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.