I’m camped here by the phone waiting for one last phone call from my parents before they board the plane, headed for their 18 month mission to Christchurch, New Zealand. My heart feels heavy.
Mom and Dad have been staying with us for the last 9 days while they have been attending the MTC and we have loved every minute of extra time with them; but now it feels even harder to let them go. We love them so much, and we’re going to miss them terribly.
I can’t help thinking about all that will take place while my parents are gone. I can’t help thinking about how much my kids will change in 18 months, or about how much we’ll miss them at special occasions and holidays; and how we’ll especially miss our weekly visits that we’ve grown accustomed to and love so much. I’m especially going to miss all the little things.. my long phone conversations with mom, our Sunday dinners, card games, snail hunting in the backyard, trips for ice cream, and shopping at the Dillard’s sales. I”m going to miss it all.
Maybe some of you who live far away, those for whom seeing family is a rare thing, are rolling your eyes and wanting to reach through the computer screen, slap me on the back, and tell me to buck up (I probably could use that), but living here is a conscience choice for us. I love having extended family as part of everyday life. Regular family interaction fuels me, fuels all of us. My mom and dad are a huge part of that fuel, and we will feel their absence acutely.
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Now don’t get me wrong, I’m excited for my parents as well. What an adventure they will have! New Zealand is an ideal mission destination; a beautiful place full of wonderful people. I know my parents will love their mission and the work they will do in New Zealand. I believe they should go and I know our family will be blessed for their willingness to serve.
Mom and Dad will be incredible missionaries because they have strong testimonies of what they will teach, they love people, and they know how to work hard. I can’t wait to hear about all their adventures. I made my mom promise that she or dad would post to their blog at least once a week. (I’ll be checking Mom and Dad!)
Even though we will miss them terribly, they do have our total support and love. Thank goodness we live in this day in age, with email, Vonage, blogs, and Skype. We’re going to keep in touch, and we’ll pray for them every single day.
Love you Mom and Dad.
(Mom and Dad just called, and they are feeling calm and ready. I hope they have a safe flight)
10 comments:
Wow, Jill! Thanks for getting me all teary! I think me being far away from family makes me even more sad for you, because I know how homesickess for loved ones feels! I'll be praying for you. Your parents will be fantastic missionaries, and I'm sure your family will be tremendously blessed while they are serving. Love you!
Yep, ditto what Kim said. I hate living so far away. Being far away from family is the pits! But they'll be great missionaries, and I'm so excited to go visit them (they haven't actually invited me to New Zealand yet, but I'm sure they will just as soon as they get settled in).
Wow. Best of luck to your parents in New Zealand. They will be of great service there and to those people. God speed!
You can call me and talk for a long time! Although I know no one can replace your mom. You have fabulous parents. And it won't seem as long since we're all going to visit them (do you like how I just invited myself to New Zealand with you?) We love you guys!
I'd like to tell you that it won't be so bad and what a great opportunity it is for them, but you ARE going to miss them terribly.
However, I can tell you that they will come back, and it will be so wonderful when they do!
Glad you got to spend extra time with them before they left.
I understand how you feel about not having some of your favorite family members around, especially during the holidays. At the same time, I am very excited for your parents, like you said, New Zealand is a great place to serve as senior missionaries. I am so grateful for their sacrifice. It must be hard for them to leave families and to miss birthdays and other special occasions. I wish them the best. I know you will be ok. Remember the recent blog post you wrote about Mike and Winnie? I know you will be ok with those 2 taking care of you. :)
We're already down to 17 1/2 months but who's counting. This is a beautiful place and as soon as we have our own access to the internet I'll post more blog entries to fill you in on what's happening and to post pictures of the beauties of this land. We love you very much! Laura, Amy and whoever else, you're welcome to come and visit.
Your Mom's suit is LOVELY! I adore that flower! They will be amazing. What a great experience.
I am going to miss Aunt Janice and Uncle John very much, good luck to both of you and see you when you get back. I love and miss you all, thanks for sharing Jil. Goodbyes are hard.
Jill
Your parents have been great missionaries for 35 years. I was a great benefactor of their tender hearts and good humor. To this day, I count both of them as one of my greatest blessings. My love for them and how they helped change my life is a daily thought. Now they can have the same influence around the world on others who have yet to know the Gospel. My thoughts and prayer will be with them. When you speak to them or write them, will you pass on my love and gratitude? Tell them how they brought my life into the light and to now illuminate others.
Much Love for all of you
Kurt Gentry, Class of 76
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