"Is that Russon I hear? Are those my Missionaries?"

My mission president and his wife, were this year's beneficiaries of the"Pillar of the Valley" award, given each year by the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce. An award given to those who contribute significant ways to Utah Valley. It was quite and honer for the two of them, and no doubt that it was well deserved.
The entire evening was dedicated to them, and at the end of the program they had some of the missionaries go on stage and sing Called to Serve.

There was only a small handful of us that came, but it was a good group.

After when we were congradulating President Ashton he said to us-
"This night has brought back a lot of great memories for us, and our time in Canada was a very influential and special to us, and we share that time with you."

(President Ashton with his daughters and Elder Ballard.)

.

(President Ashton watching the slide show, not knowing the missionaries were behind him, with his goofy smile. )

The Russons, and myself.




It got me all choked up, just to feel a small portion of that happy missionary spirit again.
I am so lucky to have the Ashtons influece in my life. They are everything I would hope to be.

I am still glad that I served a mission, I still will overflow with graditude when I think about the insane days I spent in Canada.

Onward, ever onward.