We got a text yesterday that Elder Rantz was being transferred to Lindon. This came as a surprise since Elder Niuia-Tofa just arrived last transfer. He is needed elsewhere to spread the gospel. He will greatly be missed in Eagle Mountain!
We thankfully were able to have the Elders over for lunch today to say goodbye to Elder Kyle Rantz. He has a piece of my heart forever. He is not only a wonderful servant of the Lord but an incredible young man that I love as if he were my own son. I was really strong and didn’t show any emotion hugging him goodbye but my heart aches a little inside. I will miss hearing him yell, “Hi Mom!”.
I’m not sure what it is about this particular young man but he came into our home and we just LOVE him! The whole family will miss him terribly and his wonderful spirit. He has such a love of the gospel of Jesus Christ. His testimony is so strong! He gives the most beautiful prayers. He truly knows his Heavenly Father and Savior.
Jaimee shared with him some of her favorite memories with him and it made me realize that he really is a part of the family. We will see him again. Someday! Some of our favorite memories:
- sneaking up on Jaimee as we were walking to the Parade and snatching her up and swinging her around
- singing “How Can I Be” with Elder Ivan Velasco, the Spirit was so strong
- Yelling “MOM HELP!!!” down the hallway when the toilet was clogged
- zipper down, not just once but twice :-)
- beautiful missionary lessons with Peggy
- unexpectedly showing up at the door to have a place to rest a moment or to go visit another family with them
- many dinners and lunches
- tears streaming down his face out of frustration (this broke my heart)
- my 40th birthday party
- cutting the log with Elder Niuia-Tofa
- sour candies
- his 21st birthday (he said it was the nicest cake he had ever had)
- loving every gift at his birthday
- surprising him with balloons
- beautiful songs shared that he wrote
- teaching Nathan how to play his songs
- leaving banana bread on the doorstep
- leaving 2 huge bags of cereal on their doorstep with a Mormon ad poster
- balloon swords
- beautiful heartfelt personal prayers on bended knee
- yelling “Hi Mom!” every time he sees me with that awesome smile. (melts my heart every time)
Love you Kyle, till we meet again!
We are just starting to get to know Elder Niuia-Tofa. He is such a sweet missionary. He has a beautiful smile and a cute laugh. He loves Hershey Almond chocolate bars. He has a deep love for his family, especially his sisters. He really loves sausage! We can’t wait to get to know him and his new companion better. He is already starting to work his way into our hearts too!
WE LOVE THE MISSIONARIES!!!
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