Farewell Lunch

 Jonah had a lot of people at his farewell.  So many of his friends and their parents were there to support him. It took us a while to get him out of the church and over to our house. 

Matt, Lori, Katie and Ben left after Jonah's talk and went and got all of the food set up and ready.  It was such a relief, I didn't even have to worry about anything. 

When we got to the house there were already lots of people there enjoying crepes.  We ended up having plenty of food and I think everyone enjoyed it.

It was so fun to have the Beck's there.  We loved living by them all those years.  It's sad how rarely we see them now, but when we do, it's just like old times. 

The OG's.  When we moved in across the street from Beck's we just had the four kids between us. These four spent so much time playing together. 

Emilee had the twins and we had Wyatt while we lived there and the Beck's moved shortly after Kenzee and Hallee were born.  I'll always miss them being our neighbors!

I remembered to get a picture with us and Jonah, but I forgot to get a picture of the whole family.

Keith's aunt Linda and uncle Duane came all the way from Grantsville.  It was so nice of them and so great to have some Looslis there.  I know Garth and Pat are very excited and proud to have their grandson on a mission.

Jonah loved having the Hixon's there to support him.  This is his second family.  He spends a lot of time with them and he loves them all very much. They have told me how much they love Jonah and are so grateful for how well he treats Sawyer.

It was weird for Jonah and Sawyer to see each other again after that hard goodbye, but I think it was good.  This goodbye wasn't as hard as the week before. 

Jonah loved having all of his friends there.

Christian came by for a bit. It is fun to see them together as missionaries. 

It was so hot. I'm glad we had the shade tents, but it was still so hot outside. 

Jonah and Colston.  

I was worried the goodbyes would be so hard all over again, but they weren't as bad this time.

Jonah and Maddox.  They have been great influences on each other. 

Jonah has been blessed with amazing leaders and mentors in the ward.  He has spent a lot of time with the Beesley's over the years.  Everyone cleared out by noon, which was my goal.  It was great to have everyone here, but a little hard to share my last day with Jonah.

These guys were amazing and took care of all of the food and I didn't do anything or worry about it once. It was so amazing to just be able to visit and not have to worry about that.

My family hung out inside where it was cool.  It was perfect so they could visit and stay cool and their was plenty of tables and chairs outside for Jonah's friends. 

I came in a couple of times just to cool off. It was so hot! I loved having my family here.  They are all so supportive and I appreciate it so much.

Kyle and Paige are moving to Oregon. I'm so glad they got to come to all of this before they left.

It was so sweet of Alexys to come. I know that was really hard for her to be in Provo for 9 AM church. We loved having her here.

Matt jumped in every picture I took and I love them to much not to add them!

Matt can always make us laugh!

Mel and Earl and their family have been such a great influence on Jonah.  He has always looked up to EJ and Elijah and they always make him feel like a million bucks. 

Every picture with Matt makes me smile.

Tiff and Paul have been a great influence on Jonah.  He loves all of them and has had fun hanging out with Damon at grandma's over the years.

It got funnier with every picture that Matt got in.

Grandpa Ham, they just don't come better than him. I'm so grateful that we lived by my parents and my kids got to grow up with them.  They loved their grandkids and have been a great influence in their lives. It was hard not to have mom there.  Caitlyn gave me a necklace with a picture of me and mom in it and I wore that to the farewell to bring my mom to it.

Keith took over for Matt and jumped in their family picture.  We are a funny bunch!

Matt and Lori have had a huge impact on Jonah's life.  All of these years of our families spending weeks together every year have created strong bonds that I'm so grateful for.  I can't wait for Jonah and Cody to be reunited after their missions. 

Elena pointed out that she wouldn't see Jonah for three or four years because she will leave for her mission while he is still on his.  That was kind of a sad realization. It's hard to watch these kids grow up.

The Carr's have done so much for us over these past few weeks.  They are so generous and kind and have given up so much time to help us. We love them! 

Sawyer stuck around for a final game of Sky-Jo.  After that she stayed and helped us pack up Jonah's things. I had everything downstairs and ready, so the packing wasn't too bad.  We were worried about the weight of the suitcases, but it ended up being fine and we fit everything in without a problem. 

This is Garth's cousin, Greg Loosli.  I'm friends with him on Facebook and when I posted about Jonah's farewell he started messaging me and said he would like to come and also record it for us. We saw him at the church and talked to him for a minute, but he didn't come over after.  About 4 PM he started messaging me, but I didn't see it because I was packing with Jonah, so he started messaging Caitlyn.  He wanted to come over.  We assumed it was just to drop off the recording so we said it was okay.  Me and Sawyer stayed downstairs while Jonah and Keith went up to talk to him.  Jonah had already showered and changed so we could get him packed up.  Greg had brought Jonah ties from his mission when he served in France over 50 years ago.  He insisted that Jonah pick one and take it on his mission, then he wanted him to change so they could get a picture in the tie. Jonah came downstairs frustrated, but put on his suit and went up for the picture.  He said Greg tickled his stomach instead of shaking his hand, so it was a bit awkward, ha! Jonah got the picture and then came back downstairs so we could finish packing.

Jonah's farewell was on Father's Day.  Sawyer stayed until dinnertime and then she went home to eat with her family.  I think it was nice for them to have time  together after such a hard goodbye.  I could be wrong, but I don't think it made it harder on them like I feared it would. I made a roast and sour cream potatoes for dinner.  One last family dinner.

After dinner Kelly showed up.  All the surprise Loosli guests were a little hard on our last day with our boy.  She wanted to say goodbye to Jonah and she didn't stay long.  

That night Jonah set up a group chat on messenger.

They started doing filters and AI images. It was a lot of fun.

I was so tired that I could hardly keep my eyes open. I laid down in bed while they were all laughing and talking.  Keith asked me if I wanted them to go out and I said no. I wanted to listen to them laugh and have fun together while I laid there.  We had an early morning the next morning so we needed sleep, but we didn't want the night to end.  I loved going to sleep to the sound of my kids laughing together!

Farewell Talk

We got up early Sunday morning so we could get to church in plenty of time and save a few benches in the front.  Jonah had been working hard on his talk all week.  He was a little nervous, but he didn't show it. He is a natural public speaker.

I sent the link for people to watch to our Hawkins group text.  Ron texted this picture and they all said what a great job Jonah did.  It was so nice to have their support because it was so hard not having my mom there!  Jonah gave an amazing talk, it was powerful and full of doctrine. I was so impressed with his talk and it helped me realize just how ready his is.

 Here is his talk:

"Bonjour brothers and sisters! That is French for that's the only French word I know so far.  For those of you who don't know, and are wondering where my fluent French will be assisting me, I've been called to labor in the France Paris Mission. I fly out to England tomorrow morning.  If any of you have any suggestions on how to get thorough the long flights as a missionary, I'm all ears. I'm so excited to see my district. They seem so cool and full of light. I am so beyond excited to embrace every aspect of the incredible country of France, and I'll be sure to eat every pastry I possibly can while I'm thinking of you guys.   Oh and who would I be if I didn't wish all of the fathers out there a happy Father's Day.  Special thank you to the dads who helped set up the giant canopy for my farewell lunch.  I don't know about your guy's dads, but my dad is the king of dad jokes. In fact, I think he's one of the main reasons I felt prepared to serve a mission....because if I can survive his humor I think I can survive anything the mission throws at me.  (He was very excited to use that joke)

No but seriously, thank you all so much for being here and showing up today. I have been handed endless love and support from all of you.  This really is a ward family. And shoutout to visitors who have come to send me off, I couldn't have done it without you guys.  You guys are all family and such a blessing to me. I was given the topic of repentance, which is the best topic out there to go along with my experiences.  I was officially set apart as a missionary a week ago today, and began Home MTC training this last Monday.  It has been an adjustment for sure, but it's crazy how quickly I was able to grow my testimony in every aspect.  I can testify that wearing this tag has provided me with stronger spiritual power, and helped me to understand my divine potential. I am so excited to share my experiences of that will you all.

Going back to the topic of Father's day real quick, I want to highlight our loving and merciful Father in Heaven.  Like our fathers, He is eager for us to improve and come to Him with our problems. We can go to him with anything, big or small.  I am so grateful for His plan for us, and the Savior that He has blessed us with.  

Repentance can pose many doubts and questions.  We may often ask ourselves:

Are my sins worthy of Christ's atonement?

Have I done enough repenting to feel complete peace?

Is my small sin even worth forgiving and worth mentioning to Heavenly Father?

I know that my progression towards better understanding repentance has not been a straight and smooth path to say the least.  I am so grateful for the lessons I've been taught, and the testimonies that I've been able to lean on to gain personal revelation.  I pray that my words will invite the spirit here today, and help us gain a deeper understanding of the gift of repentance. 

I have prepared four truths that will hopefully be able to cover the aspects of repentance, and highlight the importance of it. 

My first truth is: Committing to your why will strengthen you and help you discover your divine potential.  Why do you want to repent? Why do you want to grow your relationship with your Savior? Or maybe your question is as simple as, why is it worth it?

The doctrinal mastery scripture Moses 1:39, helps us understand this very well. It reads, "For behold, this is my work and my glory to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man."

Brothers and sisters: God's entire why, work and glory is US! When we understand that and align our purposes with His, we will begin to understand our potential. Trying to discover a deeper understanding of my purpose has been on my mind this last week.  As a missionary I have been focused on remembering my purpose, and getting closer with the Spirit so that I can better recognize it. When you actively try to commit to your why, and your purpose in following Jesus Christ, you are utilizing your divine strength and potential. This commitment can give you guidance and direction when life becomes a storm.  It will also bless you with power during those times to overcome the storm.  As you stay true to your why and keep it close with our Heavenly Father's, you'll begin to see yourself start to recognize that you ARE a child of God with divine potential. This has helped me to know that committing to my why doesn't just keep me going everyday, but it reminds me of the true disciple that I am becoming. The process is not always easy and simple, but the climb is well worth it.  If you start with committing to something as small as attending a church meeting like you all are today, or read one verse out of the scriptures, you are already in the repentance process. Commitment is the best way to demonstrate our desires and dedication to our loving Heavenly Father.  Our efforts will be recognized and rewarded. I promise that God loves and sees your efforts.  I have been able to use my amazing family to grow a testimony of commitment, and pushing each other to do hard things.  My mom is the best example of the hardest worker you will meet.  I love you forever mom. (He looked at me and I was crying and he said, "don't look at me like that mom).  My amazing dad who has shown me how to trust the Lord and persevere.  My sisters as well, who show what it means to care, and my brother.  I look up to YOU bro, I hope you know that. 

My second truth is: Utilizing our weekly opportunity to take the sacrament will lighten our burdens exponentially. 

Although the sacrament is repeated and a routine, it is not repetitive. It is a wonderful reset offered to us.  When we come to that table of the Lord each week with real intent, we don't just remember Him, we are receiving His strength.  Mathew 11;28 and 30 makes a very meaningful and powerful promise and reflects the true purpose of the Savior.  It reads, "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Each time we take the sacrament, we offer ourselves to Christ and he fulfills this promise that He makes. We literally have the opportunity to hand over our burdens to Christ, and He offers us the feeling of stillness.  Brothers and Sisters, Christ doesn't take our burdens because it makes life easier, He takes them because He wants to carry them with us. Our lives are easier BECAUSE we offered ourselves to Him and He is willing to do that for us. This is such a blessing. I was taught in the MTC that the sacrament is a spiritual rescue line, waiting to pull us back to peace and purpose.  That lifeline will be thrown every time. Seeking cleanliness with real intent is the action of us grabbing that lifeline and holding on. I testify that my burdens are light, and my heart is full because of my opportunity to receive the blessings of the Savior ever single week. 

Truth number three comes directly from our beloved prophet, President Nelson.  It is: Repentance is most effective through daily improvement. 

Repentance isn't just for drastic changes in our lives.  it is for the still, small changes that we apply to our lives daily.  As soon as we are able to incorporate repentance as a daily habit, we are using it to it's full power and giving us strength.  Repentance is not a backup plan. It is plan A. I promise all of you that as you focus on small consistent efforts each and every day, you will notice the Savior transform you.  You will notice the Spirit to be with you.  You will see more light in yourself.  You don't have to be perfect. This just allows for you to give yourself more direction.

President Nelson said, "When we choose to repent, we choose to change! We allow the Savior to transform us into the best version of ourselves. We choose to grow spiritually and receive joy and the joy of redemption in Him. When we choose to repent, we choose to become more like Jesus Christ."

Repentance is a daily choice to change.  As a missionary and also in preparation for my mission, I made the decision to commit to the Lord daily, especially through prayer.  God wants to hear about our day. I challenge you to pray to the Lord and sincerely ask if He accepts your efforts that you gave.  He will answer your prayers and bless you.  This daily choice to change doesn't happen all at once, but evolves through quiet, daily efforts to become more like Him and strive to live His gospel.  These efforts are noticeable and very important to our Heavenly Father.  He loves to see us put forth that effort.

The fourth and final truth is the most important of all.  Jesus Christ is our Advocate.

Jesus Christ is the most trustworthy companion we could ever imagine.  It is okay to lean on His teachings and example. As I said earlier, repenting is not about being perfect.  we will never be perfect. It is about being consistent in our Faith in Jesus Christ, and having the Faith that Christ will change us. He will magnify our efforts to Heavenly Father.  I've been able to realize through my life, I have been able to make the same mistakes over and over, and still have had Christ's hand extended out to me every time, looking to help me change little by little. I feel my heart change when I put in effort daily, and grow a desire to know and do better.

John chapter 15 teaches that Christ sustains us to connect with our Heavenly Father. Jesus Christ is the vine, and we are his branches. We are not Christ but we are his appendages.  We are His right arm. It is our ministry to grow our branches, reach out to others, and let them experience the light of Christ through us. Let them have that same meaningful experience that we have as we sincerely seek forgiveness.

Brothers and Sisters, I love Jesus Christ! However, that doesn't even slightly compare to the amount of love He has for each and every one of us. I invite you to picture Him in the Garden of Gethsemane, atoning for our sins, saying, "Father I don't know if I can do this."  Then he sees you. "Oh Elder Loosli, I love Elder Loosli, I will carry his burdens."  I know that Jesus suffered individually through each and every one of our lives.  He walked with us. Elder D. Todd Christoffereson teaches, "Always keep Jesus Christ at the center of your mission in your life.  Always give Him the praise and glory for all you're able to accomplish.  The testimony of Jesus is our message." I'd like to add to this amazing message, that the testimony of Jesus Christ is our why.  Without him, we have no redemption."

Testimony

Invite them to think of what Jesus would say if He prayed about them specifically. Invite them to have an honest conversation with God every day.  Promise that the Spirit will be with them always, and they will understand their purpose for themselves and see the divine potential in other people.  We all have the power to be a light.  In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

 

Home MTC

  Home MTC started at 7AM Monday morning.  He was doing his MTC through the England MTC so we weren't sure how the time would work.  It wasn't bad though, he had to get up early other days, but he was done by 2 PM every day.  He did companion study after that, but he could schedule that anytime. 

He was up and ready when I got up at 6:30 AM.  He looked so handsome and ready to go.

Lori sent me these signs to print up for him. So cute! He jumped right in and enjoyed meeting his companion and his district.  His companion, Elder Blaylock, is from Texas.  Jonah said they have very different interests, but they got along great. 

Wyatt loved being Jonah's companion.  They went to the gym together a few times.  They also went to watch Colston open his mission call.

It was so nice to have this week together before Jonah left.  We all just gathered in the evenings and played games or just hung out.  

One night we went to the Orem temple to do baptisms.  We were sad Caitlyn was at work and couldn't come.  It was so cool to watch Jonah baptize and confirm Hallee and Wyatt.

I took pictures every day and Jonah would get annoyed and then I would tell him that I was taking it to send to Sawyer and he would smile for me.  I sent her pictures and updates every day. 

There was a girl who looked about Jonah's age who joined our group at the temple and Jonah baptized and confirmed her.  I saw Jonah laughing and talking to her and assumed he knew her.  When I asked him later he told me he just met her in the temple.  Jonah is going to be the best missionary. He loves to talk to people and makes everyone feel like they are his favorite person.

She walked out with us and offered to take pictures of all of us. I was sure grateful for that.

Jonah got a little more casual as the week went on.  He wore sweats since they could only see the top half in the zoom calls. 

He had to start at 5:30 or 6:00 AM so he was exhausted and took power naps on his breaks. 

Thursday night we went to the Payson temple to do a session. 

It was great to be in the temple again with Jonah.

He loved the Payson temple and said that was the temple he wants to get married in.

Jonah shared a scripture on social media. 

Jonah had a cool experience.  He was supposed to interview a convert and he thought of Dennis Schleicher. Six years ago I went to Dennis' book launch and bought his book and shortly after that Jonah had to read a memoir for school so he read that. His book is about why he joined the church as a gay man. Jonah and I enjoyed the book so when we found out he was coming to West Jordan to do a fireside we went to it.  We brought the book so that we could show him that we read his book.  We stayed after to meet him and when he saw us holding the book he panicked and said he couldn't talk about his book because he couldn't promote it at a fireside.  We understood what he was saying and got a picture of him and Jonah before we left.  Apparently Dennis thought Jonah wanted him to sign the book (he actually signed it for me at the book launch) and he has felt guilty and worried about it all these years. Dennis is an influencer now, so I didn't think Jonah would be able to get ahold of him. Jonah sent him a DM and got an automated response so he commented on Dennis' post and told him he wanted to interview him and Dennis messaged him his number.  

I found the picture of Jonah and Dennis and Jonah texted it to Dennis while he was talking to him.  Dennis immediately remembered him and started crying. Apparently this has really been bothering him for six years and he said he has been praying for Jonah this whole time and wanting to make it right. He was very emotional and said this was an answer to his prayers.  

Dennis did a whole post about it and it went pretty viral.  Missionaries in Jonah's district saw it and asked him about it.  People at my work saw it and his mission presidents in France saw it and commented on it.

   Dennis said, "I told a child “no,”… & regretted it daily. 

😢 After a fireside, a young boy stood beside his mother, holding a worn copy of my book. He had read it cover to cover and came to meet me, smiling, hoping I’d sign it. But because I was standing next to the stake president, I told him I couldn’t. I said, “This isn’t about promoting my book.” And I watched the light in his eyes dim just a little.  I’ve prayed for that boy for six years.  I’ve asked God to let me make it right. To somehow bring him back into my life to tell him I’m sorry… and that I never forgot him.

Today, that prayer was answered. He FaceTimed me from home MTC—he’s preparing to serve in Paris, France. Before our interview started, he said, “Dennis, I want to text you something.” What came through was a photo… of the day we met.  Tears filled my eyes because I remembered the exact moment. His face. His book. My regret.  When I told him I’d prayed for him all these years, he smiled and said, “No worries, Dennis.”

💬 I don’t even read DMs half the time (I get hundreds daily and can barely keep up—especially when the anti-ones start blowing up my feed 🙃). But something told me to open his comment, respond, and send him my number. That something… was a prompting. And today’s call reminded me that God never forgets our hearts—even when we feel we’ve failed.

📖 I testify that the Savior works in the details. That prayers—even the quiet ones whispered with regret—are heard. And that one missed moment doesn’t mean we’ve missed our purpose. Sometimes… He circles us back just to show us He never stopped listening."

Jonah was a little embarrassed by the whole thing and all of the attention.  I told him that this was for Dennis, obviously he needed this and Heavenly Father worked through Jonah to help him.  I thought it was really cool that Jonah was prompted to reach out to Dennis.  

Friday was Joanh's P-day and Keith's birthday.  We got Costa Vida for an early dinner.  

Colston and Kyle came by to bring Jonah some donuts. 

We went up to Dad's for a family get together that evening. Matt, Lori and Elena came into town for Jonah's farewell.  It was fun to have time to visit.  It was really hard not to have mom there.

Elder Loosli killing it on his first week as a missionary.

I'm so grateful my kids grew up around so many cousins!

On Saturday Jonah had all his MTC meetings and that afternoon the Carr's came over to help us get ready for his farewell.  Katie and Kiara helped me make crepes.  We made over 300 crepes! I could not have done it without their help.

Tiff and the kids came over to help too. 

I told Damon we needed a picture with him and Jonah so we can compare them in two years.  

While we were making crepes Keith, Ben, Wyatt and Rockwell were working on putting up this giant canopy that I borrowed from Karrie.  She couldn't find the instructions, so it was quite the project.  Wyatt loves any chance to show off his muscles!

Matt, Lori and Elena came over and brought a package that was addressed to Jonah at Home MTC. They are so thoughtful!

It was Cody's P-Day that day so they planned his call so Jonah could talk to him.

We wanted a picture of these two missionaries together! 

BFF's from day one, now both of them missionaries.

Jonah was so excited to talk to Cody.

Matt and Lori were so nice and let them talk the whole time. I sat down there for a little bit, but then I had to go make crepes.  Lori said it was so fun to talk and laugh with them. 

After that Jonah was finished with his meetings and wanted to try making a crepe.

They needed Matt and Jonah's help on the canopy so they went out to help them.

That things was no joke! Wyatt finally found some instructions online and they realized they were close, but they had done things in the wrong order and apparently the order really mattered.

These guys worked so hard on this and it was so hot! I told Jonah while he was inside at one point that they didn't need to put it up if it was too much trouble. He said, "oh no, the dad's are invested now, it's personal, that thing is going up." Ha!

It took all day to get all of this done.  I ordered some pizzas and Kiara was so nice to go pick them up. Lori and Elena washed and chopped fruit.  Matt and Lori went to the store to pick up some last minute things for us. I cannot express how grateful I am to all of them for their help.  It was very stressful to have his farewell at the end of home MTC and the day before he flew out for England.  I could not have done it without everyone's help.  It also made it so much more fun to do it together! They helped us get everything ready Saturday night so I didn't have to stress on Sunday. It was so hot so I'm glad we had the shade tents. 

Jonah loves Chipotle so I told him we would buy him some Saturday night.  Ben thought it sounded great and they went and got Chipotle for them and Jonah and ordered extra for us. Katie and Ben are so generous. Jonah loved sharing his double wrapped burrito tips with Ben.

We had a great time finally sitting down and just visiting. 

Later that night Maddox came and picked Jonah up so he could be his companion and they had one last basketball game on James' court.  

Home MTC was a challenge in some ways and amazing in others.  It was hard for Jonah to be right here by all his friends and by Sawyer, but not be able to go hang out. I'm proud of him for diving right in and working hard.  We loved having this time with Jonah before he left.