Stop #1....5 of the reasons we love AZ.

 

Our first stop on the "Mission Return Tour" took us to Gilbert Arizona, where we got to

catch up with the happenings of the Bang family, including our newest little squish Henry, who was

born while we were in the mission field. We enjoyed the cool Spring temps (mid 90's) at the splash park.

Beautiful Elly, Emmett, Henry & Owen
We LOVE these little critters!

We also got to go see the beautiful, newly completed

Gilbert Arizona Temple.

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Our Last Night in Dodge City

Some of our friends from the ward stopped by tonight. Kevin & Sunny Brinkerhoff, Dale & Elaine Chamberlin, Armando & Consuela Oviedo, Bishop Bunkall & his wife Robyn and their 4 adorable kids came by, as did our friends Lyle & Judy Smith and Gary & Carolyn Strong. So many great people that live here, and so many more who don't know just how great they are! They have supported our missionary efforts, fed us, fed us, fed us, and allowed us into their lives. Our Heavenly Father has answered our prayers time and time again, and has guided us to people that needed to be reminded that He loves them and is mindful of them.  Someone thanked us for our "sacrifice", but does it really count as a sacrifice if we gain more than we give? What a privilege it has been to be on the Lord's errand in the beautiful Midwest. We Are The Kansas Wichita Mission.

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Some of the best people...

Here are some of the people we got to know and love in Dodge City.

Some of the best people that we didn't baptize!

Our sweet friend Jeannette. She's the librarian at DCPL.

 



Sharon & Lupe Guillen-Consuela's parents. Such good people!

 

The ladies from the YMCA-our friend Carol in front-even at 5:30 in the morning she was so friendly and kind. Love her!

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Prayers really ARE answered...ward picture & final mail shout-outs.

Our purpose for our Fast this week was for members who are less active to come to church for our last Sunday in Dodge. One couple in particular we have been working with for a couple months, who we've just fallen in love with, we really made the focus of our desires in our prayers. Holy Cow, are prayers were answered!! When I saw them both sitting in the pew before Sacrament meeting I nearly cried. I dropped my bag and gave them both a big hug! I'm telling you, this guy hadn't been to church in over 20 years. It was the best send-off for us!

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We arranged to have everyone who was at church (and everyone who stayed for the 3 hour block) take a ward picture on Sunday!

(it was pretty much like herding cats)

We LOVE these people! 

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Our friends Rachel and Jaydon made these sweet lei's for us, from candy *YUM-O and silk ribbons.

Rachel served her mission in Hawaii so I naturally had a love for her from the moment we met!

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Final :'(  mail Shout-Outs

Sincere thanks to everyone who has dropped us a line while we've been serving in the middle of somewhere. Today's shout-outs and Kansas Rock Chalk Jay Hawk (have no idea what that means) go to: Erin, Bryce, Tyler and JOE Abrams for the awesome letter finale! Alicia Katchner for the BIG announcement~congrats girl! Jenn Hartman's BIG BIG announcement~best of luck to you sweet girl! My sister DeeDee's Easter Surprise Box~can't wait to hug yer neck! Holly Weirsma's card with the sweet message~you are AWESOME~thanks for all the encouragement! And the very unexpected, very last piece-o-mail-because-we-turned-in-our-change-of-address-letter from my dear friend Becki who has faithfully written me twice a month with encouragement, news from home, and sweet little nuggets of inspiration. WE LOVE YOU ALL AND THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS!

 

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Saying Goodbye

One of the great things about serving a mission is all the amazing people we get to meet and serve with. Our President and his wife are two of those amazing people. So genuine and gracious. Both are very accomplished and so talented. It's been a pleasure getting to know them both!

President Bell, Elder and Sister Williams, Sister Bell

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