Chris’ Mission–Arriving home to Salt Lake City

Well, I am finally back to writing in this journal. While on my mission, I used three other journals, but now I am back from my mission. In reading back, I was so excited to get out there on my mission because I had such high expectations of what my mission would do for me. Well, my mission exceeded every expectation and was much greater than I ever expected. It was seriously so awesome - the greatest time of my life.

I arrived home today. We woke up in Chicago and had plenty of time to get all ready and make the plane at 9:30. The plane ride was really fun, but that is when I got very nervous. My stomach did all kinds of twists and turns as we got close to Utah. Especially when I was able to look out and see the Salt Lake Valley. It was a great feeling to see home. When we landed, I was in no hurry to get off the plane so I let everyone else get off first. And even then I took my time. Then I let Mom and Dad go and I monied my way on out. I could hear Nikole and Ashlyn and Lindsey yelling for me to get my butt out there. And as I finally rounded the corner and could see everyone, that was enough wait for them and they sprinted down the plank an just ran into me. Ashlyn arrived first and went airborne into my arms. I just caught her and hugged her and the tears started flowing. I hugged Lindsey and Nikole also and they began dragon me up to the crowd of people waiting for me. So many loved ones were there and it was a joyous reunion. Most of my Polson relatives were there, many people from the ward, the Burrups, Liz and Michelle. It was really good to see everyone but it was weird at the same time. I didn’t know how to act. But I visited with everyone for a while and then we all started to file out. We drove home - I loved seeing the mountains and the streets and our house. I went on a tour of the house because a lot is different. It was exciting. Grandma and Grandpa Polson came over and we went out to lunch in Draper.

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Home in Sandy


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At about 5:00pm, we got hold of Stake President Newbold. He invited us over and the worst thing in my life took place. He released me as a missionary. It was really nice how he did it all. There was a good feeling in his home. He basically said, “I release you on behalf of the leadership of the Stake, the General Authorities, the Quorum of the Twelve, and the First Presidency. But most importantly, I release you on behalf of the Savior himself.” It was neat but I was just kind of in shock during it all. I couldn’t say much at all. I drove home with my parents in silence and felt so sad. I didn’t say a word and just went downstairs and started bawling. It was the worst feeling every. Dad came down and just gave me a hug which helped but I spent time alone for over 2 hours just pondering and going over my homecoming talk. It was a very emotional time but I had to get through it. It was so hard to take off my name tag, but it is done. I will miss my mission but it has made me who I am today and I will be forever grateful for it. This church is true, I know that more than anything else. My testimony has grown so much and is unshakeable now. I know that God lives, that Jesus Christ is his son and the Savior of the world. I feel it an honor an privilege. I love the work I was engaged in. There is nothing better. October 21, 1994

This was my homecoming and it was awesome. We had a record crowd. Ashlyn spoke first as the youth speaker. Dad spoke for a few minutes, and then I play the piano arrangement “A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief”. I played it better than I every have - no flaws. Then I gave my homecoming report. I spoke for over 35 minutes but I think it was very good. Everyone told me what a great job I did. I really felt confident and I felt good about what I shared with everyone. It was a good experience, but it was hard to see that it is really over. This was the final part of my mission. It is really over. Everyone came over to the house and I had a wonderful time visiting with everyone. It was very nice to see and visit with all of these people that I haven’t known for two years. It was great to be with my friends and family again. This morning, I also reported my mission to the High Council and Stake Presidency. That was a treat as well. Missions are such a great experience. From start to finish, it has been the greatest time of my life. I will miss it so much. I wish I could go back because it is definitely better than home life. The greatest work in the world, over for now. October 23, 1994

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