Tonight we had the privilege, since we work with the Young Single Adults, of attending a special fireside for YSAs from ten stakes with the guest speaker being Apostle Renlund.  His humor and common-sense advice simply added to the spirituality of the meeting.  The whole two hours was devoted to answering questions from the young people--some were pretty tough, some very interesting,  It was awesome!  (One side note:  Sister Center and I were fortunate enough to be sitting in the row he walked down.  So we all stood up as he and his wife stopped to shake hands with each of us.  Seeing Sister Center's missionary badge, he asked the normal question, "Where are you serving from?"  Now I would have answered, Littleton, Colorado or Denver.  Not so Loralee.  When shaking her hand and asking where she was serving from, she not so calmly replied, "Ah--er--oh--wa--um--huh!"  Not nervous were you dear!  He did thank her for her service and when I told him how much we loved serving the YSAs, he said, "They keep you young don't they?")

"Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway."     I'm sure Elvis is rolling  over in his grave at my tone-deaf  karaoke performance of "Are You Lonesome Tonight" at our Institute party!!!   (Thankfully, only the picture and no sound was recorded.)

OUR MISSION LEGEND:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B3U7P37BIdZaUi16eEQzRkMwMDA/view?usp=sharing

(YOU DON'T WANT TO OVERLOOK THIS!!!)

Here we are at our Mission Christmas party. Along with about 200 Elders and Sisters. Fun day.

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."