Friends

Have you ever had those friends that it doesn't matter how much time passes without seeing them, it's like nothing has changed when you do get together with them? You don't have to send birthday greetings or call them everyday, yet you know they are always your friend? You have this bond that can never be bronken or connection that you don't have with just anyone? I have some friends like that. They are some of my dearest friends. They mean the world to me. We all have a common bond - we served our missions together. We have been places and seen and done things that not a lot of people will understand. While I don't keep in regular contact with everyone I knew on my mission it's always fun to see them and talk to them and I love the memories I had with them. There are a few, though, that I will always keep track of.

Here are a few pictures from yesteryear: Back row: Elder White, Elder Rust, Sister Baldwin, me with the huge green coat on, Elder Thomsen,

Front row: Elder Curtis, Elder Burr

Our trip to Findland to renew visas
Stepping off the train in a totally different country-amazing the difference in the cleanliness
Back row: me, Maron Wold, Sister Bryner

Front Row: Elder Thomsen, Elder Speak, and I forget the name
Train ride to Finland
Post mission: Road trip to Az. to see Deena Baldwin
me, Bryner (Alisa Burr), Deena

Road Trip-Mesa Temple

Me, Deena Baldwin, Alisa Bryner Burr - married to Dennis Burr twin to Doug Burr

A whole lot of us used to hang out quite a lot when we first got home from our missions. We used to play ultimate frisbee, take road trips and just plain have fun. With all of that hanging out, it just so happens that Alisa (I still refer affectionately to her as Bryner) married Elder Burr's twin brother who also served in the same Russian misson that my husband did. That has made it even more fun for all of us. We were there through dating and courtships and then weddings, and then life sort of got in the way. Time has separated us somewhat. With children and moving on with our lives, it makes it a little harder to get together. There are a few of us who still try.

So last night was the night. I get to see Alisa once in a while and we had a fun mission get together a few months ago, but for this group, it's been three years since we've all been together. While a few more kids have been added to the mix, it was just like old times. It felt good to renew that bond, to catch up, to laugh and remenisce. I think the spouses had fun, too? Because we love them just as much and are so glad they get to be a part of it all, too. That's the fun part. They fit right in.

And here we are, 12 or so years later

Dennis and Alisa Burr

Clint and Meadow Thomsen Doug and Lisa Burr

Thanks, guys, for a great time. We had a a blast! Let's not wait so long, next time!