"Farewell" Sacrament Meeting May 31, 2009

by mom, Laurie

Drew, spoke in church as a departing missionary about developing Christ-like attributes of our Savior while serving the next two years and throughout life. People will be less inclined to listen to our Savior's gospel message if that message has not made a remarkable, noticeable difference or change in the messenger.

Favorite moments: Seeing my son look and sound like a man, the incredible music - Lisa McKay singing the most tender, touching rendition of “I Stand All Amazed” ever heard and the congregation standing and singing together the closing hymn, “Ye Elders of Israel”.  Our Bishop sharing a memory of being somewhat fearful when asked to substitute in Primary for the three-year-old class many years ago and a kind and tender-hearted boy (Drew) coming up to him after the class to give him a spontaneous hug.  Seeing Drew and Sister Brooks sitting on the stand next to one another, visiting and smiling then later Pam delivering a beautiful, touching message with such intelligence and grace and “surprising” Drew with this message Elder Brooks sent from the Argentina Buenos Aires West Mission:

Dear Drew . . .
What a great opportunity it is to represent our Savior Jesus Christ. Invest yourself in these next two years. The work is not easy, but it’s worth more than you can imagine. At times it may be difficult to understand the language, you may not understand what they say with your ears, but you can always understand with your heart. Listen to the Spirit, and act on it. The people are wonderful . . the children are so excited to see the missionaries they run out of their homes with their Book of Mormons in their hands waiting to talk to the missionaries. We haven’t had many opportunities to play on the same baseball team, but I know this time we’re on the same team. As a prophet was once said “Forget yourself, and go to work.” Take care Hermano, I”ll see you on the field . . . Elder Brooks

  

Room-mate Seth French flew to LV from Walnut Creek, CA for Drew’s farewell.  He's departing himself in just a month to serve in San Salvador.  At an impromptu gathering at our home Sunday afternoon, Drew’s nieces also surprised Uncle Drew by singing “I Am A Child of God” to him in Spanish.