Ten Year Mission Anniversary

Ten years ago, on June 27, 2007, my family dropped me off in Provo at the Missionary Training Center to continue preparing to serve in the Ohio Cincinnati Mission. The date is easy to remember, because it's the anniversary of the Prophet Joseph Smith's martyrdom in 1844.


I'm very grateful for social networking that allows me to stay in contact, because I found there are amazing people everywhere you look. My companions, Sisters Brucker, Robbins, Holbrook, Clark, Nelson, Hovik, Wilcox, and Martineau, each taught me how to be a better missionary and a better person. I got to interact with many other extraordinary missionaries, individuals, and families. Thank you for letting me be a part of your lives, and for helping me fulfill my purpose of inviting others to come unto Christ.

MTC roommates and companion

My MTC district! So proud of these men!

Ice skating in Cincinnati

Sisters Conference 2008, (shortly before I returned home)

Sister Niki Returns Home

Zak's sister, Niki, recently returned home honorably from the Ohio Cleveland Mission, where she had served the people of Lima, Ohio. She worked hard and lovingly cared for those around her. We had just welcomed Baby V into the world before Niki flew home, so we couldn't go to the airport, but she came to us and our new baby. She's staying with us for a few days, and we are grateful for all of her help. She even brought back some souvenirs (which V will grow to fit eventually).

Niki Porter Mission Party

My sister-in-law, Niki, has been called to serve as an LDS missionary in the Cleveland Mission. She leaves April 3 to enter the Missionary Training Center before heading out to Ohio. She spoke in church about forgiveness through Christ's atonement, quoting many lessons learned through conversations with Dad. We had a great time gathering together, but unfortunately had to say goodbye. Zak is pretty close to Niki, and as he gave her that last hug, he realized it was the last time he'd see her for about 18 months.