The Sweetest Welcome to the "Best Mission We Know"!!!

Following a completely unexpected phone call from Elder L. Tom Perry's office, we had the privilege of meeting with him on November 4, 2014. We were then invited to meet with President Henry B. Eyring on December 1st.  President Eyring extended to us a call for Randy to serve as a mission president - somewhere english speaking.  Mary Ann was called to serve as his companion, and as a full-time missionary.  We opened our official call letter that Thursday, surrounded by our very surprised daughters, son-in-laws and grandchildren.

In the midst of the excitement another call letter arrived- much earlier than anticipated! We were being called to serve in the....Maryland Baltimore Mission!!! 

The celebration began and included, among other things, a daily rendition of "Good Morning Baltimore" performed by the grandchildren.

We felt like we were caught up in a whirlwind for several months as we arranged to leave home, family, friends, jobs, and at the same time prepare as much as possible for the amazing privilege that was coming our way.

We entered the MTC in Provo on June 23, 2015 feeling overwhelmed and excited. The Seminar for New Mission Presidents ended Sunday June 28th, and the following morning we were dropped off at the Salt Lake airport by our darling family.

We will be forever in debt to President Mark Richards and his wonderful wife Karlan who did all in their power to help us prepare.  They are so well loved by their missionaries, the members and us!  It was wonderful to be greeted by their beautiful smiles and warm embraces as we landed in Baltimore. We were also delighted to be greeted by two incredible elders who are serving as the assistants to the President.

Next we were introduced to the most amazing office couples anywhere in the church and then off to a nice dinner with President and Sister Richards.  After just a few brief hours they were dropping us off at the mission home and wishing us well. They have left an incredible legacy behind as they have served with honor, and returned home with honor!