Get Ready... Get Set (-Apart).... And....

     On Thursday, the 15th of June, we entered the Church Administration Building and went upstairs to the office of Elder Russell L. Ballard, accompanied by my dad and step-mom with us, most of our children and our two oldest grandchildren. After visiting with us, Elder Ballard set-apart Rick assisted by Elder Ron Rasband then Elder Rasband set me apart, with Rick, now President Woodbury, joining the circle along with Elder Ballard.  President Woodbury was given the keys to the mission, which was the reason the other men present were not called into the circle. He was given marvelous blessings, including being able to discern if people were telling the truth or not, health, wisdom, and compassion. I was set-apart as a full-time missionary and companion to my husband, and was blessed to be able to speak, teach, and have an impact particularly with the Sisters, as well as the Elders. I was also blessed with health and was counseled about helping Rick temper his activity and stress levels.

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Elder Rasband, Sister Woodbury, President Woodbury, and Elder Ballard

Elder Ballard, Sam, and Jake

Across the back: Josh, Danny, Luke, Elder Rasband, and Scott

Middle: Melissa, Jessica, Becky/Sister Woodbury, Rick/President Woodbury, Elder Ballard, and Heather

Standing front: Sam and Jake

Sitting front: Mom and Dad Barker

  

       As we were gathered in the lobby area of the building, before going to our cars, we met and visited with Elder Richard G. Scott, who was with Elder Craig Zwick and Elder Neal Anderson, all of whom we know well and love. Elder Ringwood of the Seventy also came through and talked with us. He and his wife are in Scott and Heather's ward. So, we by chance or not, were able to meet with pretty much all of the General  Authorities we are close to. 

     We spoke in Sacrament Meeting on Sunday to a large crowd filling the overflow area and 3/4 of the way back in the gym. We were happy to see new and old ward members as well as Yalecrest Ward friends, Temple friends, relatives and business associates. I spoke on courage and included a tribute to my dad for Father's Day. Rick talked about the idea of the Gospel being too good or fantastic to be true, but that it is true. I directed the Choir singing Mack Willberg's "The Spirit of God" and the closing congregational hymn was "Called to Serve." Many people talked with us there at the church, especially those who weren't able to come to the house because of other meetings and Father's Day activities, then we went home for a well-attended and lovely Open House hosted by our children and grandchildren. We were overwhelmed with the love and support that we felt and will hold them dear as we embark on our big adventure in the mission field.