Homecoming Address - August 8, 2021

 Tyson reported his mission on August 8, 2021, in the South Mountain 3rd Ward in Draper, Utah.  He talked about the many lessons he learned from serving the Lord and the people in the Ukraine Dnipro Mission for two years.  His sincere testimony of the gospel really touched all our hearts.  He gave a powerful talk about how it takes much more than just saying you believe, you must act on those beliefs.  It was an amazing and powerful talk.  

After the the meeting, Tyson's parents hosted a wonderful welcome home party at their home.  So many family and friends were in attendance.

Tyson dressed in his traditional Ukrainian shirt called the Vyshyvanka.  

Tyson with his grandparents Copeland and Wilde.

This last picture is so fitting--although Tyson was in some of the most difficult circumstances through the Covid 19 pandemic and quarantined for so much of the time within the four walls of his apartment, he continually tried to "Enjoy the Journey," keep that  contagious smile and bright countenance, and pray for new ways to serve others and the Lord.  He will be starting college at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, in just a few days.  Best wishes, Tyson!  You have served so well and can be so proud of all your hard work!  We love you dearly!   

Tyson Returns to a New Home in a New City and to his Beloved Dogs

 Elder Wilde, now Tyson, was excited to see his new home that his parents had moved into while he was on his mission.  They no longer lived in Danville, California, but now lived in Draper, Utah.  He was greeted by a huge banner hung out to welcome him.

The initial excitement of coming home was short-lived as he entered the door with a greeting from their girl dog, Roxie, but not by the boy dog, Rosco, who was very sick and lying in his bed.  The family had prayed constantly that he would survive so that each could see each other before Rosco passed away.  The family prayers had been answered.  Although Rosco hadn't eaten for several days, Tyson's parents had taken Rosco into the vet several times to hydrate him so that he could welcome Tyson home, too.  Upon seeing his favorite dog sick, it was heart-wrenching for all of us to be part of.  

It was amazing to all of us that even how weak Rosco was, he still had the energy to lick Tyson's face and let him know how happy he was to have Tyson home.  

The next day, the family said good-bye and Rosco who had been a member of their family 15 years, sadly passed away.  They all feel certain they will see him again someday.

Through their tears, the family was all so thrilled to receive these beautiful Matryoshka dolls a Ukrainian woman had painted with each member of the family's picture--including their two dogs.  What a beautiful, thoughtful gift!  Everyone loved them! 

 Kontiking 

It seems that all missionaries enjoy the tradition of Kontiking--where milk is sucked up through a Russian cookie, then the softened cookie is eaten.  Therefore, on another evening, Tyson taught his family how to enjoy this Russian tradition with the cookies he had brought home.  

Mission Accomplished - Elder Wilde Returns Home August 2, 2021

After serving faithfully for two years on his Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Mission to Ukraine Dnipro Mission, Elder Wilde was now on his way home.  So many family members and friends patiently waited at the Salt Lake Airport for his arrival.  Even though Elder Wilde had left two years prior from his home in Danville, California, his family had moved while he was away, so he was now returning to a new city and new home.

Facetiming with Elder Wilde's cousin, Sister Sydney Copeland, who is serving her mission in Twin Falls, Idaho, with Swahili-speaking refugees.  This way, she could be part of the homecoming, too.  

Finally, we saw Elder Wilde coming through the double doors into the waiting area for families.  So many tears and hugs!

Moms always get the first hug.

Then comes Dad.

And now brothers Bracken, Parker, and Preston.

The two sisters-in-law were so excited to see him, too:  Taryn and Lauren.

Elder Wilde with one of the Elders he worked with on his mission--Elder Molnar who came to the airport to welcome him home.

Grandparents Copeland and Wilde

After picking up his luggage, we traveled to Elder Wilde's stake center where he would be released from his calling as a full-time missionary by the first counselor in the Stake Presidency, President Clegg.  

Taking the badge off was very difficult for now Tyson Wilde--no longer Elder Wilde.  He loved serving as a missionary!

The lights of the Draper Temple shone brightly as we all exited the Stake Center.  Truly a fitting ending and beginning of the next phase of Tyson's life.