A Reception

It was Sunday, three days after Jason arrived at the Salt Lake airport, and Jason was scheduled to deliver his homecoming speech in church.  The house was adorned with the same signs as were at the airport except for the one featured below.   

This sign looks as it might have been professionally done.

Grandma and I stopped at the house long enough to drop something off.  Then we hightailed it to the church and got good seats toward the front of the chapel.

As we expected, Jason gave a wonderfully dignified report of his mission.  He also expounded on the role of the Savior in the lives of those who seek Him.

I was totally impressed, as he and another returned missionary, Ali Eaton, shared the pulpit.  

After the meeting, we made our way back to the house for a reception.  Family, friends and neighbors drifted in-and-out during the afternoon.  Below are just a few of them. 

Andy & Sharon

Julie & Erin

Joe & Rachel

Sam, Greg, Nick, and Eian  -  b. row
Aleshia & baby, Jeremy & Hanna, Jason - f. row

Valerie & Brett

Welcome home, Elder Noorda!

 Welcome home, Elder Noorda!

It was Thursday evening, April 19th, 2018.  We waited anxiously for what seemed like hours for Jason to descend on the escalator.  Finally after hundreds of regular passengers, the first Elder appeared prompting shouts of approval from his waiting family.  Then another missionary appeared, then another.  Then toward the end of the line, came our Elder.  

The Salt Lake International Airport was buzzing with activity.  Some people without any family connections were standing around enjoying the excitement.  Homemade signs were the norm as each group had at least one.  Not to be outdone, Sherry & Katie, with the help of family members, came prepared with "works of art."  Below Matt and Rachel model them.

I don't know who the gentleman is next to Mike, but he seemed to be quite interested in what was about to take place.  Maybe he is one of the three Nephites?

True brothers are always there for each other.  Such was the case for Sam, Nick, and Greg.  

Rachel, bless her heart, give Sherry a big hug of support.  

Sherry had gone to a lot of work to create this candy necklace lea.  The necklace was gladly accepted by her favorite missionary.

Eldery Meyers was Jason's first companion / trainer.  Meyers returned home shortly afterwards and got married.   Looks to me as if he made a good choice for an eternal companion.  

Brothers together for ever.  

Mom, Dad and son pose for us.

Group picture.  I believe Myers took the photo, or was it the Nephite?

Fifty and Fabulous

Not everything was decorated in black.  There were black napkins and only one black balloon.  Sherry got off easy as she celebrated the dreaded 50th birthday.   

Roses were great.

Texting was great.

The presents were great.

Grandma & Sam.

The bearded one.


Beautiful Sherry loved opening her presents.

In a jar were 50 individually wrapped one dollar bills.  She was absolutely delighted with this gift.  

The cake was awesome.  After lighting, all the candles settled down except for one.  It flared up as if just for Sherry's delight.  

After.

Before.

Matt looks on with anticipation as Jenna put the finishing touches on the cake.