Maybe first with the phone call from the Dallas Fort Worth Airport.
I was down in the laundry room, beginning a load of wash. The phone starts to ring. (I confess that there are MANY times I let that phone ring. Im not going to run for a phone.) But I remembered that it had to be around 4:00pm...I RAN for the phone!!! And it was my guy! My son,my elder!!!
My heart swelled with joy!!
There was no uneasyness in our conversation- until we ran out of things to say after an hour of visiting. He was exuding happiness. He was traveling with 14 missionaries down to Chile!! He was enjoying the friendly stares of people as they walked by. It really would be quite a site to see 14 young men all dressed in suits and ties with funny little name badges on. One couldnt help but wonder what was up. He had a 4 hour layover at the airport. He was greatly anticipating a "real" meal at the Chiles restaurant. He had a bit of dread about his up coming LONG flight through the night. He was concerned about not being able to sleep and folding up his LONG, 6 ft. 6" body into one of those cramped seats for 13 hours. He anticipated feeling completely whipped by the time he arrived in Santiago this morning!!
He practiced his Spanish with Robby. He said hello to Lachlan. Chelsea gave him love and encouragement. I ran on and on about all sorts of things. The Builder told him to eat apples and to work hard and have fun. I found out that he had weighed himself just before entering the MTC-at Judy's house-and the scale registered at 185 lbs. He said that he weighed himself again just a few days ago and he came in at a whopping 205!! Its hard to believe that any Stephenson is capable of putting that kind of weight on!! We talked of friends here at home and new friends made at the MTC. He just loves every one of the kids in his district. They hail from all parts of the country, and come with all sorts of different back-grounds, but he quickly learned to appreciate each one of them for their special talents and abilities. He actually said this!!!
All in all it was a wonderful phone call. Friends asked if it made it cry or melancholy. I must say that this time it really did not. He sounded so good and so excited to be on the way. He loves an adventure and to try new things. This will of course fill both those bills, and for a good long time. When he said that we'd be talking again soon, like in two months, my heart did a leap!! It really is more like three, but...it will go fast...right?!?!?
He was ever so grateful for the dear, dear aunties that take better care of him than his own mom when it comes to packages. He loved the things you sent him, and noticed the thoughtfulness to the things they contained.
He said that he sent us some picture on that very morning, and guess what!? They arrived this very morning here. I must say again, before you look at these pics. Clark is a goof-ball to be sure. Especially when a camera is involved. There were dozens of pictures, and it was difficult to pull a few out where he had any seriousness to him at all. So enjoy what I have here and I'll print up some more soon, to share again. He looks fantastic to this mom!!!! Though I have no idea where hes hiding that extra weight ......?
Clark said the shortie is the teacher. tehetehe
2 comments:
What a crazy kid! Loved the pics!
I'm glad to see that he still can't take a serious picture - oh there is one! It's good to see that he can have fun dressed in a suit and tie. What a super duper missionary he'll make...we're anticipating his first email!
Post a Comment