January 3rd, 2018 - One Small Setback, One Giant Comeback!

Things have been pretty crazy for the last couple of months for Elder Murray. In the end of September, I got a call from David at the CTM. He was coming home. He came home the next day, very sick and very sad. It was hard for him and has not been an easy three months. He was diagnosed with mononucleosis, then a severe ear infection, and then a sinus infection. He ran a fever for 6 weeks straight. It then took David several weeks more to gain back his energy. He worked hard at scripture study and was always in bed by 10:30, even on weekends. With few friends in town, it was a bit lonely for him, he felt bad about missing out on his mission. After he recovered more, he ended up working at Target and eventually worked up to 40 hours a week. 

It was tough being in the CTM and dealing with such a harsh illness, so his memories of mission life weren't the best. But David wanted to serve the Lord and follow the commandment to serve a mission, so despite his fears he pressed forward. 

Things were uncertain for a while as to when he would return, and we didn't know if he would be home for Christmas or not. In the end, it all worked out, and David was told he would leave January 3rd. David is a brave young man, and we are very proud of him. It took courage to go back to the mission field after being at home again, but we are so happy for him and his good choices. 

Tuesday night he was set apart and David became Elder Murray again. Wednesday morning we left for the airport. There was a mix up with his flight, but the Lord was with us, and we noticed it in time. We were able to get his luggage off the wrong flight and get the Church Travel office to reschedule him correctly. So even though it was hectic, everything worked out. We waved good-bye to our David for another 23 months. We will miss him, but we know he is where the Lord wants him to be.