This past week a returned missionary from our ward saw Robert in the temple. He sent me a message on facebook to let me know he had seen him and how good he looked and how well he is doing. He also said that Robert is going to be an amazing missionary! Can I just say that every time I write or say that I get tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat. Not because I miss him, but because I'm so proud of him and everything that I hoped a mission would do for him is happening!
There have been so many people that have said the same thing to me..people from church when they heard him speak at his farewell...and also people who have seen him since he went in to the MTC...so I guess it must be true.
As a parent you always want the best for your children. You want them to be happy and prosperous. To have success, a family, etc. My one great hope and desire for Robert this past year has been for him to have a testimony and for it to grow. That has happened and I feel so blessed and happy for him.
His going on a mission has given me the opportunity to relive some of those feelings that I felt more than 20 years ago, and they are good feelings. I can only hope that when he comes home his mission experience will have been as great for him as mine was for me.
His letters have been fun to read and he has given some great advice to all of us, especially Brian. He is a great example.
The best thing was reading his letter this week when he told us he was ready and his Italian was decent! Yahoo....finally he is feeling good about it!
He leaves on Tuesday morning and goes to Chicago, then Frankfurt and then to Milano....what a long flight! But he is excited and ready to go! We on the other hand are looking forward to his phone call on Tuesday, then again on Sunday for Mother's Day!
In other news...Brian is doing super in school! He is doing his end of year testing and seems to be doing great and feeling good about it so far! Tonight is his last soccer game of the season. The team over all hasn't done that well...however Brian has scored an average of one to two goals each game! Not to shabby! Also he found out last week that he gets to go on the Pioneer Trek this summer with the youth in our ward, even though he won't be 12 until September...He is thrilled for that, and looking forward to 5h grade camp at Camp Big Springs!
Life is good right now and we are thankful for the blessings we have!
April 29, 2010
April 23, 2010
FAMILIES ARE FOREVER
Last night Giovanni received a text about 1030 PM from one of his past employees whose husband had been in the hospital, letting us know that he wasn't doing well and it seemed like the end was near.
Giovanni put his shoes on and ran out the door to the hospital to be there with the family. After a short time he texted me and said that I should bring some oil and go to the hospital. I looked frantically all over the house for consecrated oil and couldn't find it! I know we have some because we gave some to Robert in his container before he left on his mission. But of course, who knows where I put the rest of it! I couldn't find it in the usual place ,so I grabbed my keys and ran out the door...hoping to knock on a neighbors door and get theirs to borrow. I went to a few homes where there were priesthood holders just knowing for sure they would have some. One of the neighbors didn't answer the door (remember by now it is almost 11PM and I probably wouldn't answer my door at that time of night!). The other home I went to answered, but no oil! I remember thinking how is that possible, your a priesthood holder! Then I thought to myself..who am I to judge..I can't find ours either! So off I went to the hospital just the same, empty handed.
By the time I got there it was to late for oil anyway. This poor man had flat lined 3 times within about 30+ minutes and as I got there the family had made the decision to stop having the hospital work on him.
Gio and I, along with the family, went into the room, and one of the sons and Giovanni released him so that he could return home to his Father in Heaven. This son is the only member of the LDS church in the family. And the family wanted to release him so that he could go home.
It was a very moving experience to watch all of this take place.
As he took his last breaths he was circled by his family and loved ones. The each went to him and said goodbye and held his hand, and cried.
To see that family in so much pain and suffering brought to my mind how thankful I am to know that we believe and know that families really can be together forever. To know that this life is not the end of things, but a middle of the road..a path that must be taken to arrive at something so much better. This life is full of pain and sorrow and death is something that each one of us will experience, but it really is a right of passage on to eternal life.
As we were in that hospital room I was reminded of 6 years earlier in the same hospital as my mother slowly slipped from this life and the pain and anguish that I felt at that moment. There really are no words to express what you feel when a loved one passes on. I didn't know that it could actually cause physical pain in my heart and to even breath. I thought that pain would never go away. But with time it has subsided.
I still miss my mother and think of her often and wish that she were here with us. She would be so proud of our children. To see Brian doing ballroom dancing, or the science fair...or read about Robert and his mission experiences. But then I remember that she is here with us. She is looking down on us everyday. When I need someone to talk I know that she is listening to me. When I have tried to make her Greek cookies or cook a Turkey for the first time her memory is there and I can see how she did it.
Most of all though, I know that I will see her again someday and we will hug one another and the reunion will be oh so sweet.
Death makes you realize how important life and living really are. We should make sure that every day we are letting our families know how much we love them and appreciate them. We need to be building memories.
I use to be a fanatic about my house be clean and everything in perfect order. I think that I drove my family crazy being so OCD about it. But now I realize that the house will always need to be picked up, laundry to be done, dinner to be cooked, dusting, vacuuming, etc...but my children will grow up before I am ready for them to and then one day they will be out the front door building lives and families of their own, and I won't have anymore time with them.
Last week Kaitlyn died and this week Jerry. It has brought death closer to our door than it has been in a long time. However, it has helped me to remember the real reason that we are here on this earth. It has also reminded me once again of why the work that Robert is going forth to do is so important. Families and forever and they can be eternal.
I have hope in a brighter tomorrow because of my faith.
I feel so blessed to have the family I have. A wonderful husband and children. We let the small stuff get in the way sometimes and experiences like the one we had last night are a sweet and humble reminder of what life really is all about.
Rest in peace Jerry and Kaitlyn
And mom, I love you!
Giovanni put his shoes on and ran out the door to the hospital to be there with the family. After a short time he texted me and said that I should bring some oil and go to the hospital. I looked frantically all over the house for consecrated oil and couldn't find it! I know we have some because we gave some to Robert in his container before he left on his mission. But of course, who knows where I put the rest of it! I couldn't find it in the usual place ,so I grabbed my keys and ran out the door...hoping to knock on a neighbors door and get theirs to borrow. I went to a few homes where there were priesthood holders just knowing for sure they would have some. One of the neighbors didn't answer the door (remember by now it is almost 11PM and I probably wouldn't answer my door at that time of night!). The other home I went to answered, but no oil! I remember thinking how is that possible, your a priesthood holder! Then I thought to myself..who am I to judge..I can't find ours either! So off I went to the hospital just the same, empty handed.
By the time I got there it was to late for oil anyway. This poor man had flat lined 3 times within about 30+ minutes and as I got there the family had made the decision to stop having the hospital work on him.
Gio and I, along with the family, went into the room, and one of the sons and Giovanni released him so that he could return home to his Father in Heaven. This son is the only member of the LDS church in the family. And the family wanted to release him so that he could go home.
It was a very moving experience to watch all of this take place.
As he took his last breaths he was circled by his family and loved ones. The each went to him and said goodbye and held his hand, and cried.
To see that family in so much pain and suffering brought to my mind how thankful I am to know that we believe and know that families really can be together forever. To know that this life is not the end of things, but a middle of the road..a path that must be taken to arrive at something so much better. This life is full of pain and sorrow and death is something that each one of us will experience, but it really is a right of passage on to eternal life.
As we were in that hospital room I was reminded of 6 years earlier in the same hospital as my mother slowly slipped from this life and the pain and anguish that I felt at that moment. There really are no words to express what you feel when a loved one passes on. I didn't know that it could actually cause physical pain in my heart and to even breath. I thought that pain would never go away. But with time it has subsided.
I still miss my mother and think of her often and wish that she were here with us. She would be so proud of our children. To see Brian doing ballroom dancing, or the science fair...or read about Robert and his mission experiences. But then I remember that she is here with us. She is looking down on us everyday. When I need someone to talk I know that she is listening to me. When I have tried to make her Greek cookies or cook a Turkey for the first time her memory is there and I can see how she did it.
Most of all though, I know that I will see her again someday and we will hug one another and the reunion will be oh so sweet.
Death makes you realize how important life and living really are. We should make sure that every day we are letting our families know how much we love them and appreciate them. We need to be building memories.
I use to be a fanatic about my house be clean and everything in perfect order. I think that I drove my family crazy being so OCD about it. But now I realize that the house will always need to be picked up, laundry to be done, dinner to be cooked, dusting, vacuuming, etc...but my children will grow up before I am ready for them to and then one day they will be out the front door building lives and families of their own, and I won't have anymore time with them.
Last week Kaitlyn died and this week Jerry. It has brought death closer to our door than it has been in a long time. However, it has helped me to remember the real reason that we are here on this earth. It has also reminded me once again of why the work that Robert is going forth to do is so important. Families and forever and they can be eternal.
I have hope in a brighter tomorrow because of my faith.
I feel so blessed to have the family I have. A wonderful husband and children. We let the small stuff get in the way sometimes and experiences like the one we had last night are a sweet and humble reminder of what life really is all about.
Rest in peace Jerry and Kaitlyn
And mom, I love you!
April 18, 2010
SPRING IS FINALLY HERE!
It is about time...spring has sprung!!! About a week ago it was snowing and raining and Brian had to wear his winter coat to school because it was so cold in the morning....but finally...SPRING!!
I can't tell you how nice it is to drive down the streets and see trees with blossoms and grass that is turning green! Children out playing, riding bikes, and walks...that is what srping is all about.
This past weekend we decided to go out and play and do something fun! Our original plan was to go to the zoo, but by the time I finished work, we had lunch and put gas in the car it was getting late and the zoo would only be open for a few more hours once we got there, so we decided to go to the Clark Planetarium instead. We also walked around the Gateway Mall a bit and just enjoyed the afternoon!
Then today we went to Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon. There were so many people there. We had a hard time finding a place to park. We walked up the canyon some and even dipped our feet in the stream. Boy was that water cold. Obvioulsy from fresh melting snow...but oh so refreshing at the same time!
It really was a wonderful day! And it was so nice to spend it together as a family..
I can't tell you how nice it is to drive down the streets and see trees with blossoms and grass that is turning green! Children out playing, riding bikes, and walks...that is what srping is all about.
This past weekend we decided to go out and play and do something fun! Our original plan was to go to the zoo, but by the time I finished work, we had lunch and put gas in the car it was getting late and the zoo would only be open for a few more hours once we got there, so we decided to go to the Clark Planetarium instead. We also walked around the Gateway Mall a bit and just enjoyed the afternoon!
April 15, 2010
LIFE
This past weekend we had the opportunity to go to Primary Children's Hospital and visit the daughter of a friend of ours. She was diagnosed with cancer about 5 yrs ago at the age of 11. When we went to see her this past weekend she was a 16 yr old girl weighing only 65 lbs...and slowly leaving this life, and entering into a new world....
It was such a moving experience. She passed away on Monday evening. For only having spent a few short moments with her, she impacted my life in a huge way. For many different reasons. She never gave up! She lived her life to the fullest. She was happy and wanted others to be happy as well. It was so obvious by all the high school students that were at the hospital that she was a friend to everyone and they all loved her. I admired her friends who came to visit. They didn't run, but stayed right there with their friend until the very end.
It also made me think about my life and my friends and family. Especially my children. Life isn't suppose to be a parent burying their child... yet that is what happened here.
Her family will have many wonderful memories of her and the short time that they spent together. They made sure it was quality time.
I hope that as a parent that is what I have done and am doing...making sure the time I have spent and spend with my children is quality time and that they know how much I love them. I don't want for them to ever doubt that love!
I find so much joy in their accomplishemnts and their happiness. I cry with them when they are sad, and laugh with them when they are happy. I hope they know that everyday I pray for them and their success as well as for them to have strength with their struggles. I also pray to know how to be a better parent.
When my mother passed away I remembered all the wonderful times we had together...those memories are priceless. They are all that I really have left....and I am so thankful that I know how much my mother loved me. I want for my boys to know that too!
Brian is growing into a fine young man, and Elder Bona is doing great on his mission.
I sure love those boys.
And I sure love their father! Without him there would be no them and no us!
Thank you Gio for such a wonderful life and family!!!
Go here to find out how Elder Bona is doing.....
It was such a moving experience. She passed away on Monday evening. For only having spent a few short moments with her, she impacted my life in a huge way. For many different reasons. She never gave up! She lived her life to the fullest. She was happy and wanted others to be happy as well. It was so obvious by all the high school students that were at the hospital that she was a friend to everyone and they all loved her. I admired her friends who came to visit. They didn't run, but stayed right there with their friend until the very end.
It also made me think about my life and my friends and family. Especially my children. Life isn't suppose to be a parent burying their child... yet that is what happened here.
Her family will have many wonderful memories of her and the short time that they spent together. They made sure it was quality time.
I hope that as a parent that is what I have done and am doing...making sure the time I have spent and spend with my children is quality time and that they know how much I love them. I don't want for them to ever doubt that love!
I find so much joy in their accomplishemnts and their happiness. I cry with them when they are sad, and laugh with them when they are happy. I hope they know that everyday I pray for them and their success as well as for them to have strength with their struggles. I also pray to know how to be a better parent.
When my mother passed away I remembered all the wonderful times we had together...those memories are priceless. They are all that I really have left....and I am so thankful that I know how much my mother loved me. I want for my boys to know that too!
Brian is growing into a fine young man, and Elder Bona is doing great on his mission.
I sure love those boys.
And I sure love their father! Without him there would be no them and no us!
Thank you Gio for such a wonderful life and family!!!
Go here to find out how Elder Bona is doing.....
April 14, 2010
HE SPEAKS ITALIAN!
One of Robert's friends parent's are going to Chile on a mission, actually as mission president and wife. They are going to the Chile Santiago South or North mission...can't remember which....anyway....
M goes to the MTC several times a week to study Spanish. Today as she was walking the halls..guess who she saw???? That's right! OUR missionary..Elder Bona!!! She said that he wanted to give her a hug so bad (her son and Robert are really good friends-he is going to another mission in Chile in June and they leave in July)....but of course there are rules that missionaries must abide by..so instead of a hug he handed her is Book of Mormon and their hands hugged for a few moments.....
M continued to ask how he was doing and how the MTC was treating him. He said that he really loved it there. He told her that he is always having some type of spiritual experience and that it is wonderful! He also told her that he really loves his companion that they get along so well. He said that in his district there have been other comapionships that have hit the rocks a few time, but that he and Elder Dunshee really are great friends and have a wonderful time together and they have never had any problems!
M then proceeded to ask Robert about his Italian...he said that it was coming along okay. She asked for him to bear her his testimony in Italian. He did it!!! She said he sounded amazing and she was so happy for him! Then Elder Dunshee proceeded to bear his testimony as well. She said that you could tell that he was having a bit more difficulty with the language and Robert had to help him along, but he did it as well. We were so happy to hear that Robert could actually speak in Italian. We were also glad to know the he is helping his companion out as well with the language.
M said that Robert looked like a missionary, spoke liked a missionary and you could see that he was becoming a great missionary!
He passed hugs our way and to tell us that he missed us all "like heck"!
(We miss him "like heck" too!)
As they were talking his friend Coulton (who is going to Athens, Greece) came up to them, so they all were able to visit for a few minutes, then Morgan with his escort walked by and they all said hi! Morgan is going to Raleigh-Durham North Carolina and was just entering the MTC today when they all saw him. I'm sure he was glad to see a familiar face!!!
I have to admit that my eyes teared up for just a minute.
We are so proud of Robert. I can't wait to here him speak in Italian...Finally after 16 years he is speaking Italian again!!!!
Sure do love that boy!!! and miss him "like heck" too!!!
M goes to the MTC several times a week to study Spanish. Today as she was walking the halls..guess who she saw???? That's right! OUR missionary..Elder Bona!!! She said that he wanted to give her a hug so bad (her son and Robert are really good friends-he is going to another mission in Chile in June and they leave in July)....but of course there are rules that missionaries must abide by..so instead of a hug he handed her is Book of Mormon and their hands hugged for a few moments.....
M continued to ask how he was doing and how the MTC was treating him. He said that he really loved it there. He told her that he is always having some type of spiritual experience and that it is wonderful! He also told her that he really loves his companion that they get along so well. He said that in his district there have been other comapionships that have hit the rocks a few time, but that he and Elder Dunshee really are great friends and have a wonderful time together and they have never had any problems!
M then proceeded to ask Robert about his Italian...he said that it was coming along okay. She asked for him to bear her his testimony in Italian. He did it!!! She said he sounded amazing and she was so happy for him! Then Elder Dunshee proceeded to bear his testimony as well. She said that you could tell that he was having a bit more difficulty with the language and Robert had to help him along, but he did it as well. We were so happy to hear that Robert could actually speak in Italian. We were also glad to know the he is helping his companion out as well with the language.
M said that Robert looked like a missionary, spoke liked a missionary and you could see that he was becoming a great missionary!
He passed hugs our way and to tell us that he missed us all "like heck"!
(We miss him "like heck" too!)
As they were talking his friend Coulton (who is going to Athens, Greece) came up to them, so they all were able to visit for a few minutes, then Morgan with his escort walked by and they all said hi! Morgan is going to Raleigh-Durham North Carolina and was just entering the MTC today when they all saw him. I'm sure he was glad to see a familiar face!!!
I have to admit that my eyes teared up for just a minute.
We are so proud of Robert. I can't wait to here him speak in Italian...Finally after 16 years he is speaking Italian again!!!!
Sure do love that boy!!! and miss him "like heck" too!!!
April 8, 2010
WHY IS LIFE SO HARD SOMETIMES?
I don't get it...I just don't get it! Why when everything seems to be going okay (not great, but okay) does something happen and someone puts a stick in my wheel spokes and the tire stops turning! I just don't get it!
These past few months, considering Giovanni loosing his job, Robert leaving on a mission, dental work, cobra payments (due to no health insurance due to no job), dental bills, ortho appointments and bills, and just life in general and all that comes with it....we have been doing well.
We have really tried to have patience, kindness and love in our hearts, faith, bear out situation well, and rely on the Lord knowing that things will work out and all will be okay. Deep down inside somewhere in the depths of my soul I still feel that, however on the surface, may I just say that the past 24 hrs have been hard! Almost more that I or Giovanni can stand! We have felt like we don't want to play this game any more...it isn't fun, and we don't feel like we are winning! Okay, so winning isn't always the most important thing, I get it, but...it least give us a chance.
I can't really get into the details of things (sorry about that!) but, the next week or so are going to be stressful....but, I KNOW that it will all be okay, whatever happens!
We were suppose to get a letter from Robert on Wednesday, but he mailed it late and it didn't come until today..you know why????? because the Lord knew that we would NEED it today to lift our spirits! How can life go wrong when you have a son serving a mission and praying for you every day!? And another son at home who has hugs waiting to share and a prayer waiting to be offered!? Those are the things that are worth it all. In that sense...we are winning!! In the game that really counts.
Robert's letter was great and he enclosed a wonderful thought by Pres Eyring and the letter was great too. Go here to read.
Sorry for the complaining....just had to let it out somewhere!
These past few months, considering Giovanni loosing his job, Robert leaving on a mission, dental work, cobra payments (due to no health insurance due to no job), dental bills, ortho appointments and bills, and just life in general and all that comes with it....we have been doing well.
We have really tried to have patience, kindness and love in our hearts, faith, bear out situation well, and rely on the Lord knowing that things will work out and all will be okay. Deep down inside somewhere in the depths of my soul I still feel that, however on the surface, may I just say that the past 24 hrs have been hard! Almost more that I or Giovanni can stand! We have felt like we don't want to play this game any more...it isn't fun, and we don't feel like we are winning! Okay, so winning isn't always the most important thing, I get it, but...it least give us a chance.
I can't really get into the details of things (sorry about that!) but, the next week or so are going to be stressful....but, I KNOW that it will all be okay, whatever happens!
We were suppose to get a letter from Robert on Wednesday, but he mailed it late and it didn't come until today..you know why????? because the Lord knew that we would NEED it today to lift our spirits! How can life go wrong when you have a son serving a mission and praying for you every day!? And another son at home who has hugs waiting to share and a prayer waiting to be offered!? Those are the things that are worth it all. In that sense...we are winning!! In the game that really counts.
Robert's letter was great and he enclosed a wonderful thought by Pres Eyring and the letter was great too. Go here to read.
Sorry for the complaining....just had to let it out somewhere!
April 5, 2010
GENERAL CONFERENCE
This past weekend was not only Easter, which is a big deal in and of itself, but it was also the 180th General Conference for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day-Saints. It was a double wammy of a weekend! And I loved every minute of it.
Gio and I have been married for 20 years, that is 160 sessions of conference, not including the priesthood sessions. (Those are an additional 40 sessions).
This is the first time that I can remember of watching all 4 sessions of conference. Saturday's are usually hard because there is so much going on during the week and we try to get it all done on Saturday so that we can enjoy Sunday.
This year it was different. I think that part of the reason is/was because Robert is in the MTC and we knew that he would be watching all 5 sessions and we wanted to be apart of what he was doing and hear and feel the same things.
I was able to trade hours for work as to be able to watch all the sessions, and I can just say that it was an amazing experience! I felt like I was spiritually fed and nourished. I feel stronger and have more resolve than I did two days ago. Giovanni went to the priesthood session with my father and came home so full of the spirit.
Tonight for FHE we watched two of the talks from the priesthood session...Elder Uchtdorf and Elder Rasband....one on patience and the other on how missionaries are called to serve. Thank goodness for the Internet that we have these talks so readily available to us for reading and watching!
Some of my favorites were:
Julie Beck
Boyd K. Packer
Dieter Uchtdorf
M. Russell Ballard
Jeffery R. Holland
and every other person who spoke.
It seems like the theme this conference was our responsibility as parents. And to be steadfast and immovable was mentioned during several talks.
I loved the talk that was for mothers and daughters. I don't have daughters, so I looked at it for mothers and sons...there was so much to learn just the same...even our sons learn and take from their mothers.
Speaking of sons...I felt so close to Robert during the weekend. I only hope that it was as amazing for him as it was for us.
My testimony grew so much this weekend. I am so thankful to be a member of the church. I know with all my being that it is true. I am thankful for the leaders we have who know the things that we need to hear to help us be better and stronger.
I am thankful that I am a mother and a wife. I am not the best at either one...but I try. I love my husband and children and would do anything for them. They are at the center of my life.
I am now an addict of conference. I can't wait to get the Ensign and start reading and marking it up.
And I especially can't wait for October!! 6 months is so long to wait for another chance to feel what I felt this weekend!
Gio and I have been married for 20 years, that is 160 sessions of conference, not including the priesthood sessions. (Those are an additional 40 sessions).
This is the first time that I can remember of watching all 4 sessions of conference. Saturday's are usually hard because there is so much going on during the week and we try to get it all done on Saturday so that we can enjoy Sunday.
This year it was different. I think that part of the reason is/was because Robert is in the MTC and we knew that he would be watching all 5 sessions and we wanted to be apart of what he was doing and hear and feel the same things.
I was able to trade hours for work as to be able to watch all the sessions, and I can just say that it was an amazing experience! I felt like I was spiritually fed and nourished. I feel stronger and have more resolve than I did two days ago. Giovanni went to the priesthood session with my father and came home so full of the spirit.
Tonight for FHE we watched two of the talks from the priesthood session...Elder Uchtdorf and Elder Rasband....one on patience and the other on how missionaries are called to serve. Thank goodness for the Internet that we have these talks so readily available to us for reading and watching!
Some of my favorites were:
Julie Beck
Boyd K. Packer
Dieter Uchtdorf
M. Russell Ballard
Jeffery R. Holland
and every other person who spoke.
It seems like the theme this conference was our responsibility as parents. And to be steadfast and immovable was mentioned during several talks.
I loved the talk that was for mothers and daughters. I don't have daughters, so I looked at it for mothers and sons...there was so much to learn just the same...even our sons learn and take from their mothers.
Speaking of sons...I felt so close to Robert during the weekend. I only hope that it was as amazing for him as it was for us.
My testimony grew so much this weekend. I am so thankful to be a member of the church. I know with all my being that it is true. I am thankful for the leaders we have who know the things that we need to hear to help us be better and stronger.
I am thankful that I am a mother and a wife. I am not the best at either one...but I try. I love my husband and children and would do anything for them. They are at the center of my life.
I am now an addict of conference. I can't wait to get the Ensign and start reading and marking it up.
And I especially can't wait for October!! 6 months is so long to wait for another chance to feel what I felt this weekend!
April 2, 2010
CHIPPY
As many of you know I served my mission in the Italy Catania Mission. I served from Jan 1988 to July 1989. It really was the best 19 months of my life (up to that point). I had so many wonderful experiences and met so many amazing people. Through Facebook I have even rekindled friendships with people from another era in my life. I am not the best at keeping in touch with people even though I think about many of them often.
I really need to go up into our attic and pull down my mission pictures and scan in a few of them. Maybe I will attempt to do that over the next week or so and post a few here...
I have been telling Robert that the people that he meets on his mission and his companions will become some of his dearest friends and people that he will never forget.
Also, sometimes people re-enter your life in the strangest way. We found out several years ago that one of the members of our LDS ward is the brother of one of my companions. That member is now my Bishop. He is a great man. Different from his sister but just as special.
You ask, why are you telling us this? Because last night there was a knock on our front door and when I answered it, there was "Chippy" standing on my front door step! What a surprise..a very pleasant surprise. We had nick-names for each other...I was Cliffy, there was Suthy, Chippy, Hubby, etc....You get the drift, right? Well, Chippy is short for Sorella Chipman! Her brother is Bishop Chipman. She lives in California, but was here in Utah for a few days and staying at one of her brother's homes. He suggested that she come visit! I am so glad that she did!
It was like I just saw her yesterday instead of 3-4 years ago at a mission reunion.
We talked about people we taught in Italy, about the Catania mission closing in few months (how sad!), we laughed thinking about the silly things that we did as sister missionaries.
We also talked about missionaries that we served with and how some have stayed very strong and active in the church, and how some have fallen away. Those are the ones that made us sad. Thinking of how strong someones testimony was 20+ years ago, and how now because of the trials of life that they are no longer active. I told her of one particular sister missionary that I love and care for who has slowly fallen away. This "sorella" lives close enough that wanting to I could make a visit to her home....but I don't. Mainly because I am afraid and don't know what to say to her. I don't want to offend her.
I told Chris (Chippy) how several times I have felt the spirit prompting me, but I don't follow it because of fear. As we spoke, I felt that same wonderful missionary spirit come over me again. I realized that even though I didn't wear a badge as a missionary, I was still an ambassador for the Lord and had a responsibility to do His work to build up His kingdom. Then Chris asked me this question...she said, "Judi, do you think "she" is happier now than she was 20 years ago serving a mission?" I replied, "I doubt it". Then maybe that is the question you should ask her. Just let her know that you love her.
Chris was so right! The spirit was so strong as we spoke an her smile was so loving and sincere. She really does have the light of Christ, and she has kept it glowing all these years.
It was such a testimony to me that the Lord is mindful of us and what we need in our lives. The next time I feel that prompting to go and visit or do something for someone, I'm going to do it!!
Chippy~thank you so much for stopping by my home last night and for helping me to remember who and what I am!
I really need to go up into our attic and pull down my mission pictures and scan in a few of them. Maybe I will attempt to do that over the next week or so and post a few here...
I have been telling Robert that the people that he meets on his mission and his companions will become some of his dearest friends and people that he will never forget.
Also, sometimes people re-enter your life in the strangest way. We found out several years ago that one of the members of our LDS ward is the brother of one of my companions. That member is now my Bishop. He is a great man. Different from his sister but just as special.
You ask, why are you telling us this? Because last night there was a knock on our front door and when I answered it, there was "Chippy" standing on my front door step! What a surprise..a very pleasant surprise. We had nick-names for each other...I was Cliffy, there was Suthy, Chippy, Hubby, etc....You get the drift, right? Well, Chippy is short for Sorella Chipman! Her brother is Bishop Chipman. She lives in California, but was here in Utah for a few days and staying at one of her brother's homes. He suggested that she come visit! I am so glad that she did!
It was like I just saw her yesterday instead of 3-4 years ago at a mission reunion.
We talked about people we taught in Italy, about the Catania mission closing in few months (how sad!), we laughed thinking about the silly things that we did as sister missionaries.
We also talked about missionaries that we served with and how some have stayed very strong and active in the church, and how some have fallen away. Those are the ones that made us sad. Thinking of how strong someones testimony was 20+ years ago, and how now because of the trials of life that they are no longer active. I told her of one particular sister missionary that I love and care for who has slowly fallen away. This "sorella" lives close enough that wanting to I could make a visit to her home....but I don't. Mainly because I am afraid and don't know what to say to her. I don't want to offend her.
I told Chris (Chippy) how several times I have felt the spirit prompting me, but I don't follow it because of fear. As we spoke, I felt that same wonderful missionary spirit come over me again. I realized that even though I didn't wear a badge as a missionary, I was still an ambassador for the Lord and had a responsibility to do His work to build up His kingdom. Then Chris asked me this question...she said, "Judi, do you think "she" is happier now than she was 20 years ago serving a mission?" I replied, "I doubt it". Then maybe that is the question you should ask her. Just let her know that you love her.
Chris was so right! The spirit was so strong as we spoke an her smile was so loving and sincere. She really does have the light of Christ, and she has kept it glowing all these years.
It was such a testimony to me that the Lord is mindful of us and what we need in our lives. The next time I feel that prompting to go and visit or do something for someone, I'm going to do it!!
Chippy~thank you so much for stopping by my home last night and for helping me to remember who and what I am!
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