Mission accomplished!

On Wednesday, November 7, 2018, Elder Derek Allen Troy returned home after faithfully serving his Savior, Jesus Christ, and the good people of Houston, Texas, for two years in the Texas Houston Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  His parents and youngest sister, Katie, were waiting at the Portland, Oregon, airport to greet him.  It was a wonderful reunion!  Later that night, he was interviewed by a member of the Stake presidency who honorably released him as a full-time missionary.  Derek then bore his testimony to his family members who were in attendance.

It's back to a regular life for him--goodbye to Elder Troy and hello to Derek again!  It will be somewhat of an adjustment for him going back to his old life, but it will never be the same as it was before because of the amazing and growing experiences that he had serving a mission.

Many thanks for reading all the emails (posted on this blog) that Derek sent these last few years.  We know that many of you readers do not share our faith and we are grateful for the love and support you've given him.  We hope that you have been able to gain somewhat of an understanding of what a full-time mission is for our young men and women and to feel of Derek's deep testimony of Heavenly Father, our Savior Jesus Christ and the truth of the Book of Mormon.  It is precious to him and to our family.

May God bless and keep you and yours always.

All our love,

Troy Family
JD, Terri, Derek, Evan, Alexis, Katie, Buck the Dog and Pepper the Cat

Houston Texas temple with Mission President and Sister Peterson

Day before leaving Texas at the Houston Texas Temple with the other departing missionaries and President and Sister Peterson.

Waiting outside the stake president's office to be released.  Exhausted and a little nervous, but ready to return home.  Look at those worn out shoes he's wearing!  They've certainly seen their share of walking.

Katie, Mom, Elder Troy and Dad (Evan was at BYU in Utah and Alexis was at BYU in Idaho and couldn't make the trip home due to school conflicts)

All the Elders returning home together at the Houston Texas temple.

All returning missionaries at the Houston Texas temple with the mission president

These elders entered the MTC together and are exiting the mission together.  The tall redhead (3rd from left), Elder Chamberlain, was his MTC missionary companion.

Playing Uno at the mission home the night before coming home.

One last meeting with Mission President Peterson.

Saying goodbye to Texas, the Texas Houston Mission, Pres. Peterson and one another at the Houston airport on November 7, 2018.  Mission accomplished!

The last email...Elder Troy returns in 3 days!

I'm so UNtrunky that we contacted all morning and found three new people, I just spent two hours drafting a document for president about changes to improve the efficacy of our temple program, and I still haven't packed or weighed luggage, and I need to be in Houston in twelve hours. This doesn't even feel real.

I'd better go pack now. Love y'all! See ya Wednesday!

Elder Derek Troy

Just one week left...

The work is going well here. We saw Aydan and his mom (who have baptismal dates for November) last night and she wants to be sealed to her (member) husband in the temple. They had lots of questions, it's very exciting!

Love y'all! Have a great week!

Elder Derek Troy