One Year - Already?!

It was a year ago, this month, that Heidi and Kelli left home and family and went their separate ways to serve missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. During this past year we have communicated through weekly emails, an occasional letter and telephone calls on Christmas Day and Mother's Day. The time has flown, with a little over six months remaining before they will be done and return to us.

It has been amazing to see the growth of our daughters. Their emails and letters are beautiful and inspiring. The opportunities they have had while serving the Lord 24/7 have left an indelible mark upon them, for they have learned to love the Lord, to trust in His goodness and mercy, to feel His love for the people they serve, to feel and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit, and to pray to their Heavenly Father and receive answers to their prayers. 

They have had a variety of companions and have learned the fine art of compassion, love, hard-work, and nurturing relationships. They have met new people and made many wonderful friends along the way. They have learned that there is a big, beautiful world filled with marvelous people, and they have been blessed to work with some of God's choicest individuals.

They have also deepened their love for family, which we can feel through their wonderful emails and letters. Yet, their main focus is on helping other families 'Come Unto Christ', live the gospel, and be sealed eternally to their own families in the temple of the Lord. 

A mission is a great place to learn these eternal, invaluable lessons. It is also great to be the mother of these missionaries. I have learned to put my trust in the Lord, and not in the arm of flesh. Typically, I would be very involved, trying to orchestrate life for our girls. Now, I pray for them, send fun packages, letters, emails, and an occasional bit of motherly advice (which may or may not be heeded). I don't even know where they live! Yes, this is good for me, the mother, and has helped me to strengthen my faith in our Heavenly Father and His Son, Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Ghost. 

Kelli:

Kelli loves being a missionary! She is loving the work, the people, the place, the mission, and serving the Lord.

Our Kelli turned 20 this month. She is serving in Woodland, WA at this time. Since, of course, we weren't together for her birthday,  a truly wonderful lady, Ladonna, made a special dinner for Kelli and her companion, Sister Campbell. She made Italian spaghetti and a beautiful cake. Kelli had a joyous day!

I tell you, this certainly warmed a mother's heart! Thank you so much, sweet Sister Ladonna, for making Kelli's birthday wonderful!

A picture with her previous companion and a friend:

On Father's Day, Kelli posted this:

Also: 

For Kelli's mission, she is also able to teach people and talk about the gospel through Facebook, Skype, or iChat. If anyone is interested in learning more about The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, contact her at Sister-Kelli Bonham and she and her companion will set up a time to talk with you.  

Heidi:

Heidi has been having a fantastic mission, too. She loves this special time of service! In Beaumont, CA she has been meeting so many people that are interested in learning about the church. Heidi has many responsibilities in the mission. She has the opportunity to travel around her mission, meeting and working with many sister missionaries, and being a trainer for new missionaries. She is loving missionary life, too!

On P-Day, the missionaries are able to do a little sightseeing in their area. This day, they went for a hike with a friend. 

Below is a picture a member sent to the Sisters, Heidi and Sister Rivera - telling them they were so sweet to help her with her car:

Well, hopefully, I will post sooner than every 4 months! The Bonham Sisters are doing very well and loving this special time in their lives!