Two Worlds

The Family in front of the Philadelphia Temple

This week was a mix of our two worlds - Pennsylvania and Wyoming (Mission and Pre-mission)

Monday and Tuesday were total missionary work.  Both were filled to the max.  We were leaving on Wednesday to fly to Pennsylvania for Abe and Anya’s sealing in the Philadelphia Temple  I was a bit torn between leaving Wyoming and being home with the family.  We like having two sets of families.

Wednesday we helped with the big lunch at the Senior Center - over 80 people.  We even got to see some of our friends from the Manor (where we call Bingo) there.  Then off to Denver to spend the night for our upcoming flight on Thursday.  Denver is 5 hours from Newcastle and we definitely didn’t want to drive 5 hours right before our 10 am flight. It was snowing as we drove there.  

We had an interesting adventure along the way  We took a different way through Lusk than normal.  As we were driving, we see a car on the side of the road and a woman is waving us down.  She got all the way into the middle of the road to make sure we saw her.  It was two ladies/girls (ages 20-30) and their tire had blown, there was no cell service, and the closest town was 30 minutes away.  So Wyoming!  They had a friend in the next town that could help them once they got there.  They asked if we could give them a ride, and we agreed.  Jokingly, I kept asking Walt, “do you think they have a gun?”  They were very friendly and nice.  One of them told us all about the best places to see in Wyoming.  Once we got to town, they got in touch with their friend and we dropped them off at a gas station where they planned to me him.  They were so grateful for our us saving them.  They said if they had money they would pay us.  I told her, we wouldn’t have accepted it.  People should just help each other out. Then I got to thinking,  we always have a Book of Mormon in our car (of course) and so I got out when we stopped and got it out.  I gave her a hug, and told her about the Book of Mormon and how it testifies of the our Savior, Jesus Christ.  She took it - not sure what she did with it.  I told Walt it would be cool if we could tract it and see where it ends up; hopefully not in the garbage can.  I wish I had put our name and phone number in it first.  I’m learning.   It was just interesting how we took that different way to Denver and ended up on the road where they were stranded.  Hmmm.

Walt and I with Mark Wahlberg at the Wahlburger's Burger joint at the airport

We woke up Thursday morning to 3 inches of snow in Denver.  Of course!  It wasn’t any problem in our travels though.  Our flights went well.  I got to catch up on regular journal writing.  Mostly I just put notes in a planner, to keep track of what we do.  I write in journals just like I talk, lengthy.  At least with these emails/blogs, I have a good record of our mission.  We got in around 9 pm.  Kate and Drake had flown in earlier that day and they met us there.  We were able to stay the night with our friends, the Seryadarians, from Woodstown Ward.  They are so good to us.

The sealing was on Friday at 1:30 pm.  We tried to get to the temple in time for the 10 am endowment session, but didn’t make it in time.  We would have to wait till the 11:15 one, but it all worked out fine for timing.  There’s a bride’s room in the temple and whether a woman is a first time bride or just getting sealed, they get to dress in the bride’s room.  We found out that Anya was there, so Kate suggested we sneak in and see her.  I was so glad we did.  It was nice to see her by ourselves.  We all hugged and cried.

The sealing was so sweet.  Our friend from the temple presidency, President Boik was the sealer and did a great job explaining about the covenants we make in the temple and their importance.  The spirit was pretty strong there of love and the importance of family and working together and not giving up.  Once we were done, we were anxious to see the grandchildren.  They were in the courtyard waiting by the time we were finished.  Ace was the first to see me and came charging.  He jumped up and wrapped his whole body around me; telling me how much he missed us.  We loved all the reactions, hugs, and love from them.  Mae hugged Kate and then asked “Where is grandaddy?”  No surprise there.  The atmosphere was wonderful!  Lots of love, smiles and pictures!  It was a very special day.

Colton, Heidi and Walt in front of our house

We stayed at our house; which was weird at first because Abe, Anya and the kids are living there.  So it’s like my house, but not.  It didn’t take long to feel at home.  We let Anya and Abe go stay at a hotel on Friday and Saturday night, while we watched the children.  The benefit was that Walt and I got to sleep in our own bed.  They are so sweet - we get to sleep there the whole time.  I haven’t slept that good since we left for our mission.  We’ve had a lot of fun with the kids.  Having Kate and Drake here has been super wonderful. Having 4 adults to 7 children really helps the odds.  On Friday night, we had Emma sleep over too.  That way we had All of our grandchildren here.  It was just like a party.

Drake and all the grandchildren.  He is strategically placed to reach all the children

Saturday night was the real party.  It was like a wedding reception, but without the formalities.  We had pulled pork, Mac and cheese, fruit, salad and lots of mini cupcakes (5 different flavors).  Then lots and lots of dancing. Abe did a great job on the playlist.  I limited my dancing (I wanted some missionary dignity) but got lots of good video of everyone else.  Drake and the grandchildren danced the most.  As Cash said, “that party was Legit!”

Everyone was so tired this morning!  We were all up to 10 pm again,  once the clean up was complete.  I kept saying this morning that the perfect Mother’s Day would be to sleep in.  We did make it to church right before 9 am though.  We all had “Quiet Time” from 1-3 pm.  Bring on the naps!!  We had leftovers from the party last night and Abe cooked up some crab cakes as well.  He took care of getting all of dinner prepared and Kate/Drake took care of the clean up.  Us mothers, got to just relax.  Happy Mother’s Day to us!

We go back to Wyoming on Tuesday.  It’s crazy being back in Pennsylvania and with the family.  It’s just two totally different worlds.  We love them both!!  But will be excited to get back to our mission.  We have been asked by lots of people about our mission and the answer is always the same - It’s amazing!!

We couldn’t think of anything better that we could be doing with our time.  We are so blessed and I really feel like our family is blessed as well.  Heavenly Father loves us all and only wants us to be happy.  Something to remember  - It takes rain and sun to make a rainbow!

Until next week - we love you all

Elder Glover, Elder Kerr, Me and Walt
Hopefully not the last picture.   Transfers are this week,