Hello everyone, and welcome back to my blog! It's been a whirlwind of a month since our mission call, filled with preparations, memorable experiences, and cherished moments with loved ones. Some highlights: Mission Preparation: We have been immersing ourselves in learning about the people, language, and responsibilities of our upcoming mission. I've been daily studying the Malay language and recently had my first weekly tutoring session to enhance my fluency. While it may not be as indispensable as French was for my previous mission, I'm really excited about connecting with people in their own language.
Road Trip: We embarked on an exciting road trip to Connecticut for a long Memorial Day weekend. We had a fantastic time staying with our son Ryan, daughter-in-law Hannah, and adorable granddaughter Willow. The trip was filled with memorable moments, including Ryan’s Coast Guard Band concert, hiking, sightseeing, and enjoying quality time together. On my way back, I took the scenic route through Richmond, Virginia, reconnecting with a good friend and coworker, and savoring a leisurely drive home through picturesque landscapes. I loved visiting a couple of our church’s temples along the way.
Family Time: Our month has many cherished moments with our children and grandchildren. We had the joy of hosting my cousin and his family who stopped by during their own journeys. Additionally, we have been providing support to Vivian's parents as they navigate health and mobility challenges, an important and rewarding role despite its demands.
Hold Me Tight Workshop: Vivian has long had the dream of facilitating workshops for couples, and in may she did so for five couples over two days in Kearney. This workshop, which we had previously attended together as part of her training, focuses on fostering emotional connections and strengthening relationships. It was a fulfilling experience to be a part of this meaningful event for these others.
These experiences are just the tip of the iceberg from our eventful month. I've included a few pictures to share the joy and beauty of these moments. As always, I look forward to your comments and feedback! Thank you for joining me on this journey. Stay tuned for more updates.
Pictures (roughly left to right, top to bottom)
Connecticut
Lake Day
Reading with Willow
Band Concert
Star Flutist and Proud Parents
Ice Cream
Road Trip
Welcome to West Virginia
Richmond Virginia Temple
Louisville Kentucky Temple
The whole trip wasn't unicorns and rainbows!
Around home
Grandpa struggling
Hanging out with Emily and Hugh in the yard
Bikers in blue
Great visit from the Jones family
Many prayers for you, Vivian and her parents in their struggles. Been there and done that, it's an up and downhill rollercoaster and many times you will ask, "can I get off of this coaster please". But hang in, making those memories are a vital part of life.