Unforgettable

Over the years, countless missionaries have entered our home and our lives, and then left. Some of them we remember, some of them we don't. They almost all say they hope to come back and visit someday. A very few actually do. Wes did. And he brought Lori!



We were, to put it mildly, pleasantly surprised. Elder Truman was one of the 'unforgettables'. Not because he took a lot of room, or commanded attention all the time, but because of his spiritual maturity beyond his years, because of his gentle sincerity and genuine desire to serve, love and share. Norway is not an 'easy' mission, but elder Truman truly 'bloomed where he was planted'.



I have a binder appropriately named 'People we love', with different folders sorted alphabetically by the names of friends and family we stay in touch with, filled with pictures and letters and wedding announcements. As I browsed through it today, I realised that there were only three folders in that entire binder dedicated to missionaries who have served in our area. Wes was one of them.



We became aware of Wes' health issues by way of the sweetest valentine's day letter Lori sent several years ago, arriving as an apologetic 'delayed' Christmas missive. We were saddened but inspired by the Truman family's positive outlook and firm determination to make the best of everything. I (Joanna) have followed Lori's and Wes' blogs over the last few months, and it has become my 'go to' place for spiritual renewal and inspiration.

Thank you, Wes and Lori, for your examples and faith. You are unforgettable in every way. Until we meet again.

Joanna and Johannes Bjerga, Stavanger, Norway

Fellow Missionary

I never got to know the Trumans very well, unfortunately, but I served in Norway at the same time as Wes. We were never in the same area, but I served with several elders who knew and loved Elder Truman. We did meet a number of different times, during and after our missions, and he always managed to convey a sense of care and love even in brief contacts.

I had the wonderful chance to attend the funeral services yesterday for Wes. As I listened to stories, experiences, and testimonies about him, I came to know him much better and to understand why so many people love him so dearly. The loss of any husband, father, son, or brother is a great loss, but the loss of Wes Truman is something truly challenging. This is why it was so amazing for me yesterday to witness the poise and faith of his family after having been dealt such a tremendous blow. I rejoice with them, however, that they had time to say goodbye and to treasure him before he was taken home. Even more, I rejoice in their future reunion after a "small moment" (D&C 121).

My prayers are with him and his family.

Cameron Andersen

Eldste Truman: God be with You till we meet again

I love you brother and I will miss you,

I have lost a very dear friend, a good brother in Christ. Wes was known as "Eldste (Elder) Truman" here in Norway where he labored diligently for two good years in the vineyard of the Lord. Him and his companion "Eldste (Elder) Walker" found me on the street of Stavanger Norway in October 2001 and I was baptized in December 2001. He was a "Star War" Missionary and a real gentleman."Eldste Truman" was a happy, kind, thoughtful, dedicated, devoted and serving person. I was always looking forward for their visit. "Eldste Truman" was passionate about the gospel and his love for the Savior was clearly reflected in his words and deeds. My brother Wes was a role model to me in many ways. He silently encouraged me to serve a full time mission, get marry in the Temple, obtain a higher education and live a Christ-like live. Wes has impacted my live and blessed me and my family abundantly. You will be forever remember in the Ajetunmobi Family.

I will be forever gratefull for his precious, priceless and everlasting gift he gave me "His Fervent Testimony of The Gospel". He was a loving husband and caring father and a true disciple of Christ. My heart goes to Lori, Lucy, Spencer and the rest of the family. May the endless love of our Father in Heaven and the tender mercy of our Savior continue to abide with you.

"God Be With You Till We Meet Again"

Med Vennlig Hilsen (Kind Regards)

Moses,Chidinma (my wife), Maren and Michelle Ajetunmobi

The Gospel is True!

Norway

(I wanted to post some pictures with this, but I noticed the picture of Wes on his mission on the sidebar so that will suffice for now since I don't have the ability to post them now.) Royce and I just returned from an amazing cruise to Norway. And each time we got to a new city I wondered if it was a place Wes had served. What a beautiful country he was able to serve in. I was actually there the night Wes received his mission call. Norway! What a cool place to go on a mission. But I know that the reason Wes was called there had nothing to do with the breathtaking scenery. It was because the Lord knew there were people's lives there he needed to touch. And while I don't know much about his mission, I do know he was a hardworking, faithful missionary (as attested to by the few letters I received from him). I know he made a large difference in the life of at least one young man--I met Moses a few times, and was actually in the Provo MTC at the same time as Moses. And speaking of the MTC, I think of all the missionaries Wes helped teach English to in the Provo MTC after his mission. How lucky they were to have Wes as a caring teacher and mentor. Anyway, I've just been thinking about Wes and his mission a lot the last week so I just wanted to mention it.