Saying Goodbye

We had a bittersweet moment lastnight. Elder Billin was called to the Brazil Brasillia mission but his visa didn't arrive so he went to learn the language in the MTC in provo, UT. When he was done his 9 weeks of language training his visa had still not been processed. So he was temporarilly reassigned to the Spokane, WA mission and he was sent to serve in our ward in Moses Lake. He was such an awesome missionary. We've had many missionaries come and go throughout the years and they have all spent a lot of time in our home. We love them all.....okay....I might be fibbing....there were a couple I wanted to throttle....but all in all we have loved them all....but some of them capture a special place in your heart. Elder Billin fit that category. We've had others here that were waiting for visas...but nobody that served as hard as he did and did it with a smile on his face at all times. He never complained that his visa was delayed and he never let down on his service just because this really wasn't his mission. Lastnight we had the opportunity to take Elder Billin to the mission home in spokane so he could catch his flight to Brazil this morning. I felt like I was dropping off another son for his mission. It was hard for him to leave after being here for 4 1/2 months. Today we got the nicest surprise in our mailbox. Elder Billin had written us a letter and he'd mailed on Saturday. He told us he was so grateful that his visa had been delayed and that he was able to come and serve in Moses Lake and be in our ward. He said that Scott and I had made a difference in his life and he loved us more than he could ever explain. So today we have another "son" that has left for a foreign land to spread the good news of the gospel. We will pray for him by name each day. We feel blessed that we got to have him here for a little while....but we are so excited for the people in Brazil that are going to get to have Elder Billin in their area. They are in for a real treat. God Bless you Elder.