From the first time we decided to go on a mission, there has been many lessons of patience and waiting, putting it all in Father's hands. Finally, this afternoon our stake president will place his hands on our head and set us apart as missionaries. It has been a very long wait, but today, we will start to realize this dream.
I have been the one who has posted each day up till now, and so Bonnie needs to have her chance to express her feelings now:
We just came from a wonderful Sacrament Meeting and the blessing of our grandson Andrew Marlin Sharp. As I looked around at all those little ones, held some in my arms and some on my lap, the tears flowed and I wondered, "How does a grandmother leave her 20 grandchildren who are so dear to her?" It's hard enough to leave our wonderful children and their equally wonderful spouses, but the grandkids? And I remembered the recent words of Elder Holland..."The little munchkins will still be there when you get home."...or something to that effect. As we become a missionary family, this experience will hopefully cement in their hearts that spirit of missionary work, sacrifice and love of the Gospel. So I can go and yes, I'll shed more tears but they will be tears of joy!
Also, we sang "The Lord is my Light." The line "my weakness, in mercy, he covers with power," brought more tears as I reflected on my beginning Spanish language skills. These are very weak to be sure, but again, I'm counting on that covering power of my Savior to make up the difference as I grow and learn this new tongue. I believe in the gift of tongues. It will be manifest surely in coming months!
So, in a few hours we will go and get our setting apart. All will be there, at least all our family. Then we will be missionaries.
We enter tomorrow morning at 8:30. Then who knows what. But this blog will be done. This has been the PREPARATION blog, that which dealt in all the long hours, days, and even months of preparation. Tomorrow we will be missionaries. Our other blog which starts when we can figure things out how to post and such will be: elderandsisterpartridgeinthedr.blogspot.com
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Saturday, September 1, 2012
** DAY 2 -- With Limited Hours Left, We Better Be Almost Done, NO?
We spent the whole day in our world, in our room where we have been living for the last two years with my son. (No, he wasn't in the same room, but it was his house.) It felt like we created a three room home in one room, and had to work to clean it all out, organize, continue with our trips to the DI and the storage unit. We now have all our remaining "stuff" in one room. Now to organize it, see how small we can get each thing so as not to take up too much space, and see how to conserve on weight. We are limited by space and weight.
Of course not as we enter the MTC but as we fly away in a few weeks. We have have to be down to 50 pounds per luggage piece, Bonnie gets two and I get two. Two hundred pounds to take everything we will need for our mission. We are told that in the MTC we will receive material that weighs about 12 pounds that has to be taken. Thus now we have 88 pounds.
Besides that we get one carry on each, and I don't believe they weigh them, but there is a size restriction on them. Besides that, there may be an allowance for a "man purse" and a woman can carry a purse. I plan on carrying a large man purse containing about thirty pounds. It may be bigger than me. Might have to fill it full of chocolate, peanut butter, and things like that.
We have created a new blog that will start as we enter the MTC which will follow this "preparation" blog. In this new blog, we will report our mission, which starts Monday. I don't know the frequency we will record there, but we shall find out.
There is much planned these last two days before we go. Today and tomorrow will be filled with family things. We will be blessing our 20th grand child. We have ten boys and ten girls now, thanks to Sam and Tessa adopting the foster child they received almost two years ago. He is a joy and Bon and I love him dearly. He has become a part of us already.
My mind is still filled with this cluttered room I sit it, and the plans of all the things we have to do today, thus no time to dream of our upcoming 18 months. But that will come.
Most seniors get three to five months to prepare. We have done it in only two months, most days being totally filled with trips, purchases, cleaning, Deseret Industries, purchasing-returning-repurchasing-returning again and again. I am still worried about my two crazy feet and if the shoes we finally settled on. The challenge of making one of them (the feet, not the shoes, but that didn't work either.) smaller never did work. Oh well, another miracles is needed for that also.
Miracles have continued to come, and I hope we have recognized them all, or most of them, and offered gratitude for them. So often we ignore them, and don't see those tender mercies from Father.
Of course not as we enter the MTC but as we fly away in a few weeks. We have have to be down to 50 pounds per luggage piece, Bonnie gets two and I get two. Two hundred pounds to take everything we will need for our mission. We are told that in the MTC we will receive material that weighs about 12 pounds that has to be taken. Thus now we have 88 pounds.
Besides that we get one carry on each, and I don't believe they weigh them, but there is a size restriction on them. Besides that, there may be an allowance for a "man purse" and a woman can carry a purse. I plan on carrying a large man purse containing about thirty pounds. It may be bigger than me. Might have to fill it full of chocolate, peanut butter, and things like that.
We have created a new blog that will start as we enter the MTC which will follow this "preparation" blog. In this new blog, we will report our mission, which starts Monday. I don't know the frequency we will record there, but we shall find out.
There is much planned these last two days before we go. Today and tomorrow will be filled with family things. We will be blessing our 20th grand child. We have ten boys and ten girls now, thanks to Sam and Tessa adopting the foster child they received almost two years ago. He is a joy and Bon and I love him dearly. He has become a part of us already.
My mind is still filled with this cluttered room I sit it, and the plans of all the things we have to do today, thus no time to dream of our upcoming 18 months. But that will come.
Most seniors get three to five months to prepare. We have done it in only two months, most days being totally filled with trips, purchases, cleaning, Deseret Industries, purchasing-returning-repurchasing-returning again and again. I am still worried about my two crazy feet and if the shoes we finally settled on. The challenge of making one of them (the feet, not the shoes, but that didn't work either.) smaller never did work. Oh well, another miracles is needed for that also.
Miracles have continued to come, and I hope we have recognized them all, or most of them, and offered gratitude for them. So often we ignore them, and don't see those tender mercies from Father.
Friday, August 31, 2012
*** DAY 3 -- Busier and Busier Days, THREE
I continue to do those things needed. I know they will all get done and we will report for duty on Monday, but Bonnie keeps worrying that it won't all get done.
I helped my daughter and son load their van yesterday and threw out my back. It is sore, but life must go on. We have to decide on many things still. We have a few more trips to the storage unit and the DI. We also have to start packing. Nice huh. We will be packing for the MTC mostly. Since we will be coming home between weeks in the MTC, we only have to pack this time for a few days, then for eighteen months later.
My old boss called yesterday and wants some of the space in our storage unit. Since he is paying for the cost, we must go and rearrange the spacing, the packing of the unit to give him what he needs. Thus a new obstacle to overcome. Another "ITEM" to get in the way of our thinking of the coming joy and happiness when we are serving as missionaries. I guess the real joy and anticipation of serving will start when we enter the MTC next Monday. Then these things will mostly be done, or better be.
As I look at my lists, they are getting many things crossed off, but still have many not crossed of. Mostly, doing things that need to be done, like thank you notes, deciding whether to give away or store for two years, etc. And of course there are still things to purchase, like a potato peeler, for there are none down there. They also don't have life savers. I know, these things don't seem to be important, but really, talking with those who have been down there, these things come in handy, thus they are added to the list.
Every where I look, there are things that have to be done. I don't consider all the millions of things that have been done, I just look at what lies in front of us. I guess that is as it should be.
A mission still feels like it is a far away dream, since so many other things are demanding our attention. But in a few days, we will have to leave them all behind and start putting our attention where Father wants it. Finally!
I helped my daughter and son load their van yesterday and threw out my back. It is sore, but life must go on. We have to decide on many things still. We have a few more trips to the storage unit and the DI. We also have to start packing. Nice huh. We will be packing for the MTC mostly. Since we will be coming home between weeks in the MTC, we only have to pack this time for a few days, then for eighteen months later.
My old boss called yesterday and wants some of the space in our storage unit. Since he is paying for the cost, we must go and rearrange the spacing, the packing of the unit to give him what he needs. Thus a new obstacle to overcome. Another "ITEM" to get in the way of our thinking of the coming joy and happiness when we are serving as missionaries. I guess the real joy and anticipation of serving will start when we enter the MTC next Monday. Then these things will mostly be done, or better be.
As I look at my lists, they are getting many things crossed off, but still have many not crossed of. Mostly, doing things that need to be done, like thank you notes, deciding whether to give away or store for two years, etc. And of course there are still things to purchase, like a potato peeler, for there are none down there. They also don't have life savers. I know, these things don't seem to be important, but really, talking with those who have been down there, these things come in handy, thus they are added to the list.
Every where I look, there are things that have to be done. I don't consider all the millions of things that have been done, I just look at what lies in front of us. I guess that is as it should be.
A mission still feels like it is a far away dream, since so many other things are demanding our attention. But in a few days, we will have to leave them all behind and start putting our attention where Father wants it. Finally!
Thursday, August 30, 2012
** DAY 4 -- Three Dreams
Last night I had a dream. I was in front of many youth of the Dominican Republic and I was having a grand time teaching the gospel. I felt the Spirit dictating to me what I needed to say, do, and preach. I was thoroughly enjoying the time in front of those young kids sharing the gospel.
I woke up and felt such comfort and joy. I can't wait to be teaching again. I love to teach, for all it really is, is being in front of hungry saints who want to hear the good word, eat it up, and are changed. They feel the Holy Spirit bearing witness of the truth and are filled. I am only the tool to present it to them, what needs to be said, and they listen and then incorporate it into their lives. What joy!
I was laying awake for the next hour or so anticipating that glorious experience coming again in my life. I am excited.
Then I went back to sleep and dreamed of three young kids. They were in trouble. One was incarcerated, while the other two were on probation for their actions. I felt the challenge I had been given striving to reclaim those two, bearing witness to them and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then I woke up again.
I tried to figure out what that dream meant, if anything. Guess I will have to wait and see.
Then I dropped off to sleep again and dreamed another dream. This one, I was in a room and "heard" my two parents in a neighboring room speaking to each other. I woke up and thought I still heard them. I would have sworn that I heard voices, so I climbed out of bed and went to the door of our universe (our room) to see if I could hear them better. Of course, there was dead/sleeping silence. Once again I wondered if there was a meaning to that dream.
Mom and Dad served on four missions across the world. Perhaps that was just telling me that they are in a neighboring room, talking about our upcoming mission. I don't know.
But the night was filled with dreams that could mean something in the upcoming months? Because of those dreams, I did not sleep too much last night. Busy day today continuing to finalize things and help my daughter and son get ready to move in the next day or two. But all will get done, somehow.
I woke up and felt such comfort and joy. I can't wait to be teaching again. I love to teach, for all it really is, is being in front of hungry saints who want to hear the good word, eat it up, and are changed. They feel the Holy Spirit bearing witness of the truth and are filled. I am only the tool to present it to them, what needs to be said, and they listen and then incorporate it into their lives. What joy!
I was laying awake for the next hour or so anticipating that glorious experience coming again in my life. I am excited.
Then I went back to sleep and dreamed of three young kids. They were in trouble. One was incarcerated, while the other two were on probation for their actions. I felt the challenge I had been given striving to reclaim those two, bearing witness to them and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Then I woke up again.
I tried to figure out what that dream meant, if anything. Guess I will have to wait and see.
Then I dropped off to sleep again and dreamed another dream. This one, I was in a room and "heard" my two parents in a neighboring room speaking to each other. I woke up and thought I still heard them. I would have sworn that I heard voices, so I climbed out of bed and went to the door of our universe (our room) to see if I could hear them better. Of course, there was dead/sleeping silence. Once again I wondered if there was a meaning to that dream.
Mom and Dad served on four missions across the world. Perhaps that was just telling me that they are in a neighboring room, talking about our upcoming mission. I don't know.
But the night was filled with dreams that could mean something in the upcoming months? Because of those dreams, I did not sleep too much last night. Busy day today continuing to finalize things and help my daughter and son get ready to move in the next day or two. But all will get done, somehow.
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
** DAY 5 -- Tiny Speed Bump almost Gone
In five days we will enter the MTC where the world comes to "prepare" for their mission. We will be one of many. These are dedicated young and OLD people who want to give their time to helping the Lord build His kingdom. As I re-read that, I can't help but get emotional. Five short days, and we will be off. So many things get in the way of thinking about our mission that it is difficult to feel the joy, the excitement, and the desire to shout from the roof tops.
If you look at our "world" right now, it is full of things, boxes, clothing-dirty and not. Each one of these things has to be put in it's place. That is the challenge. Every night it is a challenge to even see our bed, for we use it as a table, a holding place, a location for all clothing, the place to put everything. It always takes a few hours/minutes to even find the bed, let alone get in it.
The doctor yesterday said that I have a very upset stomach that is reacting to Ibuprofen, or my life saver. I have taken between 800 and 1600 MG of the stuff for over five years, and now it decides to rebel against it. The doctor said not to use it any more, or I would get a full blown ulcer, which would limit my activities in the DR. So I have stopped using that crutch to get along each day. Without the ability to mask, or minimize the pain of that ruptured disk, it slows me down a bunch, but with some activities, or alternate stuff, I may be able to run and not be weary, etc. This small speed bump will be overcome and I shall do as I have been called.
One of my sons gave me a blessing the other day, I guess it was Sunday. Father will honor that blessing and I shall be totally healthy and ready to run by Sunday. Another miracle happening in my life, taking place right before we leave. There have been many, too many to count.
I often wonder how many more trips to our "Home Sweet Storage Unit" we will make. We will need to find a truck to get it all out there, but with only a few more trips, I believe it will suffice. Bonnie feels good about our stuff being stored out there. That is good, then we can leave all those antiques, those value things that are nothing more than "STUFF," and those valuables, like my fishing pole, my chess set, my unicorn, etc.
It is sure interesting that really, nothing matters. Just the life we live, the testimony we have, the service we give, and the way we help build the Kingdom. Everything else is so worthless in His eyes. We will be working with the valuable, the things that really count for the next 18 months.
If you look at our "world" right now, it is full of things, boxes, clothing-dirty and not. Each one of these things has to be put in it's place. That is the challenge. Every night it is a challenge to even see our bed, for we use it as a table, a holding place, a location for all clothing, the place to put everything. It always takes a few hours/minutes to even find the bed, let alone get in it.
The doctor yesterday said that I have a very upset stomach that is reacting to Ibuprofen, or my life saver. I have taken between 800 and 1600 MG of the stuff for over five years, and now it decides to rebel against it. The doctor said not to use it any more, or I would get a full blown ulcer, which would limit my activities in the DR. So I have stopped using that crutch to get along each day. Without the ability to mask, or minimize the pain of that ruptured disk, it slows me down a bunch, but with some activities, or alternate stuff, I may be able to run and not be weary, etc. This small speed bump will be overcome and I shall do as I have been called.
One of my sons gave me a blessing the other day, I guess it was Sunday. Father will honor that blessing and I shall be totally healthy and ready to run by Sunday. Another miracle happening in my life, taking place right before we leave. There have been many, too many to count.
I often wonder how many more trips to our "Home Sweet Storage Unit" we will make. We will need to find a truck to get it all out there, but with only a few more trips, I believe it will suffice. Bonnie feels good about our stuff being stored out there. That is good, then we can leave all those antiques, those value things that are nothing more than "STUFF," and those valuables, like my fishing pole, my chess set, my unicorn, etc.
It is sure interesting that really, nothing matters. Just the life we live, the testimony we have, the service we give, and the way we help build the Kingdom. Everything else is so worthless in His eyes. We will be working with the valuable, the things that really count for the next 18 months.
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
** DAY 6 -- Singing with Thousands of Other Missionaries
So much to do, so little time. Today we go and see what the doc is going to tell me what I have to do to have that health I need to give all I have. Will report on that tomorrow.
Trying to figure out the next few weeks. We go in the MTC next Monday. We will lodge there at the MTC as a Senior Couple until Friday, then go home to where we have been living for the last two years. We enter the MTC again the following Monday as CES Missionaries until Wednesday, then home again. Then Thursday we go to SLC, the headquarters as PEF missionaries. We stay there one day, then we go home again.
Then on September 17th, early in the morning, we fly away. So though we will be missionaries starting in six days, we will not be in the DR until September 17th. The next two weeks will be mostly preparation. We will have done all we can do to prepare our personal things and then we get taught, instructed, motivated, etc, and then we go.
So many people have been so kind, wishing us well, asking if there is anything they can do for us, wanting to help in getting ready, etc. But so much of it has to be done by us. There are still things to purchase. There are things to move to the storage unit. There are things to box up. There are things to deliver to kids. There are appreciation notes to give out. There is things to study. And so on.
Never did I ever think that getting ready to go on a mission was so time consuming. And as my bishop bore witness many times, never did I realize that Satan would do so much to get us down, try to get us to lose sight of the dream, cause rifts between loved ones, urge us to lose faith in "things," and put obstacles in our way.
All I have to do is remember the commitment I made 42 years ago when I returned from the mission field that I would return with my eternal companion, then the vision and dream returns and I can't wait. All I have to do is sing in my mind "Called to Serve" and I start weeping. All I have to do is remember the glorious experience to be with thousands of dedicated missionaries in the MTC singing together with enthusiasm any song, with gusto, testimony, and love of our Father in Heaven. I can't wait.
Trying to figure out the next few weeks. We go in the MTC next Monday. We will lodge there at the MTC as a Senior Couple until Friday, then go home to where we have been living for the last two years. We enter the MTC again the following Monday as CES Missionaries until Wednesday, then home again. Then Thursday we go to SLC, the headquarters as PEF missionaries. We stay there one day, then we go home again.
Then on September 17th, early in the morning, we fly away. So though we will be missionaries starting in six days, we will not be in the DR until September 17th. The next two weeks will be mostly preparation. We will have done all we can do to prepare our personal things and then we get taught, instructed, motivated, etc, and then we go.
So many people have been so kind, wishing us well, asking if there is anything they can do for us, wanting to help in getting ready, etc. But so much of it has to be done by us. There are still things to purchase. There are things to move to the storage unit. There are things to box up. There are things to deliver to kids. There are appreciation notes to give out. There is things to study. And so on.
Never did I ever think that getting ready to go on a mission was so time consuming. And as my bishop bore witness many times, never did I realize that Satan would do so much to get us down, try to get us to lose sight of the dream, cause rifts between loved ones, urge us to lose faith in "things," and put obstacles in our way.
All I have to do is remember the commitment I made 42 years ago when I returned from the mission field that I would return with my eternal companion, then the vision and dream returns and I can't wait. All I have to do is sing in my mind "Called to Serve" and I start weeping. All I have to do is remember the glorious experience to be with thousands of dedicated missionaries in the MTC singing together with enthusiasm any song, with gusto, testimony, and love of our Father in Heaven. I can't wait.
Monday, August 27, 2012
** DAY 7 -- New Blog Starting on one Week
This morning I found myself in the doctors office to have a scope of my innards. It was to determine if I had an ulcer or not and then determine what needs to be done before we go so I can serve with all my strength, even more than I have now.
Now I am resting from the gunk that they put in my body to have me sleep while they watched movies in my stomach. Nice huh?
The farewell was wonderful yesterday, but our dear bishop had scheduled a very full meeting. Thus, when I stood to be the concluding speaking, I stood when we usually would be having the closing prayer. I spoke for about five minutes, but I did take the time to bear my testimony of the truth, the truth I will be sharing in the Dominican Republic. Bonnie spoke and bore her witness in Spanish. She did a great job, and one said that she would be putting me to shame with her knowledge of the Spanish language. I would not doubt it.
We sang as a rest hymn, "Called to Serve" with the choir and youth. Of course, I could not sing, I was too touched realizing that we would be doing that very thing for the next 18 months. I believe I sang about three of the words, the rest were lost in my throat too much.
We saw some very dear friends from many different phases of our life. It was a joy to see to many support us and wish us well in the next months of our mission. With that accomplished, now we have one final week to get it all done before we enter the MTC. Busy, busy times. One of my daughters is moving this week into a new home. Thus we are trying to find time to finish our preparation as well as help her and her four kids. Life is never easy, but very busy.
Tomorrow we shall meet with the doctor to see what can be done with the results of the procedure today. I am wishing for another miracle. We shall see.
Seven days and we shall have that black name tag on our chest, signifying the realization of this dream we have been searching for, for a long time.
We will start a new blog at that time, being: ElderandSisterPartridgeintheDR.blogspot.com. We shall try to report our mission to those who want to know about it there.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
** DAY 8 -- FAREWELL
Sorry, but today is our farewell, and we shall be sort of busy today. We are both bearing testimony of the truth, and preaching on our assigned topic. We will be saying goodbye to beloved friends and family. ONE WEEK, and we shall be set apart. More tomorrow.
Saturday, August 25, 2012
** DAY 9 -- His Vineyard
It has been a long anticipating and thinking, praying for the day when my blog would show that I have only a single digit to wait until we are missionaries. WOW. Only nine days, eight and we will be set apart to be missionaries. Then we will enter the MTC and actually be among the armies of Helaman, serving full time our Savior.
I would imagine as one read this blog, it is hard to really conceptualize the thoughts and feelings I am trying to write. In about one week, we shall leave "normal" life and be separated from who we are today. We shall join thousands of others going through final preparation for entering the world to be His messengers. We are leaving behind family, and so many other mortal challenges and events that fill ones mind daily. We will begin a new chapter of life, seeking His direction in every action taken every day.
As I consider the next two to three weeks, I smile when I try to imagine the tears Bonnie will shed for many special events upcoming. I also know that I shall shed a few, feeling Father's confirmation of what we are doing, what we have decided to do, and where we are going. It is His work, and we are giving all we have to His work in the DR.
It is interesting as I review in my mind the past, the "preparation" part of this mission. It has been very interesting, full of many lessons, blessings, and even speed bumps. Even these last 9 days will be full of speed bumps, challenges, decisions to be made, how to do this, how to do that, what should we keep and what to throw away.
Again, those things are getting in the way of really striving to realize what our mission will be. So we continue the preparation these last nine days, get at it, await the real missionary work, preparation in the MTC, and then finally flying away to the DR.
I love my Savior. I gratefully accept the road blocks, the still present challenges, and know all is in His hands. We are learning, growing, and yet being prepared to serve Him in one small part of His vineyard.
I would imagine as one read this blog, it is hard to really conceptualize the thoughts and feelings I am trying to write. In about one week, we shall leave "normal" life and be separated from who we are today. We shall join thousands of others going through final preparation for entering the world to be His messengers. We are leaving behind family, and so many other mortal challenges and events that fill ones mind daily. We will begin a new chapter of life, seeking His direction in every action taken every day.
As I consider the next two to three weeks, I smile when I try to imagine the tears Bonnie will shed for many special events upcoming. I also know that I shall shed a few, feeling Father's confirmation of what we are doing, what we have decided to do, and where we are going. It is His work, and we are giving all we have to His work in the DR.
It is interesting as I review in my mind the past, the "preparation" part of this mission. It has been very interesting, full of many lessons, blessings, and even speed bumps. Even these last 9 days will be full of speed bumps, challenges, decisions to be made, how to do this, how to do that, what should we keep and what to throw away.
Again, those things are getting in the way of really striving to realize what our mission will be. So we continue the preparation these last nine days, get at it, await the real missionary work, preparation in the MTC, and then finally flying away to the DR.
I love my Savior. I gratefully accept the road blocks, the still present challenges, and know all is in His hands. We are learning, growing, and yet being prepared to serve Him in one small part of His vineyard.
Friday, August 24, 2012
** DAY 10 -- Open Your Mouth
Sunday we will have the privilege of speaking in Sacrament Meeting. There won't be much time, but we will be able to share testimony about what we will be doing in the coming months. The rest hymn will be " Called To Serve" and I am sure we will both blubber through it. Then I get to speak. Nice. I was driving to our storage unit yesterday, listening to my Ipod and bawled through it as I listened to it. I really don't believe the reality of us serving as full time missionaries has settled into my mind.
Being missionaries is serving in one arm of the three pronged goals of the church. As young missionaries, we are involved in proclaiming the gospel, searching for those interested in the truth, teaching the gospel, and tracting. Young missionaries are often also involved in finding those who have lost their way and helping them come back to the fold.
Old missionaries, or should I say senior missionaries, are often involved perfecting the saints. My parents served four missions, and most often they were setting up family history centers, and activation. Bonnie and I will be involved mainly with strengthening the youth of the church, teaching them the gospel, encouraging them to remain faithful, and recruiting those who have lost their way, or at least lost their enthusiasm for the gospel.
When we are in the MTC, we will also be learning all about the Perpetual Education Fund. We will be teaching a six pronged preparation plan for those interested in using this Fund. We may also be used by the younger missionaries to help teach some of the older investigators looking into the church.
Since I loved the proselyting so much, I am going to try to be involved with that kind of work also, finding new interested people who want to learn the truth. There are thousands who are seeking the truth and know not where to find it.
I am haunted by the scripture in D and C which says that Father is not well pleased with those elders who won't upon their mouth. I hope I remember that scripture and never pause to worry about opening my mouth. We will be living around many who are not members of the church, and often all that is needed is to open one's mouth and invite them to know the truth, the joy, and the peace the gospel brings. I am excited to open my mouth in the DR.
Being missionaries is serving in one arm of the three pronged goals of the church. As young missionaries, we are involved in proclaiming the gospel, searching for those interested in the truth, teaching the gospel, and tracting. Young missionaries are often also involved in finding those who have lost their way and helping them come back to the fold.
Old missionaries, or should I say senior missionaries, are often involved perfecting the saints. My parents served four missions, and most often they were setting up family history centers, and activation. Bonnie and I will be involved mainly with strengthening the youth of the church, teaching them the gospel, encouraging them to remain faithful, and recruiting those who have lost their way, or at least lost their enthusiasm for the gospel.
When we are in the MTC, we will also be learning all about the Perpetual Education Fund. We will be teaching a six pronged preparation plan for those interested in using this Fund. We may also be used by the younger missionaries to help teach some of the older investigators looking into the church.
Since I loved the proselyting so much, I am going to try to be involved with that kind of work also, finding new interested people who want to learn the truth. There are thousands who are seeking the truth and know not where to find it.
I am haunted by the scripture in D and C which says that Father is not well pleased with those elders who won't upon their mouth. I hope I remember that scripture and never pause to worry about opening my mouth. We will be living around many who are not members of the church, and often all that is needed is to open one's mouth and invite them to know the truth, the joy, and the peace the gospel brings. I am excited to open my mouth in the DR.
Thursday, August 23, 2012
** DAY 11 -- Some Dreams Must Wait, Life Isn't Long Enough
Eleven days to departure date, until we enter the MTC. At that time, we will be starting a new blog to report on our mission for those interested in reading what is happening in the DR through our eyes. It will be called: ElderandSisterPartridgeintheDR.blogspot.com. This blog of preparation will be quietly put to rest.
I finally called the doctor and I enter the hospital on Monday to have some procedure done. I am confident that the earthquakes, tornadoes, and the hurricanes happening within will be identified and calmed in the days we have left.
Yesterday, we witnessed the sealing of a dear friend we have known for 35 years. She was sealed after many failed marriages. It was wonderful being in the SL temple and being a part of another person realizing a dream. There were many times in that 35 years when she questioned if it would ever happen, but it finally did.
Father often takes His time to bless the long-awaited dreams. He has His reasons, and at the bottom of His reasons is the concept that He is letting us experience what we need to experience to prepare us for His style of life. I guess thirty five years is not a long time to Him. But in watching this sweet sister struggle through year after year of unanswered prayers, of asking the questions, why, when, what if, etc. But the joy in her eyes yesterday was so sweet and long awaited.
In the popular stage play of "My Turn On Earth" there is a song that rings through my mind often, "Some Dreams Must Wait..." Yes Elder Holland, it is important to learn and to grow, to dream dreams and see visions and work toward them. However, I feel that some dreams will never be realized in this life. No matter what we do, how we prepare, how long we wait, some dreams must wait. (For instance, me catching a fifteen pound fish, or me playing for the Jazz, etc.)
Another sister in the temple with us yesterday whispered in my ear, "Will my time come in this life?" She is another who earnestly seeks the same blessing we witnessed yesterday. I recently gave her a blessing promising her the same realization of that dream. It was with the Spirit's direction, but now we must wait. Father is in charge. So all I can say is, "Patience." What else is there? Will she have to wait 35 years?
I finally called the doctor and I enter the hospital on Monday to have some procedure done. I am confident that the earthquakes, tornadoes, and the hurricanes happening within will be identified and calmed in the days we have left.
Yesterday, we witnessed the sealing of a dear friend we have known for 35 years. She was sealed after many failed marriages. It was wonderful being in the SL temple and being a part of another person realizing a dream. There were many times in that 35 years when she questioned if it would ever happen, but it finally did.
Father often takes His time to bless the long-awaited dreams. He has His reasons, and at the bottom of His reasons is the concept that He is letting us experience what we need to experience to prepare us for His style of life. I guess thirty five years is not a long time to Him. But in watching this sweet sister struggle through year after year of unanswered prayers, of asking the questions, why, when, what if, etc. But the joy in her eyes yesterday was so sweet and long awaited.
In the popular stage play of "My Turn On Earth" there is a song that rings through my mind often, "Some Dreams Must Wait..." Yes Elder Holland, it is important to learn and to grow, to dream dreams and see visions and work toward them. However, I feel that some dreams will never be realized in this life. No matter what we do, how we prepare, how long we wait, some dreams must wait. (For instance, me catching a fifteen pound fish, or me playing for the Jazz, etc.)
Another sister in the temple with us yesterday whispered in my ear, "Will my time come in this life?" She is another who earnestly seeks the same blessing we witnessed yesterday. I recently gave her a blessing promising her the same realization of that dream. It was with the Spirit's direction, but now we must wait. Father is in charge. So all I can say is, "Patience." What else is there? Will she have to wait 35 years?
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
** DAY 12 --- Waiting for the D Date, and the Doctor
Last night we spent a few hours speaking with a couple who served, where we are going, about two years ago. It was so enlightening. They showed us pictures, introduced us to six DR natives, and fed us dinner. It was joyful. The only problem was when I returned home to my pillow, I was awake half the night "seeing" what we were shown, getting excited about being down there, and serving and loving the youth.
I am reminded of a revelation I received many years ago explaining to me the importance of the youth of today's church. They are, and will be the leaders of tomorrow. They are being prepared to help get the world ready for the Second Coming. Bonnie and I will be involved in finding, strengthening, and teaching these youth of the DR. As we talked with a few of the youth from the DR last night, we felt we just wanted to wrap them up, cuddle them, and love them. We were so impressed with each one of them.
I was told by the "Elder" that I should be teaching Institute, at least one class every day. And much of the rest of our time will be recruiting young people to come to Institute. I am sure there will be hundreds of other things that will require our time, but that sounds just pure joy to me, teaching and meeting youth, involving them with activation, gleaning from their dedication to the church, and watching them grow, etc.
I am waiting for a doctor's call to find out about that road block or speed bump that I mentioned yesterday. Isn't it just frustrating to TRY to call a doctor, tell the secretary all about your needs, have them say that the doctor will return the call and then wait, and wait, and wait. And I specifically told the lady that we have only about ten days before we enter the MTC. But I guess she doesn't care, or he doesn't see our urgency. Just another thing to overcome.
I am reminded of a revelation I received many years ago explaining to me the importance of the youth of today's church. They are, and will be the leaders of tomorrow. They are being prepared to help get the world ready for the Second Coming. Bonnie and I will be involved in finding, strengthening, and teaching these youth of the DR. As we talked with a few of the youth from the DR last night, we felt we just wanted to wrap them up, cuddle them, and love them. We were so impressed with each one of them.
I was told by the "Elder" that I should be teaching Institute, at least one class every day. And much of the rest of our time will be recruiting young people to come to Institute. I am sure there will be hundreds of other things that will require our time, but that sounds just pure joy to me, teaching and meeting youth, involving them with activation, gleaning from their dedication to the church, and watching them grow, etc.
I am waiting for a doctor's call to find out about that road block or speed bump that I mentioned yesterday. Isn't it just frustrating to TRY to call a doctor, tell the secretary all about your needs, have them say that the doctor will return the call and then wait, and wait, and wait. And I specifically told the lady that we have only about ten days before we enter the MTC. But I guess she doesn't care, or he doesn't see our urgency. Just another thing to overcome.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
** DAY 13 -- More Speed Bumps
The days keep filling up. We spent yesterday purchasing more of our required clothing and finding a shoe that may even be nice to my large one and my small one. I am going to try them both out and see how they work. I could not find anyone to sell me a nine and a half size with a ten and a half size shoe. Oh well, it was certainly worth a try.
It is interesting to me that when one pursues a dream, does all he can do arrive at the destination, feels good with his progress, then often all of a sudden a speed bump appears in front of him. I am reminded of the scripture that says that "...all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things." So I evaluate the speed bump in front of me at this time and wonder if this is really a speed bump or could it turn into a road block?
We are all placed on this earth to experience life, it's blessings, it's challenges, it's road blocks, and the speed bumps. That experience, how we deal with it determines our future eternal life. So no matter what is in our way to our own planned destination, we need to accept, smile, and learn from.
I could never doubt Father's management of this earth, this life, and especially the things that happen in my life. He knows what I need to prepare me for my future. He knows what Bonnie and I need together to prepare us to be one of those Eternal Companions and be One, with Him. So I do not question His management. I may question my ability to cope with those speed bumps, but I do not question His all loving nurturing care of us.
Thirteen days and counting...
It is interesting to me that when one pursues a dream, does all he can do arrive at the destination, feels good with his progress, then often all of a sudden a speed bump appears in front of him. I am reminded of the scripture that says that "...all things have been done in the wisdom of Him who knoweth all things." So I evaluate the speed bump in front of me at this time and wonder if this is really a speed bump or could it turn into a road block?
We are all placed on this earth to experience life, it's blessings, it's challenges, it's road blocks, and the speed bumps. That experience, how we deal with it determines our future eternal life. So no matter what is in our way to our own planned destination, we need to accept, smile, and learn from.
I could never doubt Father's management of this earth, this life, and especially the things that happen in my life. He knows what I need to prepare me for my future. He knows what Bonnie and I need together to prepare us to be one of those Eternal Companions and be One, with Him. So I do not question His management. I may question my ability to cope with those speed bumps, but I do not question His all loving nurturing care of us.
Thirteen days and counting...
Monday, August 20, 2012
** DAY 14 -- One Big and One Small, Challenge
It is amazing to note that my mind is full of things to do to get ready, but it is also starting to entertain many more thoughts of the upcoming mission. Yes, we will be running for two filled weeks, but my mind is dreaming dreams about what is going to happen to us in the coming 18 months. The excitement is building, replacing the concern about insignificant stuff to be done.
I have a major problem. My feet. You see, I need to purchase shoes that are comfortable, and are missionary-ish. I will be wearing shoes daily, most of the time each day. Well you see, I have been blessed with two different feet. I know, most of you have two different feet also, but mine are more different. One is size nine and one half. The other is ten and one half.
Therefore, when I have a pair of shoes on, one feels snug while the other feels like it is going to fall off. If any of you know someone who has the same problem, please let me know. Then we could both purchase shoes and trade the one large one for the smaller.... You get my idea?
I guess I could put tissues in the end of the shoe. Or I could double up, or crush the larger foot to fit the smaller shoe. Or I could just have one slipping off of my foot daily, and make up some kind of funny story why my feet are as they are.
No, I can't wear slippers throughout my mission. Anyone have an idea what I could do? It is truly an obstacle. But miracles happen and perhaps one will drop a half size or the whole size? Ever hear of anyone having his foot change a full size before? Well, that is one that I am challenged with currently.
Bonnie continues to study Spanish and is doing well. She amazes me how much she is learning and how much she studies. She keeps looking at me and saying, "This is like a foreign language..." (for some of you, that is a movie quote, don't know which movie, but our family often plays in movies quotes.) Yes my dear companion, it IS a foreign language.
I hope my language comes back to me like riding a bike. I knew Spanish once, and it sounds so very good to me, I am expecting another miracle to help me be as fluent as I once was.
Two weeks from today we will be at the MTC. It is coming fast.
I have a major problem. My feet. You see, I need to purchase shoes that are comfortable, and are missionary-ish. I will be wearing shoes daily, most of the time each day. Well you see, I have been blessed with two different feet. I know, most of you have two different feet also, but mine are more different. One is size nine and one half. The other is ten and one half.
Therefore, when I have a pair of shoes on, one feels snug while the other feels like it is going to fall off. If any of you know someone who has the same problem, please let me know. Then we could both purchase shoes and trade the one large one for the smaller.... You get my idea?
I guess I could put tissues in the end of the shoe. Or I could double up, or crush the larger foot to fit the smaller shoe. Or I could just have one slipping off of my foot daily, and make up some kind of funny story why my feet are as they are.
No, I can't wear slippers throughout my mission. Anyone have an idea what I could do? It is truly an obstacle. But miracles happen and perhaps one will drop a half size or the whole size? Ever hear of anyone having his foot change a full size before? Well, that is one that I am challenged with currently.
Bonnie continues to study Spanish and is doing well. She amazes me how much she is learning and how much she studies. She keeps looking at me and saying, "This is like a foreign language..." (for some of you, that is a movie quote, don't know which movie, but our family often plays in movies quotes.) Yes my dear companion, it IS a foreign language.
I hope my language comes back to me like riding a bike. I knew Spanish once, and it sounds so very good to me, I am expecting another miracle to help me be as fluent as I once was.
Two weeks from today we will be at the MTC. It is coming fast.
Sunday, August 19, 2012
** DAY 15 --- Sufficient for our Needs
Two weeks from today, we will walk into the Stake President's office. Our kids will all be there and we will be set apart as missionaries. Only two weeks. Fourteen days. We will be missionaries.
Not the kind I was as a young Elder, but we will be missionaries helping the youth in their institutes and seminaries. The work we will be doing will be learned as we get there. I am sure that it will be a totally different mission than I experienced 42 years ago.
It seems like TWO WEEKS is the time to sprint. In the Olympics, there were many races where the contestants sprinted to the finish line to earn the gold medal. Last night in my sleep, I felt a change in our lives, and as I arose this morning, I was bombarded with things that must be done. I need to make new lists. I have things coming into my mind that I have not thought about. Bonnie and I are going to be sprinting these last two weeks.
They are not large things. Yesterday we went to Brigham City. We helped Emily assemble a swing set that has been sitting for quite some time. We went to the Brigham City Temple open house. It was a full day. That was the last major event that we have planned. Now that is out of the way, my mind is freed from thinking, planning these major events, now all the millions of little things flood into my mind.
As I sit here this Sabbath morning, preparing to go to church, I could start to work myself into a frenzy, worrying about what is to be done. But as I quoted in a past blog, preparation for a mission, accomplishing all the things that need to be done is part of this mission, and so I must exercise my faith in Father's tender mercies in helping me accomplish what needs to be done.
It is sort of like tithing. We are blessed with a certain amount of income. If we pay our tithing first, then He will help us stretch our money to cover "sufficient for our needs." We have seen that happen many, many times in our life. So, I believe it is just as true with our time. We have a certain amount, say.... 24 hours each day. Even if I have three weeks of things to do, Father will stretch our time to be sufficient for our needs to do all the things that need to be done.
So, this is another reason why worrying is such a waste of time.
Not the kind I was as a young Elder, but we will be missionaries helping the youth in their institutes and seminaries. The work we will be doing will be learned as we get there. I am sure that it will be a totally different mission than I experienced 42 years ago.
It seems like TWO WEEKS is the time to sprint. In the Olympics, there were many races where the contestants sprinted to the finish line to earn the gold medal. Last night in my sleep, I felt a change in our lives, and as I arose this morning, I was bombarded with things that must be done. I need to make new lists. I have things coming into my mind that I have not thought about. Bonnie and I are going to be sprinting these last two weeks.
They are not large things. Yesterday we went to Brigham City. We helped Emily assemble a swing set that has been sitting for quite some time. We went to the Brigham City Temple open house. It was a full day. That was the last major event that we have planned. Now that is out of the way, my mind is freed from thinking, planning these major events, now all the millions of little things flood into my mind.
As I sit here this Sabbath morning, preparing to go to church, I could start to work myself into a frenzy, worrying about what is to be done. But as I quoted in a past blog, preparation for a mission, accomplishing all the things that need to be done is part of this mission, and so I must exercise my faith in Father's tender mercies in helping me accomplish what needs to be done.
It is sort of like tithing. We are blessed with a certain amount of income. If we pay our tithing first, then He will help us stretch our money to cover "sufficient for our needs." We have seen that happen many, many times in our life. So, I believe it is just as true with our time. We have a certain amount, say.... 24 hours each day. Even if I have three weeks of things to do, Father will stretch our time to be sufficient for our needs to do all the things that need to be done.
So, this is another reason why worrying is such a waste of time.
Saturday, August 18, 2012
** DAY 16 -- Is The Preparation Part of the Mission?
Today, I go back to the beginning. Long ago, I heard of Elder Hollands counsel to seek for dreams and create visions. I remember him saying that we needed to pursue them constantly. He said that it was OK to rest once in a while, but to get up and continue in the pursuit of the dream.
I remember hearing many Brethren pleading for Senior Couples in the October conference. Even before that, as I watched another couple, friends of Bonnie and I, from Perry going on a mission. I remember sitting there wondering why we couldn't go at that time and wondering if we would ever get the chance. I remember quietly shedding a few tears asking why?
I remember the day when we started this blog, one year before our 40th wedding anniversary anticipating the next year. And of course, I can recall the events of this past year preparing in many different ways for MTC day. With my aching body, my lists, my piles, and such, I realize that we are not too far away from that day.
It is interesting that dreaming about the circumstances of our upcoming mission is far away from my mind. It is too filled with the things that we are doing and have to do to be ready to go. I am striving to schedule the required tasks and events to assure that they are done before we leave. I can't wait until we can lay these inconsequential things aside and dream of our upcoming life as missionaries.
I look at all the sacks of clothing, the new shoes, the new ties, the shirts that have to be taken out of the plastic and ironed. I look at the large suit cases and the feel concern about the over weight, or over size penalty. I know these things are important, but they sure take up most of my thought time.
Is it wrong? Perhaps I should not stress over the getting ready, but I should just leave it in His hands, exercise faith in His control of all things. I should not worry or be too concerned. Is the getting ready for a mission part of a mission? Can we depend upon Father to help things flow smoothly toward our departure?
I know that He will be there constantly with us as we are His servants, but does that extend to the preparation also? Why fret so much? Another lesson learned?
I remember hearing many Brethren pleading for Senior Couples in the October conference. Even before that, as I watched another couple, friends of Bonnie and I, from Perry going on a mission. I remember sitting there wondering why we couldn't go at that time and wondering if we would ever get the chance. I remember quietly shedding a few tears asking why?
I remember the day when we started this blog, one year before our 40th wedding anniversary anticipating the next year. And of course, I can recall the events of this past year preparing in many different ways for MTC day. With my aching body, my lists, my piles, and such, I realize that we are not too far away from that day.
It is interesting that dreaming about the circumstances of our upcoming mission is far away from my mind. It is too filled with the things that we are doing and have to do to be ready to go. I am striving to schedule the required tasks and events to assure that they are done before we leave. I can't wait until we can lay these inconsequential things aside and dream of our upcoming life as missionaries.
I look at all the sacks of clothing, the new shoes, the new ties, the shirts that have to be taken out of the plastic and ironed. I look at the large suit cases and the feel concern about the over weight, or over size penalty. I know these things are important, but they sure take up most of my thought time.
Is it wrong? Perhaps I should not stress over the getting ready, but I should just leave it in His hands, exercise faith in His control of all things. I should not worry or be too concerned. Is the getting ready for a mission part of a mission? Can we depend upon Father to help things flow smoothly toward our departure?
I know that He will be there constantly with us as we are His servants, but does that extend to the preparation also? Why fret so much? Another lesson learned?
Friday, August 17, 2012
** DAY 17 -- $200 Penalty
Seventeen days to the day when we shall enter the MTC. It is often interesting to pause and remember the last year, plus a few months, when we actually decided we wanted to serve as full time missionaries. As I strive to remember every miracle to bring us to this place, it is almost impossible to count all the special events that had to happen to let us be on the door step of our dream.
We have piles of everything around this house. Piles to throw away. Piles to give to the DI. Piles to offer to our kids. Piles of things we feel we will "need" when we get back. Piles of clothing that we will be taking with us. Piles of things from years gone by that will need to be packed, thrown, or given. Piles of things that have not had a decision made on them yet. Piles and piles.
We have to go through each one to decide the ultimate destination of each pile. And those are just the piles. We still have list after list of things that need to be done. Then we have a lingering list of things that need to be purchased.
We went out yesterday still searching for the right size of luggage. We had a dear friend lend us three large suit cases. Then I found out that the way the airlines measure luggage is the dimension of all parts of the piece of luggage, even the wheels. And I found out by the airline that if we are over even by one half of an inch, we would pay a penalty of $200 per bag. So we returned those huge ones from our neighbor and are seeking slightly smaller ones.
We are unsure if we are going to be at a loss of space or weight, or size. It is an interesting dilemma. I guess we could pack all the things we have to take to see now, and then decide? Is that part of getting ready and preparing for a mission? I remember a lazy missionary packing over and over the month he was going to be going home in Mexico long ago. I guess it is the same thing?
Days keep passing and we are getting closer.
We have piles of everything around this house. Piles to throw away. Piles to give to the DI. Piles to offer to our kids. Piles of things we feel we will "need" when we get back. Piles of clothing that we will be taking with us. Piles of things from years gone by that will need to be packed, thrown, or given. Piles of things that have not had a decision made on them yet. Piles and piles.
We have to go through each one to decide the ultimate destination of each pile. And those are just the piles. We still have list after list of things that need to be done. Then we have a lingering list of things that need to be purchased.
We went out yesterday still searching for the right size of luggage. We had a dear friend lend us three large suit cases. Then I found out that the way the airlines measure luggage is the dimension of all parts of the piece of luggage, even the wheels. And I found out by the airline that if we are over even by one half of an inch, we would pay a penalty of $200 per bag. So we returned those huge ones from our neighbor and are seeking slightly smaller ones.
We are unsure if we are going to be at a loss of space or weight, or size. It is an interesting dilemma. I guess we could pack all the things we have to take to see now, and then decide? Is that part of getting ready and preparing for a mission? I remember a lazy missionary packing over and over the month he was going to be going home in Mexico long ago. I guess it is the same thing?
Days keep passing and we are getting closer.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
** DAY 18 -- Down Sizing Everywhere
As this count down gets to 1 and then zero, that will mean we have entered the MTC. What a joy. As we enter the MTC, a new chapter will have begun. We will be missionaries. We will be putting to an end this infamous blog and starting a new one or two. We will be using the new one to report our mission to anyone interested. When it is designed we will record info, experiences, challenges, miracles, and joy. Any questions?
I was thinking today that soon we will not be thinking about STUFF, nor money, nor making our kids and grand kids happy. We will not be lamenting that we have to fill up the car again and again. We will not be counting the number of shirts, skirts, slacks, tops, etc. We will leave all those thoughts behind.
Instead we will be dwelling upon testimonies, saints, teaching the gospel, helping the gospel proceed, improving ourselves and helping organize institutes and seminaries. We will be asking Father daily for help in touching and inspiring others with the beauties of the gospel. We will be striving to understand a people who speak rapidly their language and speak it sloppily.
What a large change is coming in our lives. I have been so bogged down with lists and things that must be done before departure day that I find it difficult to realize what is really finally coming. What dream will we be realizing after I have waited for over forty years to realize.
Father has a work He wants us to do down there. He wants us to touch, inspire, uplift, and bear testimony. We will use the testimony that we have gleaned through the past years, the testimony that He has nurtured, possibly for this very mission call.
What comes after? Who knows? Who cares. I know Father knows and will direct us when the time is right. We are living by faith. Faith that He will direct us. We have cut, eliminated, given away, and minimized the "stuff" that we have saved. We went from one over stuffed storage unit to one that is barely half filled. We have "down sized" in almost every area. Yes, it feels good.
It is coming and we are excited, though right now we are over burdened with the things that have to be done before.
I was thinking today that soon we will not be thinking about STUFF, nor money, nor making our kids and grand kids happy. We will not be lamenting that we have to fill up the car again and again. We will not be counting the number of shirts, skirts, slacks, tops, etc. We will leave all those thoughts behind.
Instead we will be dwelling upon testimonies, saints, teaching the gospel, helping the gospel proceed, improving ourselves and helping organize institutes and seminaries. We will be asking Father daily for help in touching and inspiring others with the beauties of the gospel. We will be striving to understand a people who speak rapidly their language and speak it sloppily.
What a large change is coming in our lives. I have been so bogged down with lists and things that must be done before departure day that I find it difficult to realize what is really finally coming. What dream will we be realizing after I have waited for over forty years to realize.
Father has a work He wants us to do down there. He wants us to touch, inspire, uplift, and bear testimony. We will use the testimony that we have gleaned through the past years, the testimony that He has nurtured, possibly for this very mission call.
What comes after? Who knows? Who cares. I know Father knows and will direct us when the time is right. We are living by faith. Faith that He will direct us. We have cut, eliminated, given away, and minimized the "stuff" that we have saved. We went from one over stuffed storage unit to one that is barely half filled. We have "down sized" in almost every area. Yes, it feels good.
It is coming and we are excited, though right now we are over burdened with the things that have to be done before.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
** DAY 19 -- New Chapter in the DR
The other day Bonnie heard from a friend of ours who served in the mission field. When they were out half of their mission, one of their sons called and asked them, " How is your marriage?" She smiled and reported that all was well. Then he proceeded to tell her of his partner in work had just reported that his partner's parents just returned from their mission and filed for divorce.
All things in this life are to either make us stronger or weaken us. I guess this couple was living in a marriage for their children. They served their kids, worked and co-existed. Then when they were put in a position to work together, live together, TALK with each other and share who they really are, or who they had become over the past years, they found out they were married to and living with a stranger.
I watched my parents go through an adjustment when they had to TALK with each other. Dad was a VP at the best University in Utah (No not BYU) and mom was involved with many things. They talked with each other through their four missions. They came out of it much stronger in their marriage. But I guess some do not. Some go through the motions and then when they have to TALK with each other, work together, they find they cannot do it.
This dilemma does not in the least worry me. We are living our own mission even now, and have been the last few years since our children left. Our mission will do wonders in strengthening our support of each other, and help us become more and more "one flesh" as we are counseled to do. It is certainly sad to hear of others who fail under the pressures of living with their spouse.
Since we finished our move to the new storage unit in Springville, the last large challenge we had, this morning I woke up and realized before long I would wake up in a new, different country. We would leave behind us the challenges of this life and enter a new one. It will be a new chapter in our mortality, in our proving ourselves to our Heavenly Father, in preparing for the Celestial Kingdom Chapter of our existence. I am sure the DR will have a different smell. I am sure it will be different in many ways. We can handle it together, and we will use this new chapter to become closer, stronger, and more supportive of each other.
All things in this life are to either make us stronger or weaken us. I guess this couple was living in a marriage for their children. They served their kids, worked and co-existed. Then when they were put in a position to work together, live together, TALK with each other and share who they really are, or who they had become over the past years, they found out they were married to and living with a stranger.
I watched my parents go through an adjustment when they had to TALK with each other. Dad was a VP at the best University in Utah (No not BYU) and mom was involved with many things. They talked with each other through their four missions. They came out of it much stronger in their marriage. But I guess some do not. Some go through the motions and then when they have to TALK with each other, work together, they find they cannot do it.
This dilemma does not in the least worry me. We are living our own mission even now, and have been the last few years since our children left. Our mission will do wonders in strengthening our support of each other, and help us become more and more "one flesh" as we are counseled to do. It is certainly sad to hear of others who fail under the pressures of living with their spouse.
Since we finished our move to the new storage unit in Springville, the last large challenge we had, this morning I woke up and realized before long I would wake up in a new, different country. We would leave behind us the challenges of this life and enter a new one. It will be a new chapter in our mortality, in our proving ourselves to our Heavenly Father, in preparing for the Celestial Kingdom Chapter of our existence. I am sure the DR will have a different smell. I am sure it will be different in many ways. We can handle it together, and we will use this new chapter to become closer, stronger, and more supportive of each other.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
** DAY 20 -- Leaving Grand Children
Today we are gathering people to help us move our STUFF from our storage unit twenty five miles south. We have been busy preparing for this day. By the end of this day, we will be very tired, but will have accomplished much. I hope we can say the same thing about the days to come in the DR.
In the next three weeks, we will be blessing three new grand children. That makes twenty, ten boys and ten girls. What a glorious experience is it to be grand parents. What a challenge it will be to leave them all and return to them in 18 months, all grown up and mature. They will probably be serving missions, some married, some dating, and they will have grown beyond us recognizing them any longer. That is what is difficult about leaving family for this amount of time. But we are still ready to go and do.
We will talk in church on the 26th at 8:30 in the morning. Many have said they would like to come and hear our parting words. Then we will depart and we can be called the dearly departed. Fun.
As time continues to get short, there are lists and more lists made and checked twice to assure that we get everything done. One list doesn't seem to have anything crossed off. When I note that, I wonder if we are doing anything to prepare. One of the other lists is getting checked off quickly. Then we make more lists.
Bonnie is progressing with her Spanish lessons. She talks with me constantly about why this, and why that. At times I don't know, I just say things as they feel right. But in reality, there has to be a reason why. She can ask her tutor.
We are discussing with the church our immunizations. They have the records incomplete though we have sent in verification of them. Just one more thing to add to our lists.
The days are getting shorter. We will be flying away soon, after all is done. We have that deadline to get it all done by such and such a date. Will we make it, I will tell you when we are in the MTC, or when we climb aboard the airplane.
In the next three weeks, we will be blessing three new grand children. That makes twenty, ten boys and ten girls. What a glorious experience is it to be grand parents. What a challenge it will be to leave them all and return to them in 18 months, all grown up and mature. They will probably be serving missions, some married, some dating, and they will have grown beyond us recognizing them any longer. That is what is difficult about leaving family for this amount of time. But we are still ready to go and do.
We will talk in church on the 26th at 8:30 in the morning. Many have said they would like to come and hear our parting words. Then we will depart and we can be called the dearly departed. Fun.
As time continues to get short, there are lists and more lists made and checked twice to assure that we get everything done. One list doesn't seem to have anything crossed off. When I note that, I wonder if we are doing anything to prepare. One of the other lists is getting checked off quickly. Then we make more lists.
Bonnie is progressing with her Spanish lessons. She talks with me constantly about why this, and why that. At times I don't know, I just say things as they feel right. But in reality, there has to be a reason why. She can ask her tutor.
We are discussing with the church our immunizations. They have the records incomplete though we have sent in verification of them. Just one more thing to add to our lists.
The days are getting shorter. We will be flying away soon, after all is done. We have that deadline to get it all done by such and such a date. Will we make it, I will tell you when we are in the MTC, or when we climb aboard the airplane.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)