So Very Far Away

Clear way back in June his mission call came. It seemed like an incredibly long time between then and when he was supposed to enter the MTC. He was anxious to get going but they had to allow plenty of time for him to get his visa and all the other stuff he had to get to be able to do. He had to take a bunch more medical test, even a letter from his bank. It was amazing. But now all that is in and sent off. Then it was just waiting around. So he continued attending institute and spent a lot of time with the missionaries here where we live. That was a good thing. Then, finally, the time was getting seriously close. He ended up speaking in church twice, giving a sort of farewell. Remember, we don't do farewells anymore, but the ward we used to live in wanted to have him talk. And then the branch we live in now also wanted to hear from him. I told him it was okay to give the same talk in both places.

Then, the Sunday before he left our stake president came to visit our branch so we didn't have to travel clear to the northern end of the stake to get him set apart this time. That was nice. So he was set apart right in our own building. That was a good time. And it was a good blessing. To have words spoken in a blessing seems like such a simple thing but When you stop to realize the Lord's promise and strength are behind it you begin to get a vision of just how well the Lord arms you when he sends you on an errand. And there were a lot of things in the blessing that were comforting to his parents, too. This kids is going out to spend the next two years on a group of tiny little islands way out literally in the middle of the biggest ocean on earth. His mission president called it a "high adventure" and it certainly will be. So we can't help but worry about him.

Then the next day it was off to the airport to begin the journey. We purposely put the flight leaving late in the day so we could all be there. This was the big send off. So first it was get checked in. . . .

And then get through security. They were actually pretty good to him. Had to take off his shoes. Unless I missed someone, it looked to me like there was only him and one other person on the airplane. That's all I saw board.

So after all the goodbyes, he was gone. It has felt really weird to have only the three youngest kids at home any more. Each time someone has left it has felt like someone was missing every time we'd get together for meals or anything. We're going to miss that boy. Personally I hope he spends most of his time on the main islands. Missionaries on the outer islands don't have access to the Internet (no emails) or even regular mail service. They get visited from the mission home at least once every six weeks and thats when they get and send mail. It occurred to us that if we want a Christmas package to get there any where near on time it needs to go in the mail right away. I haven't checked on the postage rates for airmail yet but I'll bet its pretty steep. And slow-boat takes so long.

I was at the stake center yesterday where they have a map of the world showing where all the missionaries from the stake are serving. There were all the names clustered around North and South America. And then, way off to the far right side of the map, clear out at the very edge, was Stachelbeere's name. He's going so very far away.

Sunday Scripture

Therefore, dearly beloved brethren, let us cheerfully do all things that lie in our power; and then may we stand still, with the utmost assurance, to see the salvation of God, and for his arm to be revealed.
D&C 123:17

How it went

So this is sorta how it went:

Himbeere: Which socks should I wear? The brown ones or the grey ones?

Me: The brown ones.

Himbeere: Okay, thanks. I'll wear the grey ones.

(but then a few minutes later he came out with the brown ones on.)

Sunday Scripture

61 Wherefore, go to, and call servants, that we may labor diligently with our might in the vineyard, that we may prepare the way, that I may bring forth again the natural fruit, which natural fruit is good and the most precious above all other fruit.
70 And it came to pass that the Lord of the vineyard sent his servant; and the servant went and did as the Lord had commanded him, and brought other servants; and they were few.
71 And the Lord of the vineyard said unto them: Go to, and labor in the vineyard, with your might. For behold, this is the last time that I shall nourish my vineyard; for the end is nigh at hand, and the season speedily cometh; and if ye labor with your might with me ye shall have joy in the fruit which I shall lay up unto myself against the time which will soon come.
72 And it came to pass that the servants did go and labor with their mights; and the Lord of the vineyard labored also with them; and they did obey the commandments of the Lord of the vineyard in all things.

Jacob 5:61, 70-72 (Italics added)

"ounnized"

So, I just posted a comment on a blog. You know how it has you type in the goofy letters so it can be sure you're not some spam program throwing out some unwanted advertisement? Well, the letters I had to type were "ounnized". That almost looks like a real word. I wonder what it is to get "ounnized"?

Sunday Scripture

4 For he said: Thou art merciful, O God, for thou hast heard my prayer, even when I was in the wilderness; yea, thou wast merciful when I prayed concerning those who were mine enemies, and thou didst turn them to me.
5 Yea, O God, and thou wast merciful unto me when I did cry unto thee in my field; when I did cry unto thee in my prayer, and thou didst hear me.
6 And again, O God, when I did turn to my house thou didst hear me in my prayer.
7 And when I did turn unto my closet, O Lord, and prayed unto thee, thou didst hear me.
8 Yea, thou art merciful unto thy children when they cry unto thee, to be heard of thee and not of men, and thou wilt hear them.
9 Yea, O God, thou hast been merciful unto me, and heard my cries in the midst of thy congregations.
10 Yea, and thou hast also heard me when I have been cast out and have been despised by mine enemies; yea, thou didst hear my cries, and wast angry with mine enemies, and thou didst visit them in thine anger with speedy destruction.
11 And thou didst hear me because of mine afflictions and my sincerity; and it is because of thy Son that thou hast been thus merciful unto me, therefore I will cry unto thee in all mine afflictions, for in thee is my joy; for thou hast turned thy judgments away from me, because of thy Son.

Alma 33:4-11