We found out that my mother had stage 4 lung cancer, just weeks before we entered the MTC. While that made our parting very tender, it was also a great blessing from Heavenly Father to have the opportunity to say goodbye. She passed away 2 weeks ago and I was so thankful to recieve the additional blessing of returning briefly for her funeral.
Fortunately, 2 of our daughters (Erika and Jenneka) were able to fly out to visit my mom a few weeks before she passed away.
Then I was privileged to be joined by our 4 other children (Ben, Jessie, Dan and Nathan) for the funeral.
This is a time when it is so good to be surrounded by loved ones...
I returned home to be greeted by my stalwart companion, who stayed in Trinidad and did the work of two missionaries, and this beautiful flower arrangement. It was made by one of our local sisters with the orchids from her own garden.
My heart is full of love and praise to our Father in Heaven, as I close with the tribute I gave my mother before we left on our mission. How grateful I am for the legacy she has left me and to know that she is in the "mansion of the blest!" Always, Sister Lindorf
Hark, I hear the harps eternal ringing on the farther shore,
As I near those swollen waters, with their deep and solemn roar.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, praise the Lamb.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, glory to the Great I Am!
And my soul tho' stained with sorrow, fading as the light of day,
Passes swiftly o'er those waters to that city far away.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, praise the Lamb.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, glory to the Great I Am!
Souls have cross'd before me safely to that land of perfect rest.
And I hear them singing faintly in the mansion of the blest.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, hallelujah, praise the Lamb.
Hallelujah, hallelujah, glory to the Great I Am!
Gilbert M. Martin
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PS I debated whether it was appropriate for me to send out such a personal update, but finally came to the decision that this is all part of missionary work.
