One More Reason I Love the World Wide Webternet

In early 1990 while serving as a missionary in The Dalles, Oregon, I received a phone call from my mission president, President Eardley. He asked me if I can come to the mission office the next day and pick up my new companion. He informed me that we would be opening up an area in Goldendale, Washington. Goldendale was inside the Stake I was currently serving, but I had never been there. In between my packing and telling wonderful people goodbye, I made a couple of phone calls and ended up with the name and phone number of our Ward Mission Leader. His name was Wes Wagner, I gave him a call and told him we would be reporting to Goldendale the following day. He seemed pretty excited and told us he would have a place for us to stay.

The next morning I said goodbye to my current companions; Elder Morgan and Elder Sides and headed for the mission office. I arrived and was greeted by the APs and the other office Elders. We had a nice chat until I was to meet with President Eardley and in turn meet my new companion Elder Clint Nielsen from Mtn. Home, Idaho.

Armed with a new companion and a name and address of our Ward Mission Leader we headed out. The drive to Goldendale from Portland is a few hours, but when compounded by the rain we had that day the drive was extended. We arrived in Goldendale shortly after dark and found our way to the home of our Ward Mission Leader. Once at the door we were greeted by the wonderful people in the picture below.



Wes & Ethel Wagner soon became an important part of our lives. Their home was our home, until we could arrange for an apartment and get furniture, etc. They were so loving and welcomed us into their home. For the next several months we had dinner appointments with them, correlation meetings with Brother Wagner and taught some of Sister Wagner's friends. They are such wonderful people and have a big place in my heart.

After I returned from my mission, we exchanged cards over the next several years. Until one year I had a Christmas Card returned with the "No longer at this address" label. I assumed Brother & Sister Wagner had moved and I didn't know the best way to get back in touch with them.

Fast forward to a few months ago. I received a friend request on Facebook, from another Goldendale Ward member, Sister Shirley Mickelson. We chatted on and off a bit hear and there. She then told me that she had ran into Sister Wagner and that she was still in Goldendale but was in a new home. I asked for the address and quickly sent a card. That was about 2 weeks ago.

This past Tuesday night after cleaning up from dinner I had sat down to watch a little television. I heard my phone ring and as I looked down it was the familiar 509area code. I knew who was calling. I had a wonderful conversation with Wes & Ethel, it is hard to get caught-up on 20 years in the space of 45 minutes, but we did a pretty good job of it. As a side note, they will be celebrating their 68th Wedding Anniversary this year. They are still wonderful people and the time we spent visting, was priceless.

Now because of Facebook and someone extending a simple friendship request, not only do I have Sister Mickelson back in my life, but I also have Wes & Ethel. Just one more reason to like the Double-u Double-u Double-u dot world.