more than just a nametag

I decided that Sundays are my new favorite day for two reasons:

ONE: everyone seems to be in a better mood on a Sunday for some odd reason. It may be because no one has work and Sundays seem to have 

some of the most beautiful weather (as of lately).

AND TWO: I look forward to a Sunday where I have a chance 

to go to a Missionary Farewell or Homecoming.

Luck was on my side today. 

I was able to go to both Missionary Farewell as well as a Homecoming this morning for two incredible men that I have met throughout the course of my life.

To start off, I went to a friend name Dave's Farewell and let me just say, I have grown so much respect and love for this kid and the word "wow" is all I have to say.  I met Dave a while ago when I turned sixteen and been able to hangout with him in and out for the last 5 years. Over the course of these five years, Dave has gone through countless amount of adversity, struggles, pains and confusion. He is 24 years old and for those of you who are LDS and are aware of the LDS missionaries, the age for a typical LDS missionary is 19 years old. For Dave to decide to go on a mission and realize it is what God wants him to do in his life right now is remarkable. He has so much in his life right now he has going for him. He was going to start the Police Academy this Fall and dropped it all for the next two years. I bow down to him for his strength and his example to go on a mission, especially for as old as he is. It is definitely out of his comfort zone and I know he will not regret this decision to put his life on hold for the next to years to serve the Lord and his sons and daughters. Thank you Dave for showing others the example that it doesn't matter how old or young you are, as long as you are following your heart and what God wants you to do, everything will work out in the end. You are an incredible person and I commend you for all the changes you have made in your life and the person you have and will become. I love you and good luck.

Secondly, after hearing Dave's beautiful farewell, I had to book it over to another friend's homecoming talk. I wasn't able to hear his talk since it was the same time as the Farewell but just being in his presence and realizing the changes he has made and the happiness and sunshine he brings into the room is incredible. It is crazy how much someone can change and their outlook on every little thing and person in life has changed. 

For the men and women that go on missions for the LDS church, I give you my full respect. You are making the World a better place in bringing true joy and happiness to the lives of complete strangers in this World as well as to yourselves. I respect missionaries and always have a soft spot for them in my heart. They put so much energy, faith, love and time into the two years they are out and do not get paid to do it nor do they know if they will get anything out of it. They just pack up their bags, put their lives on hold and have trust that things hopefully work out 

for the two years they are gone. 

For those of you who are going or have gone on missions, 

I congratulate you for the choice you have made and for all the goodness 

you are bringing into the lives of many.

We need you --- Now do you see why I love Sundays?