In the Mail...Almost

It’s been years since we sent family greetings, and we thought now was as good a time as any to restore tradition. We knew we wouldn’t have time to send them in the fall, so we prepared to send love notes in February. Well, that was the plan!

Call me old fashioned, but we’ve handwritten the addresses (albeit sloppier than I’d like), and I’ve insisted on writing a short note in each card (Sterling thinks I’m crazy!), but I’m happy to say that the last of them should be in the mail tomorrow.

I’m sharing two cards because I ran out of the first and had to make a simpler card with my limited supplies (almost all my stamps, etc. have been given away). I’m also sharing what was typed on the insert and the photo we included…since I can’t send greetings to all of you. I wish I could…and with a handwritten note in each!

(The formatting is messed up, and I don't have time to mess with it...my apologies!)

Aloha from the Gardners!

It’s been years since we’ve sent greetings, but we look forward to seeing photos of you and your family and hearing about your lives, so we hope an update from us will be appreciated too. We’ve had a memorable experience here in Hawaii while serving as missionaries, and here are some of the blessings of our mission as it comes to a bittersweet end:

• Working in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission office with

great people

• Serving with the BEST mission president and his wife
• Watching the young missionaries grow into men and

women of God

• Being asked to “hang out” at the YSA branch and

attend institute class

• Teaching temple preparation class and attending the

Laie Temple often

• The magical duo of our branch piano player and

chorister

• Lessons and talks from amazing young people with

strong testimonies

• Visits from all the members of our family at least once
• Having dinner with friends and family on vacation

from the mainland

• Enjoying the relaxed culture and the warmth of the

Polynesian people

• Elder Holland’s visit to our mission and singing in the

choir that evening

• Excellent care at Queen’s Hospital during Sterling’s

stay after his stroke

• The view from our 29^th floor city apartment and its

convenient location

• Practicing yoga at a studio less than ten minutes away

from our apartment

• Fresh fruits and vegetables, especially apple bananas

and pineapple

• Beach trips, scenic drives, and hikes around the island
• Sterling picking fragrant plumeria flowers for my desk

to brighten my day

• Blue skies, billowy clouds, and beautiful weather

We love our mission, we love the Savior, and we love you, our dear friends and wonderful family.

Hugs from Hawaii,

Elder and Sister Gardner

Comments

[pat lund]

What a wonderful giving couple you are. Glad your mission was very successful but glad to see you back in SLC.

[Laura Fernsler]

That is beautiful Shelli. I coordinate a group of ladies in my church that send cards weekly to the elderly, shut-in, ill, hospitalized or those struggling with whatever difficulty they may be facing emotionally, physically or otherwise. We write short notes of encouragement, scriptures and well wishes. It's amazing how much these quick notes touch people, I get calls or comments all the time about how much it means to them. We send from 10-15 cards every week.

[Michelle]

What a great way to end your trip, a look back. I am sure that friends and family will be excited to get these love notes. Safe travels if you haven't already arrived home. :-)

[Linda Vich]

Shelli, this card is a stunner! It has a "crayon rubbing" feel to the background that is very endearing! I never would have thought to use that Watercolor stamp behind the Bloomin' Love Thinlit! Totally amazing!

[Mike Smitth]

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