The Release

Because we arrived home so late from the airport/dinner, the Stake Presidency decided to release Elder Moore on Friday morning at 9:00 am.  We took the opportunity to have some family pictures done before  we headed over there. 

The time spent with President Blake was wonderful.  He has a wonderful way of making everyone feel comfortable and of testifying of truthfulness.  He asked Elder Moore to bear his testimony.  Through tears, he told of his love for the gospel and his love for the people he served in Nicaragua.  He told of his goals to do the things necessary to stay close to the Lord.  President Blake assured him that he will still be in the service of the Lord but in a different capacity.  Now his work is to get an education and create a life with a wife and children.  He spoke with Elder Moore about the importance of good friends.  To spend the majority of his time with those that are living the standards he wants to keep.  He challenged Elder Moore to read from his scriptures daily and to go on one date a week....not a hang-out...an official date.  This seemed difficult to Justin at first, but he does enjoy girls...it is just that he hasn't been able to enjoy them for two years.  That night he had a date!

President Blake also talked to Brandon a little bit.  With Brandon's new occupation as a police officer, President Blake challenged him to gravitate to the good guys.  There are parts you have to do for your job that is "street cop" but not to carry that mentality into his personal life.  He said good men can be found and you must surround yourself with them. 

I felt the spirit in the room and also the love and gratitude for the mission experience.  As we left, Justin's mission was over.  The name tag was removed.  But the testimony and the experiences can never be taken away.