The end and start of great things...

My back blogging starts with my return from the AMAZING opportunity of serving a mission in St. Louis. Sometime I'll write a lot more about my experiences as a missionary, but for now, we'll go from when my world completely changed in coming home, and through my adjustments. My family was so great to welcome me home with open arms, and a great deal of patience and things to do. I left the MSLM (Missouri St. Louis Mission) on April 9th, 2009.

The first picture is my last night in the mission home and the group that left with me. I went to St. Louis with an escort of 15 Elders and left with 2, kind of a change.

This is my mission president and his wife, President and Sister Turley, with me at the airport as we said our goodbyes. They're the greatest people you'll ever meet! So humble and kind and completely full of love.

On the way back to the land of mountains, potatoes and the "beautiful people" I had a four hour layover in Salt Lake City. Goober a.k.a. Sassy a.k.a. Smith 1 a.k.a. Sister Taylor Smith, one of my best friends, trainer and comp for 6 months, as well as two of my amazing aunts and uncle (Julia, Rebecca and Paul) met me there. Their big hugs and much of what we talked about during my layover really helped with my perspective and adjustment in returning home, not to mention helped the four hours go faster. I'm so grateful for them and their amazing support!

After the layover it was finally time for the quick flight to Idaho Falls, quick because it was only 30 minutes but that was the longest 30 minutes of my life! And there they were! My mom and dad, Jeff and Cassi, Trace and Brad with Alaina! (Scott and Kris with the girls were able to come the next week). Many other aunts, uncles and cousins who've grown like crazy! Both sets of Grandparents, even my Grandpa Smith whose been battling cancer, were there too! When I left on my mission I wondered if I'd see my Grandpa Smith again in this life, but am so grateful he's still around!! I'm so blessed to have such wonderful family!! At the moment I can't find the pictures from the airport, but will post them when I do and you can make your own judgment about the reunion.

After the hard goodbyes of leaving amazing family and loved ones I'd found in St. Louis, it was a happy reunion with my amazing family and loved ones in Idaho! It's such a bitter sweet experience, but more sweet because of the eternal nature of our Heavenly Father's plan. A member of a ward I served in said to me on my last Sunday in the mission field, "I think we're able to love so deeply because we know that relationships last forever." It is hard to say goodbye for now, but family is forever!