Welcome Home Elder Carroll!

Tyson was scheduled to come home last night but because of a delay with one flight he missed his connection in Dallas. He was unable to get on the next flight to Midland and had to stay the night in Dallas. What a bummer, you may think, but not for Elder Carroll. He paired up with a man who helped him make the necessary phone calls, spent some time with him, had a great discussion and was able to give him a Book of Mormon. A missionary till the end!

Meanwhile, we were at the airport waiting and there was a group of volunteers there welcoming home soldiers. We waved flags and cheered as these soldiers came down the escalators. To be able to shake their hands, hug them, look them in the eyes and say, "Thank you, welcome home" was a priceless gift for us. We stayed until all the soldier's flights had come in.

This morning we got up early and did it all over again. This time Tyson came home. The same group that was there the previous night was there again in the morning. They announced him and gave him the same warm reception that they gave our soldiers.

After welcoming Tyson we welcomed a group of five soldiers and one Vietnam Veteran. It was a special welcome for the Vietnam Vet because when he came home in 1972 he was not greeted with cheers and hugs. He was spit on and had stuff thrown at him. The woman who announced his arrival said, "After 30 + years it is time to give this man the welcome home that he deserves." (He was escorting the other soldiers.) He was so overcome by emotion that he was crying. What a blessing it was to be able to take part in such a monumental moment in his life! We are so happy to live in this community full of loving Christians. God bless our soldiers and welcome home Tyson!