As I get older, it seems like the milestones in life come more frequent and and with greater intensity. These past few years, blessings in our family have truly been multiplied. Many of these blessings have come from my wife and children. Indeed, the successes and triumphs of my children give me great joy. However, what gives me even greater joy is to witness the correct, courageous choices that they elect to make on their volition. "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth." (3 John 1:4)
Today another milestone occurred that will forever bless our lives and stay in our memories. Tonight Melinda opened her mission call letter at Jessica's home. After college teaching, after all of the piano lessons, after tutoring Chinese, and after dinner, Melinda carefully read the mission call. She has been called to serve as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, assigned to labor in the Australia Sydney South Mission and to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ in English. She will report for the MTC on March 26, 2014. Congratulations, my daughter, for preparing yourself to serve a mission.
Living thousands of miles from my grandson, it is a grand honor to participate in some of his activities. So when the opportunity arose to attend one of his soccer games, we were delighted to accept the invitation. Although his team did not win, the game was not about winning but was about rewarding every member with the same rewards: a large conspicuous badge and a sumptuous frozen treat and a photo op of the team and coach. Although he did not score and at times seemed not to know what was going on, we enjoyed watching him grace the soccer field with his running around the whole field. He seemed to be saying to us to watch him, which we did with pleasure. I am proud of my grandson for trying. One day, I believe, he will be a great soccer player. But for now, he is still my favorite soccer player in America. And that's what counts. Go, Blake!
That is so wonderful. When we were in Sydney in 2006 we went to church in Wallongong where we met several Chinese investigators and 4 elders serving in Australia from mainland China. There is a growing population there and they must need her, even if her call says English speaking. The people there are so wonderful and love americans. Richard served there 35 years ago.
ReplyDelete