WHERE AM I TODAY?

Right now,

I'M HOME.  

(For a bit).

 

Today, October 14th, is a beautiful day.  It is a celebratory day.  

And I am feeling thankful and so very blessed.

I feel like throwing a party!  (Anyone want to come over and celebrate with me?)

There are quite a few folks in my world who celebrate birthdays today; folks I love and am thankful to have in my life.

But today is an especially wonderful day for me because it is a major milestone for our family; an exceptionally happy day.

You see, last year, on this very day, I was here.  (click here to see post).

One year!

A year has passed.

He is still alive and happy, what a relief.  :)

One more to go.  And this next year brings with it enormous changes for our family.  

A year ago, this day was hard for me.  It was also a happy day, please don't misunderstand.  

I felt grateful and excited to send Nathan off to serve.  He was well prepared, it was a goal and a dream for him to fulfill - one he had been planning on since he was a little boy.  He was ready, willing and happy to serve our Savior and the people in Argentina.  How could I not be happy for him?

But I was also sad to see him go:  sad for conversations we would not be able to have, sad for holidays and dinners, vacations and family time spent without him there.  And more.

I was also worried.  Worried about his safety and about the people who might come into his life.  Would those people be kind?  Would he be taken advantage of or harmed in any way?  And most importantly, would he be able to find where he needs to be, or would he get lost?  Ha, ha.  Nate is directionally challenged...or he was, not sure if that has changed.

But now, after one year down, I can say that it isn't as hard as it was for me in the beginning.  I have learned to trust more.  I more fully appreciate that sending him off to people who need his service is a blessing.  I feel happier about sharing him with the world, and I wouldn't hesitate to send him out again.  He truly is giving it his all.  He is selfless and kind.  He loves the Lord and he loves the people he is serving.  It is evident to me that although he has had some difficult times as well as wonderful experiences, he is happier than ever!

Today really is a day to celebrate for many reasons.

Since Nathan and I shared a most decadent caramel apple just before he left, I am recreating that treat to share with the family (and a few other folks).  An apple pie caramel apple. Yum!  

(Hope it turns out to be as wonderful as the one we shared).

 

Dear Nathan, 

Thank you for your wonderful service over the past year.  You are loved and appreciated by many.

You are definitely missed here at home.  We talk of you and think of you always.  We share stories and laugh at funny moments we had with you.  We pray for you daily; morning and night, and even in between.

Your service lifts us and blesses us as a family.

I wait each week, rather impatiently, for your letter.  I am as giddy as a school girl when I get it and then I feel a bit of a let down when the letter is over and there are no more words.  I always check multiple times to make sure I didn't happen to miss anything and although I am sad it is over, I am always uplifted and happy from the thoughts and feelings you did share.

We have weathered many storms over this past year, and surely will have more to learn and grow from throughout the next.  We hope to greet you in a year from now as much better people (some of us are hoping to be much taller as well!).  :)

Thank you.  Keep serving with your whole heart. 

Con todo mi amor,

Mama`

 

Comments

[Jonathan]

I am so happy for your service Nathan. I recognize it will be another year before you read this.

Dad

[Karen]

Nathan,

We are all so grateful that you are serving. I know it's blessing our entire family, plus the families of all those you are coming into contact with in Argentina.

You are such a good example to all of us!

[Jill Shelley]

That picture of you and Nathan is the sweetest!

I understand all of your words. They hit to the core of my heart.

[shelley]

Half way done! It's going by so fast.

[Grandma Joan]

Such a wonderful post. These pictures are absolutely priceless, Marilyn. You'll treasure them always.
We love you, Nathan. We are grateful for your service. You are a wonderful missionary and grandson!