Our Christmas phone call with Anna was amazing! Her demeanor on the phone was peaceful, calming, and delightful. We filled the 59 minutes allotted to us with great ease. 10 of us visited with her and told her they loved her and were so proud of her. She emanated perfect serenity and joy. She had a formal, eloquent manner about her. Anna was filled with gratitude to all of us that support her so generously. She expressed a degree of unease in how well she was 'taken care of' this Christmas season. I believe she felt overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and generosity,and a little bit uncomfortable when she compared what she received, in contrast to her fellow missionary sisters she lives with.
Anna is perfectly content where she is. There was no longing for home. No mushiness, or even a desire to hear about things that are happening here, that are of no real importance.
The spirit comforted me and we visited with ease and expressed our feelings with clarity. Our goodbye was only difficult in that it will be 4 more months until I hear her beautiful voice again. I felt her testimony in her reserved tones and in her clearly desiring to follow every rule. Anna is completely centered on one thing-how to best reach her fellowman with the truths of the Gospel. Giving of herself a 110%, with complete obedience and love. Her growth in maturity is already quite apparent in these first 5 months. Will I recognize this amazing woman in 13 months?
It's amazing to me what this inspired program does for the missionary, for their family, and for the world! I am truly grateful that I have had children that desire to serve their Savior and mankind, in such a manner. Though it is hard to be apart - the blessings are innumerable for such a sacrifice. What an amazing gift is our daughter and this Christmas phone call! (My cup is full!!!)
The worldly gift that is the biggest hit this year? Hands down its ROCK BAND!It took a bit of persuasion on Clarks' part to get me on board with yet another 'electronic' game. But Clark is good good at persuasion- and he succeeded in convincing me that it would be a fun thing to have in our home. And he was RIGHT!!
What a kick this game really is!!! Our basement has turned into a premiere concert site! All we have to add is our own 'talent.' There's a drum set, a microphone and a guitar! And nobody is more surprised than me (besides Bob) to see that I could or would pick up a microphone and sing!!! I have-I enjoyed it-and I did it in front of others!! Christmas miracles do happen!! The same miracles happened to to my two oldest boys! We witnessed them singing their hearts out down there in the basement. Robby became hoarse!! Joe lost all inhibitions and tried to out sing Natalie!! (dream on my love) Drums were pounded, and the guitar was strummed with fervour. What a riot!!! Our basement was rock'in well after midnight last night!!
The watches and cameras, clothes and music and books and all the other gifts, took a back seat this year,to make room for the Rock Band in the basement.
Thanks Santa-for the great memories!!
3 comments:
I loved talking to Anna too, and can't wait to hear her again in May! And Rock Band...I'm going to miss that game! Robby said he was so suprised that he was so ''into" it and loved singing at the top of his lungs!
It's so neat hearing about Anna and how she is growing and her desire to spread the gospel. I need to catch some of her fire!
I dearly wish I could have been a fly on the wall to watch you guys rock out! Or better yet, to join in! I love it when you find something like that that the whole family just totally gets into. It is so special and makes for some really awesome memories.
I echo the fly on the wall sentiment- that would have been a kick watching you sing!! And the boys!!!
Our biggest OOOOOH! came from all 4 "kids" when they opened the family gift - a Wii - complete with Dance Revolution - and yes even DAVE has been seen dancing (well, only by me). Guitar hero was OUT everywhere we tried to find it - but I did see Rock Band. That might be the next thing to get to add on to the 20+ games this thing already has!! What a fun time has been had (and continues) by all!!
Post a Comment