Mission Send-Off
We sent off our missionary almost two weeks ago. The time has flown by! I think it was most helpful that she had a year at BYU-Idaho so I got used to having her gone...and then this summer when she was home she wasn't really HOME much. Between work and her social life, our time with her was precious.
I've never been part of a missionary setting apart, so I was looking forward to that experience. Our stake president and his wife came to our home on Monday evening. He spoke for about 10 minutes with some advice and thoughts on missions. His wife spoke for less than 2 minutes, and then starting with me, we each had an opportunity to share our testimony and say a few things to Brynne. It was a precious, sacred evening. It was powerful to hear our younger kids bear their testimony and share some of the deep feelings that they have for their sister. We finished with Brynne having a few minutes to share her testimony with us and then Josh joined President Nelson as he set her apart as a missionary.
Our sweet ward likes to gather and sing a farewell song to departing missionaries. So that happened a little later as a group of about 25 people gathered in our kitchen to sing "God be with you til we meet again". Also, various friends of Brynne's from the stake dropped in later that evening to say good-bye. It was interesting because I wasn't sure if they heard from someone about the ward singing, or if they just sort of know where everyone's going to be (modern day texting is convenient probably). It was nice to see people show their love for my daughter.
At 10ish or so I mentioned that we had a 3:45am departure time and most of the friends left. Her two local besties stayed for another hour and then Josh kicked them out so we could get a little sleep that night. I knew Brynne probably wouldn't sleep, but I thought some rest would be good for all of us.
We got up at 3:30 and were out the door on time. Brynne has this amazing gift of beating the crowd. We noticed it at every single restaurant we went to in Maui (more on that trip later). It worked at the airport too. Medford has 4 flights that live about 6am so the security line gets long some times and if you're late, you'll regret it. Knowing she had to wait in line to check her two bags, we opted to give ourselves 15 minutes more than usual. We got to the airport, checked her bags, and when we turned to take her to the security line people were streaming in through the doors. No joke. A mostly empty airport was suddenly full. She didn't have to wait in line for security so we just hugged her good-bye and watched her go through the line (for the first time) and then we left. 18 months felt like a really long time in that moment. But I don't think either of us actually cried on the way home.
Because honestly, as much as I'll miss her, I am SO proud of her and so grateful that she wants to do this. She's worked so hard to get herself ready in so many ways. It's been such a privilege to observe that process and listen as she shares the plans and processes she's put in place to accomplish her goals. She is very good at planning and acting on her plans.
The really good thing is that we got home, packed the kids, and headed to the coast for a fun week with Julia and her family. J. has family in Salem/Portland/Vancouver and they asked - since they were coming out to Oregon and wanted some beach time - if we wanted to join them. It was a perfect distraction from post-missionary send-off emotions. We had such a great time with them. The kids play well together, the husbands play well together, and you know Ju and I have a great time together.
But now we are home. HOME! After 4 weeks of summer travel (how in the world did I let that happen), all of it back to back with another trip...it feels so nice to be in my own bed, eating my own food and using my own shower. Traveling is great...and so is coming home. That's one reason I love it. It always makes me appreciate where I am.
Peaches are in season. Did ya'll know? We did our annual Harry & David purchase on Saturday. Only 145lbs this year...they are just starting to ripen and they taste AMAZING. Tomorrow we start dehydrating and freezing some. And eating peaches galore. Peaches are one fruit that really aren't worth eating if you have to buy it at a grocery store.
Also of note - we had our first missionary phone call. I was so happy to hear her voice and see her sweet face. She loves her companion. Loves her district. Loves her classes. She's a very happy girl.
Our sweet ward likes to gather and sing a farewell song to departing missionaries. So that happened a little later as a group of about 25 people gathered in our kitchen to sing "God be with you til we meet again". Also, various friends of Brynne's from the stake dropped in later that evening to say good-bye. It was interesting because I wasn't sure if they heard from someone about the ward singing, or if they just sort of know where everyone's going to be (modern day texting is convenient probably). It was nice to see people show their love for my daughter.
At 10ish or so I mentioned that we had a 3:45am departure time and most of the friends left. Her two local besties stayed for another hour and then Josh kicked them out so we could get a little sleep that night. I knew Brynne probably wouldn't sleep, but I thought some rest would be good for all of us.
We got up at 3:30 and were out the door on time. Brynne has this amazing gift of beating the crowd. We noticed it at every single restaurant we went to in Maui (more on that trip later). It worked at the airport too. Medford has 4 flights that live about 6am so the security line gets long some times and if you're late, you'll regret it. Knowing she had to wait in line to check her two bags, we opted to give ourselves 15 minutes more than usual. We got to the airport, checked her bags, and when we turned to take her to the security line people were streaming in through the doors. No joke. A mostly empty airport was suddenly full. She didn't have to wait in line for security so we just hugged her good-bye and watched her go through the line (for the first time) and then we left. 18 months felt like a really long time in that moment. But I don't think either of us actually cried on the way home.
Because honestly, as much as I'll miss her, I am SO proud of her and so grateful that she wants to do this. She's worked so hard to get herself ready in so many ways. It's been such a privilege to observe that process and listen as she shares the plans and processes she's put in place to accomplish her goals. She is very good at planning and acting on her plans.
The really good thing is that we got home, packed the kids, and headed to the coast for a fun week with Julia and her family. J. has family in Salem/Portland/Vancouver and they asked - since they were coming out to Oregon and wanted some beach time - if we wanted to join them. It was a perfect distraction from post-missionary send-off emotions. We had such a great time with them. The kids play well together, the husbands play well together, and you know Ju and I have a great time together.
But now we are home. HOME! After 4 weeks of summer travel (how in the world did I let that happen), all of it back to back with another trip...it feels so nice to be in my own bed, eating my own food and using my own shower. Traveling is great...and so is coming home. That's one reason I love it. It always makes me appreciate where I am.
Peaches are in season. Did ya'll know? We did our annual Harry & David purchase on Saturday. Only 145lbs this year...they are just starting to ripen and they taste AMAZING. Tomorrow we start dehydrating and freezing some. And eating peaches galore. Peaches are one fruit that really aren't worth eating if you have to buy it at a grocery store.
Also of note - we had our first missionary phone call. I was so happy to hear her voice and see her sweet face. She loves her companion. Loves her district. Loves her classes. She's a very happy girl.
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