Derek, aka: Elder Brown, has been having a wonderful month of July. One of the special things that he and the other service missionaries were able to do was to participate in a special event at the San Antonio Food Bank. Our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has been doing the most wonderful project to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America. They have sent 50 truckloads of food to all fifty states, and Elder Brown was able to help unload and process the delivery to San Antonio’s food bank. (He even got a special shirt, which he loves.)

Something that he and the other missionaries do pretty frequently, is to schedule a temple session together. Most of them work as ordinance workers at the temple, but going as a temple patron is different. And this last time, Lily even joined their group.

And because Lily went with them to the temple, she also joined them for yummy food afterwards at Kneaders. I love that my older kids have these wonderful times together.

Last weekend, there was a special Stake activity and barbecue, and while the kids were there, Derek also ran into a few friends from high school that recently returned from their missions. He loved getting to see old friends.

Every once in a while on his “p-day” (preparation day), the service zone has something they call “zone sports,” even if their sports are actually playing board games 😉. I love that the service missionaries have the chance to hang out, play, and strengthen friendships with each other. Good times!

It is hard to believe that Derek is on the tail end of his mission. He will finish up in April to head back to college, but I am so glad that for now he is able to serve and bless the lives of others through his missionary service.