Alex the Missionary

You may remember Nathan's friend Alex.  When they lived in Colorado, Nathan baptized him.  For months before that Alex spent much time in the Mackrory home.  He came to dinner and family home evening and just hung out.  Two years after his baptism, Alex has decided to serve a mission.  We are so happy for him!

 

This is Alex on his baptism day.

We kind of feel like his surrogate grandparents. We attended his "farewell" via Zoom.  It was wonderful.  He has grown so much and has such a strong testimony.  He will be a great missionary.  We will be following Alex in his weekly emails.  

Nathan's Talk

Kristen received a text from a ward member in Ohio where Nathan is serving.  She kindly shared it with us:  

"Sister Mackrory,  Elder Mackrory spoke today in our ward. In the 50 plus years I've been in the church, it is best talk I've heard from a missionary.  Bar none!  So well prepared, written and speaking.  So impressed with your son.  It will be interesting to see what he does in the church.  "

 

Bed Bugs? EEK!!!

  I have to admit that when Nathan went on his mission I didn't expect to receive a picture of him in a Hazmat suit.  But that's what we got.  

 

He and his companion helped an elderly hoarder lady clean everything out of her house as it was all infested with bed bugs.  They had to wear these suits in 85 degree weather with 100% humidity.  Here is what he wrote about the experience:

 1) We have an elderly lady in our Ward who has struggled with hoarding disorder for her whole life.  She realized she was infested with bed bugs 5 months ago. They have completely infested the house and they are everywhere. To treat the house we have to move everything out but it is really hard because she is emotionally attached to every single one of the items and we can't get in there and move everything out. We have to do it very slowly and carefully with her and control. To do this and keep all the members and us safe, we have to wear these hazmat suits and take a bunch of other precautions so we won't get bed bugs. She did not have air conditioning and it was 85° with almost 100% humidity. The whole thing was just a disaster and it was super physically uncomfortable. But throughout the whole thing we felt a deep love for this lady and support from God as we did it. It was an awesome opportunity for the lord to bless us with patience and love. It helped me to see others as Christ does and to be more patient and recognize that this life does not define these people.

I just cried when I read those words as He didn't judge her, but just loved her and served her, even though it was so difficult for him.

We are so proud of our missionary.  His email this week said that he was made a zone leader and he was so excited that he gets to stay with his awesome companion for another transfer!  Those two are setting Ohio on fire!

Our Faithful Missionary Friends

Meeet the Burdicks.  We have been friends with them since about 1980 when they moved here for Dean to join the CPA firm that Ken  worked for.  That firm eventually became Hinton Burdick.  We have lived in the same ward, home taught each other at different times, Marsha and I have done choir together (she's an amazing pianist/organist and I've led) for more years than I can count.  She was also my visiting teacher for years.  We raised our families together and shared many an experience.  They just left on their 7th mission.  

1, Dean served in Brazil as a youth and Marsh recently served a mission at home in family search.

2. Florida

3. California

4. Nauvoo temple

5. South Africa

6. South Africa again as secretary to the area 70

7. Now BYU Hawaii campus

They come home for a while between, then head back out on another mission.  We honor them and admire them.  It is a privilege to know them.  Aloha dear friends!

 

Printed in the ward bulletin on the day they spoke in church before leaving:

As a ward family, we lovingly sustain ahd support these departing senior missionaries.  Their example reminds us that the Lord's work is carried forward by willing hearts at every stage of life.  Through years of experience, testimony, sacrifice, and devotion, they continue to answer the call: Whom the lord calls, the Lord qualifies.  From Africa to Hawaii and from the pulpit to the piano, the Burdick's willingness to serve proves that discipleship is measured not by destination, but by devotion.  We pray the Lord's choicest blessings will attend them in their service.

Amen and Amen.

Elder Mackrory's 1'st Baptism

 Our Nathan has been in the mission field for about six weeks.  He and his companion just had Nathan's first baptism.  What a sweet day!  Another baptism is scheduled soon.