At today's all-day Christmas party for all 200+ missionaries in the Washington Tacoma Mission, the dozen senior missionaries sang this song. All the young missionaries jumped to their feet at the end of the first chorus and gave a rhythmatic clap throughout the rest of the song and then gave us a near never-ending applause.

The song is to the tune of “Called To Serve” which, of course, is the mission’s theme song and sung at every missionary meeting. It's done incredibly fast and loud, staccato-style, with the first two beginning lines being done acapella. And we punch the air with our right fist when the chorus sings “For.”

We the Seniors who are getting older

Left our canes and rocking chairs behind,

New responsibilities to shoulder

Challenges of every kind.

(chorus)

Seniors make a difference

in the world right here and now.

Seniors make a difference

and we're here to show you how.

For decades we have labored

and we've shed blood, sweat, and tears.

Youth of Zion rise, pay homage

to the wisdom of our years!

We the Seniors of a royal army

Called to serve in lands both far and near,

Leaving homes and all our friends and family

And a comfort zone so dear.

(chorus)

We the Seniors of a noble birthright

Here to represent our Lord and King,

As we labor with our heart and might

Precious souls to Him we bring.

(chorus)

Nine months ago today, my eternal companion and I entered the Missionary Training Center and began our incredible mission adventure--what a wonderful experience!!!

Sister Center and I testify:  "Behold, we are disciples of Christ, the Son of God, and have been called of Him to declare His word among all people, that they might have everlasting life."

 

                                       
          ON OUR 16TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY AS THE "ETERNITY 
                MIRRORS TESTIFY:  "THROUGHOUT ALL ETERNITY!"

We celebrated our 8 month mission anniversary by going to a "sandlot" league football game that a number of our Institute kids were playing in.  We really enjoyed it and not even the 40 degree temperatures and the fact that we barely lost could dampen our spirits.  Speaking of which, the constant drizzling rain of the last 6 weeks was kind and took a night off.  Go Juggernauts!

In a recent lesson, we were asked to think of something that we don't ordinarily associate with being thankful for.  After a bit of thought, I replied:  "I'm thankful that chocolate isn't part of the Word of Wisdom!"   (Do you think I'm getting "trunky?")

This was voted the funniest joke in the mission over the last twelve months:

A non-denominational church was about to begin their services when the devil suddenly appeared in his vilest form screeching obscenities and threatening the very souls of the parishioners.  Everyone in the congregation fled leaving the chapel empty except for one elderly man sitting in the  front pew.  The devil cussed and harassed the old guy but to no avail--he just calmly sat there with a nearly amused look on his face.  Finally, the devil said, "Do you know who I am?"  "Yep."  "Then why aren't you afraid of me?"  The old fellow looked at Satan and grinned victoriously, "Cause I've been married to your sister for forty-four years!"