Farewell

TJ gave his farewell address on December 26, 2010. He did an AMAZING job and spoke from his heart, touching everyone who was there. The chapel was packed all the way to the back of the gym. Kylee Dyer spoke on service while Jared Schmidt, who stayed in town from a family vacation to be present, spoke on preparation. The Young Men sang Called to Serve, asking former missionaries in the congregation to join in on the second verse. Next, TJ shared his thoughts and feelings on leaving to serve the Lord for 2 years. He spoke about how people have "written" on his life and shared his feelings about how those things have made him a better person. The Osterloh girls sung "A Window to His Love" which was beautiful and added so much spirit to the already emotional meeting. Dee Young ended the meeting with a heart felt message on missionary work and the gift that TJ would be to those in Alaska.

TJ was set apart as a full time missionary on December 28, 2010. The blessing was given by President Miles and was very personal, revelatory and promising. A few of things TJ was blessed with were to be a good letter write allowing him to share his experiences with family at home, the gift of discernment that he would feel the direction of the Holy Ghost clearly,  and obedience. It was a very spiritual and emotional evening spent with family in preparation for his entering the MTC the next day!