Elder Chidester

As our kids grow so does our number of missionary farewells. We went through it with the girls as we watched so many young men hit the mission field. Now we are starting to experience it with Javier and his friends...but the Chidester family stand on a page all on their own. To me they are very much like family. They were there for our family just moments after my mom died as we moved into a home with our new larger family as their next door neighbors. We learned quickly that we shared a common thread with our religious views attending the same home ward. Their family has been with us through so many trials and good times.


We were sad to see them move from being our neighbor and into a different ward. (we would no longer see them on Sunday services). Little did we know at that time that Javier and Matthew would continue a friendship and just about a year later we moved homes and ended back in a home ward with their family. It is always nice to know that we have one of those friendships where if we don't talk for months it's like we never skipped a beat. They will always hold a special place in my heart and our family will be eternally grateful for their willingness to be there for our family in many different situations from baby blessings to baptisms to priesthood blessings and many dinners being brought in when I was unable to provide for my family due to illness, injury or welcoming new baby to our family.

We are so proud of Matthew for his decision to serve a mission. He was called to the Ogden, Utah mission. We know that he will accomplish great things while on his mission.
"We now have approximately 53,000 missionaries serving in 348 missions throughout the world. We take most seriously the Savior’s mandate when He said, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.” We are deeply grateful for the labors of our missionaries and for the sacrifices which they and their families make in order for them to serve." President Monson

Our family was honored to have dinner with you and those that love you dearly. We had good conversation and some laughs I will remember always. hehehe :)


Elder Chidester we will see you in two years...Write often... fall in love with the words of the Lord and when you get back I want a big 'ole hug.