Miracles and Then Some

 February 27th.  Our official release date is exactly 6 months from today, August 27.  In three days we will have been here six months.  It is a fascinating thing.  It has been nearly three years since we began deliberating about this mission, starting in September 2018.  In November, I approached our stake president to see what he thought.  With his blessing, we went forward with it, doing all the things needed to turn in our applications.

In February, we were thrilled to receive the call to England London.  We were also surprised that we weren't to report until September 9, because we had put on our application March as the date we would be available to leave.  Arriving in England in September 2019, home to Gilbert in March 2020, back in September 2020, making it a year and a half mission that covers essentially 3 years.

Today was gloriously beautiful with brilliant sunshine spilling lavishly over every surface.  How can you not love a day like today?  I spoke with a lady who was born and raised here, and who is in her sixties.  She was positively exultant about the sunshine.  

We delivered cookies and other goodies to several people today.  I missed one sister who has been on my mind.  I couldn't get her phone number or address, so I will try again tomorrow.  I so much enjoy doing that, and it is such a great way to connect with people.  

We had a zoom call in the morning and then our mission Zoom call this evening.  As a mission, we watched  Seventeen Miracles, a movie by T.C. Christensen about the Martin Handcart Company.  I've seen it before, but enjoyed it just as much this time.  Deb texted us to wear our PJs and munch popcorn.  

Before the movie began, Dave introduced about a dozen new missionaries who are all from America, and all from the West.  Great looking young men and women, who look so energetic and happy.  And they are happy to finally be in their assigned missions.  

One spent nearly a year serving in Provo.  "And I loved it!" he said.  "It's the second best mission in the world, and now I'm in the best."  Another was in Seattle for 7 months.  I know how Lauren's heart longed to be in Paraguay, even as she gave Orem her very best.  They feel that it is a miracle to be here now during the lockdown.  Dave and Deb feel a great sense of gratitude for all of these young missionaries who have come this past month - who are infusing the mission with excitement and energy.

With the announcements about the slow opening up of society here, I got an email from the salon where I get my hair cut.  Salons, Barber shops and personal service businesses can open on April 12.  The email said, "Yes we are opening on April 12, so book your appointments now.  I responded right away and told them I would come any day, any time.  My appointment is for April 24.

I had my hair cut back in October, and I thought she didn't take enough off then, but imagine how it looks 3 months later - and by the time I get in to see her, it will have been five months!  It is long now, and too long for my 72-year-old face.  And it takes longer to blow dry and it makes me look haggard.  And its not long enough for a pony tail - yet.  And I look stupid when I try to put it back in barrettes.  I ought to stick a few flowers in it, and people will look understandingly at me, thinking, "Ah, she never got over her hippie stage."

Our talks are ready.  SK is nervous, and will need a little extra time.  I told him he could have a couple of my minutes.  I am just happy that it came together for me.  I love it when you get an idea and it just seems to write itself.  Now, we'll see how it goes tomorrow.  

We will have to pray that the internet works properly (that could be a miracle) and that we can handle the technical aspect  (another miracle).  I am pretty sure that all it will take from us is to push the button that says "unmute."

Ta Da!

Until tomorrow night at this time......




Comments

melissa said…
I say go find some of those daffodils and go for it. 😁
March 1, 2021 at 4:55 PM
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