The passage of time has been strange as of late. We can have so much happen in a day that it feels like a whole week but then a week goes by so quickly it can seem like it was just a day. Basically the time is such we can tell one from the other. ;)
We started our July 4th celebrations with our ward at a nice breakfast. We had a patriotic song and message. The sister missionaries had games and bubbles for the kids to play with. Afterwards, I ran a few errands and then met with those same missionaries for a planning session. It was a first for me to do daily planning so I had to be careful not to turn our time into a weekly planning or companionship study. After that we met up with the Neilsen’s and had a wonderful visit with them and Rob’s parents. Wendy had lots of questions for me about things I have like, found helpful and learned on mission tours and at the mission president seminars since their new assignment is in the missionary department. The Morton’s invited us over for a barbque along with four of our returned sister missionaries that were back in the area. They were headed back to Utah the next morning. It was nice to have them stay over for the night so we could visit longer with them about everything under the sun. ;)
Zac, Bode and Jessie have filled their week with wakebaoarding and tubing with the cousins at the cabin in Island Park. On the fourth, they watched the boat regatta and fireworks which are always spectacular. Jessie performed in a lip sync with Hadley and Mya that they choreographed themselves. It was very cute to watch. Allie has been working a lot. July is their busiest month and everyone has to work every holiday. Although, she was able to enjoy the North Ogden Cherry Days fireworks with her friends later that night.
I headed down to Texas City for a District Council meeting. Unfortunately, I put the wrong church building in the GPS and once I realized I was not where I should be I was 30 minutes late. It was still a good meeting with lots discussion and role plays on teaching the commandments. Afterwards I met with the sisters in that area for a companionship study. The focus was to improve their door approaches and teach members how to make improvements when they think they know and do everything already. They have some older (80 years old) sisters that tell them “I’ve already read the Book of Mormon. I know what it says and know it’s true. I don’t need to read it again.” We came up with some creative ways to help them want to read it and be their idea. ;)
We had one of our Tongan missionaries return home this week so he could get his final paperwork and visa in order to start school at BYU Hawaii in the fall. When he arrived two years ago he was so quiet, humble and just learning English. His last name is Kaufusi so I asked him if he was related to the BYU football player with the same last name. He just smiled at me. He had no idea what I was talking about. We watched him progress each transfer, learn the language, and become a powerful missionary. He baptized in every area he served and connected with people in ways many missionaries can’t. For the first two transfers, he slept on the floor of his apartment because he had never slept in a bed. Aaron found him asleep on the floor when he woke him up Thursday morning even though I insisted he sleep in the bed. He’s a bright and talented young man. He won a regional math competition, several art competitions and earned a full ride scholarship at BYUH. A humble, sweet kid who we will love forever just like all our missionaries.
We met the new Houston Mission president and his wife this week. We shared with them some things that have help us on the mission from technology helps, ways we bless our missionaries, zone conference training ideas, etc. Visiting with them brings backs the memories of feeling like a deer in headlights and for me especially trying to figure out my role exactly as the mission president’s wife. There is no handbook for us. Through prayer, inspiration and trying our different ideas from other mission president’s wives I found ways I could bless our missionaries that works for me and still feel like a mom to our kids. It was fun to share what we’ve learned and it will be great to work with them for this last year.
I had a great companionship study with some of the sisters afterwards. They had me study forgiveness for two different investigators. The circumstances around each of their need to feel forgiveness being very different and difficult. I learned so much in my personal study as I used scriptures from the Book of Mormon to show how personal and powerful the atonement is in lifting burdens and allowing forgiveness to happen. I loved it!!
The kids are having a great time Utah. I am so appreciative of all those that have hosted them on fun trips and activities, sending me pictures and helping me be connected to their experiences. ;) Aaron and I are hanging out at the pool today after exercising. Aaron rode in a long and fast group ride today even though it’s hot, very hot and humid. I did a resistance routine and then ran for 6 miles. Having a pool is truly a blessing. A blessing I would love to have in Utah. ;)