At Home in Colorado

Sister and Elder have been busy packing. As for us... we spent weeks packing and loading boxes into our new trailer. Then on Tuesday, Sept 9th our mission adventure began.We survived one more leg of the "farewell torture tour" as we said goodbye to Jake's family and the Smiths. Then we had a fun couple of days with the Pearsons before the next round of tears. The good news is... just one more leg and this torture tour is over. Well, for a few months until we begin saying goodbye to everyone here. Thus is life when you are a "SENIOR" couple. We arrived in Colorado Springs Friday the 12th... "F-Squad Adventures" van in tow. (watch for a picture in the near future). We have had a blast setting up house here- our home away from home. Not only that, but we have had so much fun re-connecting with friends and meeting other missionaries. We just know this is going to be a wonderful experience.
Right now we are awaiting the arrival of Mom and our family friend, Barbara Lee. They are enjoying their own travel adventures. We are so happy to have them come - our FIRST overnight visitors- hopefully the first of MANY!!!

On a Serious note...

We have been having such fun with this blog, but we feel impressed to take a moment to share some sincere feelings with you.

Today we were set apart as full time missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as ambassadors of our Lord Jesus Christ. Why are we voluntarily leaving our home and family for 18 months or more? Why would we decide to commit to missionary labors so soon after retiring from full time employment?

The answer is so very simple- because of love. We are so blessed and so grateful to our Heavenly Father and our Savior for the blessings in our life. We stand in awe over the richness of the blessings we have received through the gospel of Jesus Christ. We love Him with all our hearts. We owe Him everything. Sharing this joy with others is the desire of our hearts and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to do so. He will watch over our loved ones. He will open the doors for us so we can bless his children. He will inspire us with the words we need to share and comfort us if we grow weary. Even in our service to Him -He ever serves us. For we know He lives and loves us. We know the church is true. We love the Scriptures and the words of the Prophets and find in them joy, solice, direction and peace.

So I think the question really is ... Why wouldn't we want to share these things with the people we meet? Why wouldn't we want to show our Father and His Son how much we love them? It really seems like such a smalll token of gratitude. We are delighted to have this opportunity.

That Christ lives is our testimony. To bring souls unto Christ is our purpose.
Elder and Sister Fairhurst

Spokane was our last stop on our mini-vacation. We had such a nice visit. Kevin & Heidi were very hospitable despite the fact that she had been having some labor pains- expecting Olivia to arrive within the week. The kids played so well together. The adults chatted and played Mexican Train. Here are a few pictures of some of my adorable, brilliant, witty, creative, wonderful GRANDKIDS and of course the parents- OUR children.

Saturday cartoons & cousins on the couch

A Mini Family Vacation

We just returned from our "Farewell Torture Tour". Actually the only torture was watching Fred say goodbye to grandchildren.

We took Elder & Sister and headed our van for the family circuit. First to Boise where we reunited the Mini's with Leslie Mini. Then to New Meadow, ID to visit cousins Perk and Una. Next to Lewiston to see sister Mickey and have dinner with sister Betty, brothers Glenn and Jim and their wives Katie and Diana. And a wonderful reunion with cousin Gene after 20 years. So much family and so much fun!!!