Final Week, Final Post

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It's hard to believe, at least for us, that our 18-month mission is drawing to a close. We have thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Philippines, even though there were challenges of all types and descriptions. 

We will miss the young missionaries the most. Of course, we will miss the senior missionaries and our mission leaders, but the young men and young women we've served with are truly exceptional. My hat is off to each one of them for deciding to serve the Lord and dedicate their time and talents to helping people come to love the gospel of Jesus Christ.

We will miss the Filipino people, too. They are some of the kindest, warmest, and most humble people in the world, and they treat Sister Cutler and I like royalty. We didn't get to know many Filipinos on a personal level due to our assignment managing young missionary apartments and supporting the mission office, but those we got to know well will be friends forever. We especially loved reconnecting with church members that my companions and I baptized fifty years ago, and to see how the gospel changed their lives and continues to bring joy and hope to their children and grandchildren.

We definitely look forward to seeing our own children and grandchildren! I also look forward to retirement, something I haven't experienced yet. I hope it's not boring. I may have to buy a motorcycle.

We want to thank our children for taking care of each other while we were overseas. Each of them overcame obstacles and challenges, and it made it easier for us to focus on our missionary work knowing that they could, and would, rise to the challenge.


If you are considering a senior mission, with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints or with your own congregation and faith, my simple advice is to just do it. Go forward with faith. You are needed. God wants us to serve each other and to be his hands and eyes and ears, comforting the sick and afflicted, and succoring the poor and needy. Leave your home and family and pets for a short season - I promise they will be just fine - and make a difference to those in need. You will not regret it.

Comments

  1. The KnightonsOctober 26, 2025 at 8:41 AM

    Thank you both for your example of missionary service and sharing your experiences! We love you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 26, 2025 at 8:54 AM

    Wow it has gone by so fast. Diane and I are putting in for a second mission to Nauvoo to be a teamster. If not there we put in to be your replacement. We will keep you posted.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 26, 2025 at 8:55 AM

    I should tell you the previous post is from Scott Gamble.

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousOctober 26, 2025 at 10:33 AM

    Great job

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dustin ThomsonOctober 26, 2025 at 1:11 PM

    I love it Keith! Excited to see y’all soon! Zoe missed y’all!

    ReplyDelete
  6. AnonymousOctober 26, 2025 at 4:38 PM

    You two have been a blessing to our young missionaries. You will definitely be bored when you get home after the busy you have kept up. Having a cause to propel you forward is the best of all, especially when it comes in the form of service.

    ReplyDelete
  7. AnonymousOctober 27, 2025 at 8:59 AM

    Great Job Keith and Vickie

    ReplyDelete

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