And So It Begins - Week 1

    We went to our favorite spot where is it was a quiet place for our family to just visit and relax. It has been a very chaotic week with the last minute shopping and goodbyes from friends and families We felt at peace while we watched our kids do their thing. .Nathan did his favorite sport and helped his sissy as well. It was a well deserved break before the big day.

         Tuesday night was filled with wishes and hugs from families. But it was really great to see all them and feel of  their love and support as we go through  with this time in our lives. And as we retire that night, though we feel like we're sardines in a can..lol..we never felt so close as a family. I think that's how you would feel with every single loved ones if you know that you won't be seeing them for a long time. It's wonderful and at the same time, you just wanted to hold on to that person and never let go...
          July 29 - Wednesday morning was the hardest day of our life. He was all packed and ready Monday night, so I couldn't slow down the process....darn it!  I taught him too well on how to prepare earlier....aagghh!!
 As we slowly  drove off, it was a struggle to start the conversation and get it going. There was a certain gloom in the air as we were closing in the MTC. Nathan was very anxious as we could tell of his demeanor. So many things going on in his mind, he said. We know that he wanted this to not be a sad day. But as we said our goodbyes, it was a different outcome after all.  Oh well. Sometimes that's the only time that you could let go of your emotions because you can.

          The ride home was a chorus of sniffles and " I will  miss Nathan , Mama." And that made my eyes welled up even more. The trip to the restaurant proved to be just wasted time. And yeah, gong to the store to shop for food didn't help at all. Because everywhere I turn, it reminded me of how much Nathan loved that certain food.
               Despite of all of these, we know for a surety that he will be perfectly fine. He would love his time in the MTC with all the opportunities to learn of his teachings  and  meet wonderful people that would change his life. We are sooo proud of our missionary!!
               Remembering of when he was just a little baby in my arms, couldn't help but to think of how He had given me this precious little soul, to keep and to cherish. and to help him through this life, to become strong in the Gospel and to let him be an instrument in His hands. Though it was painful to see him go, we could never have been more honor to let our son serve Him with great courage. As to the lyrics of one of my favorite songs, " From His arms, to My arms, to Yours".



 

It's OFFICIAL...

It was a little different today during the Sunday service, This would be his last Sunday in our ward. I couldn't help but look at him with such great awe because he had turned out to be a pretty good son. He seemed to stand  taller than before  and the  twinkle in his eyes make you smile . The light of the gospel shines in him.  He looked so different in so many ways. My boy had changed into a man.

As he lovingly placed his head on my shoulders, I couldn't help but to reminisce those times when he was just a little boy in my arms. Oh how I long to look into his bright,wide eyes. Trying to understand what he was thinking as he touched my face with his tiny little chubby hands, I loved those tender moments. He was full of amusement and wonder. Still fresh from our Heavenly Father's presence.

But now, he is a man with a strong  desire to serve God and sacrifice his time and effort for two years. And as we gathered tonight with our Stake president, Nathan's face shone with excitement and at the same time, of humility. of what is about to transpire.
As the brethren placed their hands over his head, wonderful words of  blessings were pronounced for him. Great things are in store as he would enter the world of missionary work. Reassurance of faith and testimony as he would obey all of the mission rules. Oh  how we love that boy. We know that he will be a great influence on the lives of many people in Jamaica. Press on, Elder Numbers.

Almost There

There comes a time that you have to choose between doing the right thing and what's best for you. And with Nathan, it's been decided way back when he was just a little boy. He had saved money for this moment in his young life so he'll be ready. Not only the financial part of it, but getting up as early as 6:30 in the morning to attend the Mission Prep Class on Sundays. Even  when he just barely got home from working at Wendy's until 2 a.m. He still gets up and willingly attend the meetings, no prodding from his parents. Being a Senior in High School with a very active  schedule, maintaining his grades and a verybusy schedule as a Band Member as well kept his days filled with a million different things.  But he did it all. He was very zealous in reading his scriptures and attending his missionary prep class. There were some hurdles along the way, but he persevered.

 He had grown up to be a fine young man worthy to serve the Lord in any place that He deems necessary for a missionary. The most awaited envelope came in April . As everyone gathered to hear the destination, we were all in awe when he announced.."JAMAICA KINGSTON MISSION". Wow!!!  We didn't see that coming. Excitement for  the entire family and our ward.  So much to do. So little time. Oh, and his cousin Jake, will be going to Oregon Mission about the same time that he's going to be at the MTC. These two young man are a delight to look at during the  opening of their  mission call and farewell.
 .Just four days left... then he's off  to the Provo, MTC.  Keeping  himself busy by going to the Salt Lake Temple to do baptisms with the youth in our ward.