Post Script by Mom

That night we unloaded the souveniers and what few pieces of clothing he had brought back. He worked hard and most of his clothing was left behind because it was so well worn. These shoes made it home as proof of a lot of walking!

He also wore home his threadbare pants!

The next morning Elder Moore was released as a missionary for the
Church of Jesus Christ. He served honorably and well. President Blake left him with some words of counsel for his future. It was a spirit filled meeting.

The following Sunday he gave his release report to the members of the Stake Presidency and the High Council of the Draper Eastridge Stake. He was able to share this experience with a couple of his also return missionary buddies, Paul Willis and Nate Dukatz.

Elder Moore gave his first homecoming talk in the La Verkin 4th Ward, where I now live and attend church. Afterwards, Grandmas prepared a wonderful Mexican fiesta complete with a pinata. It was wonderful to have so many friends and family come to La Verkin for this homecoming.

Then we were off to Sandy for the Eastridge 2nd Ward Homecoming. We stayed at the Farr's and had the homecoming meal at the Morgans. It was wonderful to be back with so many that have loved, supported and strengthened us over the last several years.

The celebrations were fun, but the best part of the homecoming is seeing how much the missionary has grown. Elder Moore's testimony increased, he had a quiet confidence, he had changed. His love for the people of Nicaragua was evident in the way he spoke of them and the stories and memories he shared.

I am so grateful for the mission Justin served. He worked three jobs in the months prior to serving his mission so that he could earn the $10,000 required. This was a blessing to him and to me as his mother. I am so proud of him.

Elder Moore, the last two years were invaluable to you, to me, and to the people you were able to teach. May your testimony always burn bright. And may your time in Nicaragua serving the Savior stand as a foundation and a testament that will guide you throughout your life. I love you son!

Awesome August...The Arrival (by Mom)

We arrived at the airport. I wanted to be in a good spot to see him coming. There was airport construction going on so he would descend the escalator far back and walk down a corridor before coming out into the open area. The arrival times were posted in the same area. I think I checked them about every 2 or 3 minutes. He was arriving from DFW on flight 1925 at 8:45 pm.

We tried to keep positioning ourselves closer and closer to where he would come out. There were two other families there welcoming home their missionaries as well. One of the families was that of Elder Boyce Weber from Justin's mission. The other was a missionary that had served in Europe. Their sign said "Welcome home Elder Hairball." I am pretty sure that was a joke and not his real name! I could feel the excitement and the energy from all around. There were signs and balloons. There were excited parents and siblings. There were eyes darting here and there saying, "Is that him? Is that him?" I felt the same way!


The plane landed and the wait began. There were numerous people in suits coming...but none of them was my son. I was standing but not still. Moving back and forth, back and forth. Looking desperately. I couldn't wait to get my hands on that boy of mine.


And then I saw him. And he saw this. People, his people, behind a sign. And he stopped. He didn't know what to do. And I began jumping. Up and down, up and down. Jumping and squealing.

I couldn't keep my feet on the floor. Here he was. Back safe and sound. Back to me.

He had done it. We had done it. He was home.

The cheering and the hugs began. Elder Moore was home!

It was wonderful to have him in my arms again. I loved seeing the brothers together....after almost 4 years. He was surprised at how his little sister was now all grown up.

Justin's other brothers were there too...Adam Lee and Daniel Lym. Now if I could only see them all play basketball together again my life would be complete!

I got just what I wanted...all my kids together...and Elder Moore got what he wanted...well, except for the masseuse!

July 31, 2012 Last Letter from the Mission Field

Alright. Well now I finally have time to write back. Sorry I did not have anytime whatsoever yesterday. I was visiting all day yesterday in Chinandega and all day Sunday in Managua. But now I am here safely back in Matagalpa for my last day. So yes I have been able to meet some people's parents. I was with Weber and his parents for like two days. It was so legit. They picked me up and we went and visited some people that we knew. It was awesome cause we also got to stay at a way nice place called Selva Negra and I took the best hot shower that I have taken in two years. It was awesome. We also saw congo monkeys and we also ate dinner and breakfast together. It was awesome. I also had the opotunity to meet Webster's mom and brother. So it has been awesome. In 2 days I will tell you all about a lot of stuff. How my visiting went and all that so just hold out and be patient and I will tell you all.

I want you to know that I love you a ton and am excited to see you. I have a lot of mixed feelings right now. I don't know how to feel. I feel sad cause I have to leave this beautiful country but happy cause I will see the fam. Sad cause I feel like my whole life is here, that all my friends are here, I feel like this is my life. I dunno, I don't want to leave. It is going to be hard but knowing that I have to leave just makes me so anxious to be there. I dunno how to explain it. I just wish I was like Hannah Montana. Iwant the both worlds. But I just can't have them.

I just want to finish by writing my testimony.

That I know with out doubt that this is the Church of Jesus Christ. I know that He is our Saviour and Redeemer. I know that we as members of the church are building and edifying the kingdom of God on earth. I know that Thomas S. Monson is called of God and that he is a perfect guide that will lead us back to our Father in Heaven. I know that through Joseph Smith the Church was restored. I have a strong testimony of prayer. I know that God listens and that if we listen God will respond. We are never alone in this life. I know that I will forever be able to represent my Saviour Jesus Christ even though I don't have a name tag. I know with every fiber of my being that Christ lives and that we belong to his Kingdom. We are his saints. We are the light and truth of the world. I know these things.

Well I will see you shortly. I am really nervious, I don't know what I am going to do. I was nervious meetings Weber's parents and Webster's parents, I don't even know what I am going to do meeting my own family. Freek sketchy super scary, but I'll do it. I have a ton of stuff. A ton of stuff that I am taking up so hopefully they don't charge me too much for the second suitcase. Do you know how much it is?

Love you to the max mother you are the best. See you shortly.

Love, Elder Moore