An Amazing 18 Months

Well today is Kristen's last day in Paraguay.  I cannot even imagine what she is going through.  She made the comment in her letter on Monday that it still really doesn't seem real.  I guarantee that when she goes to the mission home tonight it is all going to hit her like a ton of bricks.  I hope that she is doing okay and that Friday morning comes really fast for her!  It is so difficult being on this side of a mission too.  So many times you wish you could just be there for her and help out but you kind of can't.  All we can do is pray and trust in the Lord.  

I am soooo grateful that she decided to serve a mission.  I cannot even begin to list all of the blessings that we have received from her service.  I know without a shadow of a doubt that the reason we were able to adopt Saige and Gage so quickly was because of her.  It amazes me how the Lord truly does bless you, and your family, when you are in His service.  I also know that she too has been tremendously blessed because of her service.  I have seen such tremendous growth in my sister that I know she could have only obtained from her serving a mission.  I am grateful for her strength and wonderful example.  

During her service she has missed many once in a lifetime events.  In fact the very day she arrived in Paraguay our niece Miss Lola entered into the world.  Just to think that she hasn't even seen Lola is so weird!  In the Spring of last year we were able to be sealed to Mason and Michelle and the later to Saige and Gage.  I know that this too was very difficult for her to miss because as she likes to say they are her kids!  And then just 

a couple of months ago our brother lost his dear father.  I know that missing such great and trying moments wherein being together as a family is so important was extremely difficult for her.  

I know that things will be different when she gets home, as they should be.  I just pray that she will be able to transition well and things will continue to wor

k out for her.  

Thank you all so much for your support during these last 18 months.  Lonnie and I too have had some big changes in our home.  From the addition of another little one to a major job change for Lonnie. Without such amazing and wonderful family and friends I don't know how we would have gotten through it all.  Thank you!  

I have to share what I thought was such a neat analogy that she shared with us on Mother's Day. She stated that serving a mission is kind of like a mini plan of salvation.  You have your pre-mortal life, which was her life here at home and then you are given your call to serve.  You then prepare to leave your pre-mortal life to go on to a place that 

you know you must go to learn and grow and gain knowledge that you could otherwise not obtain, your mission.  Then you are called into eternal life and are back with your family.  I thought that this was very interesting and so true.  

Thank you again Kristen for your service!  And may I just say "well done thy good and faithful servant, well done".