Tyler is home- The first week

Two days after Tyler landed home we headed up Mnt Timpangoes.  Abby brought her friend Jane.  I wish I could have been there but we had contractors coming.  They started early to try to make it for sunrise.  Tyler had no problem.  I had thought with him living at sea level for two years would have affected him but it didn't.  

We went climbing with the Allens.  Tyler and Isaac wanted to practice leading. It was a lovely day.  We also go to to Savage Lagoon Day.  Fun to have all my kids together.  And... to have Tyler back to play the piano all the time.  We had a few nice family bike rides.  I did borrow an E-Bike so I could keep up with them!

 

Balls Bike Camp Year 5

5 years of teaching kids to mnt bike.  This is a big year because Abigail gets to coach this year.  I didn't want to drive her all over the valley to have her mnt bike with other teams.  So... I made my own mnt bike group for her.  Tyler and Ella have coached for years.  Its a family thing!

Even when Tyler got home he wanted to coach a few days.  We love to have him and so do the kids.  

 

Welcome Home Vanhin Balls

 We were so excited when we got the first news that they were on the plane to Germany.  Tyler said they barely made it to the plane as it closed the gate.  He had so much chocolate in his bags they had to detain him at security.... maybe some hair gel also! Then we got a text that said AMERICA!  Landing in Denver meant he was so close.  We had a great group at the airport. AND only three missionaries arrived home, so we had lots of space. 

We had Costa Vida for dinner.  He was so happy to lie on the carpet. He had lots of tile and linoleum in Finland.  Getting released with Stake President Ramos was beautiful.  What a neat experience.  Then, Root Beer floats at 9:30 at night.  

Letter from Mission President

  

Mom, Dad, and Stake President Ramos,

 

If my math is correct you are only a few hours away from embracing this incredible missionary.  Oh how I wish I had the time and the words to describe what an amazing missionary, disciple of Jesus Christ and compassionate soul this Elder is, but I guess you already know that, even better than I do.  Sister Dover and I are new here in this beautiful land and the one thing we know for sure is that we want missionaries like you son to stay.  To see them, hear them, watch them and feel their power, their love their devotion is beyond words.  

We had the chance to take you son to the temple a few days ago and to hear him and his companion talk about a scared experience where they hugged a friend who they had taught and baptized in the Celestial room.  The spirit was so overpowering.   I am so thankful for your son taking the time to share with me his insights about a certain area of Finland and how we can possibly improve the efforts and outcomes was critical.  There was no question he was supposed to be where he was to teach me, challenge me and lead us both into critical revelation.  We developed a close connection in the short time we were here and I will miss him deeply.  

His final letter to me, portions of it will be shared throughout the entire mission because I don’t know if I have ever seen or read, outside the BofM a testimony of what it means to become a missionary and to love missionary service.  Tears came to my eyes as I read it and loved his opening line, “President I am not much of a deep thinker….”.  Wrong!  Watching the departing elders and sisters sing last night as your son beautifully played the piano was the ultimate capstone to his mission of love.  He was an incredible missionary, and is an incredible saint. Thank you for sharing him with us and the great people in Finland.  I wish I had the time and the skills to send more pictures, but please take a look at the Facebook page Sister Dover posts to and you will see his wonderful face.

 

Be well until we meet someday.  

 

Bert T. Dover

President 

Finland Helsinki Mission

July 2026

There are a lot of other posts about things we did in July.  So here are the random things that didn't get included.  My 4Runner got over 200,000 miles.  I want to drive it forever!  Keatyn came home from her mission.  She is my littlest angel who helped us adjust to life here in Draper after moving from Sandy.  We also celebrated Darren's 49th birthday with friends.  Dinner and ice cream with people we love.  Abby did a lot of bike riding with a friend and with Darren.  Even a fun race up at Beaver Mountain in Logan. Abby got her braces off. What a change!  She looks so much older!  Oakcrest for a week was great.  I loved camp as a kid. 

I got a ride in, and a lot of remodeling stuff was done.  Darren works, then does projects, fits in a ride or two, and then sleeps.  It's a busy month.