couple, who Martin respected greatly!  

Also in attendance was Btother and Sister Morris, the parents of Martin's current companion, Elder Elliot Morris.  It was a privlidge to meet them and their wonderful family.

(Bruce Mumford, Karen Mumford, Cathy Morris, Mark Morris)

I also had a chance to visit briefly with Martin's first trainer and companion, Elder Cook, who completed his service in December 2008.  It wasn't hard to spot him... I just looked for the tallest person in the building!

(Elder Benjamin Cook, with Karen Mumford)

I also chatted a bit with Elder Frank, Martin's follow-up trainer and 2nd companion, who completed his service in April 2009.   It was so fun to meet in person, these amazing young men, whom we have come to know so well through Martin's letters, pictures, and video clips.  

(Elder Anthony Frank with Karen Mumford)

Can you believe we also ran into Elder Jacob Meline, from our home ward in Camas, Washington.  Elder Meline also served fathfully in the Japan, Tokyo Mission, completing his service in March, 2009.

(Karen Mumford with Jacob Meline)

Earlier that week, Bruce was able to re-connect with Mike and Debbie Evans.  Mike was one of Bruce's best friends from high shcool, and Mike's wife Debbie, is the sister of his other best friend in high shcool.  Bruce had lost touch with Mike and had not seen him in 25 years.  I recently became aquatinted  with Debbie through the missionary mom's group, since we both have a son currently serving in the Japan, Tokyo Mission, and as we chatted, we soon discovered the connection.  Martin and their son Nathan have yet to meet each other in the mission, but we hope they will have an opportunity to do so soon.  The Evans' also attended the Hill's Sacrament Meeting Report.

(Bruce and Karen Mumford, with Debbie and Mike Evans in Utah)

BEFORE: (Here is Mike and Bruce during one of the last times they would see each other for 25 years.

 Mike is on the far left, and Bruce is on the far right.)

AFTER: (And here is Mike and Bruce now.  Who knew 25 years ago, that they would both end up having a son serve in the Japan, Tokyo mission.)