Eighteen Months and a Thousand Goodbyes

The day has finally arrived!  After spending the weekend with Devin and Sarah, we enter the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT in the morning.  We will spend a week there before flying to Tokyo for more training for a week and then on to Mongolia!  We don't have official travel plans yet as we are still waiting for our Visas, but the people in the know feel they should arrive this week and we should be ready to roll!  Goodbyes are hard!  We are so grateful for modern technology and the ability this will give us to Facetime, talk, and text with our family and friends. We are so grateful for our kids and parents that are going the extra mile to allow us to serve.   Although all goodbyes were hard, the hardest was saying goodbye to our grandkids. 

"But Grandma, how will we have Grandma days if you are so far away?"---5 year-old Kara.  

"Grandma you look out the window when you go on the big plane and I will be waving at you.  Grandma, why are your eyes wet?"  ---3 year-old Paxton.  

"It could be worse Kara.  We could have lived before there were phones." ----7 year-old Carson, consoling his sister while struggling himself.

No words were spoken as an extra long and extra tight hug that I will always remember was exchanged with 7 year-old Corbin. 

Little 20 month-old Remi was too young to understand what was happening, but she sure enjoyed getting in and playing all the games we played together one last time at our going away party.  Dodge Ball, Duck, Duck, Goose (cleverly renamed Grandma, Grandma, Grandpa by Carson), Red Rover Red Rover, and a dance party.  While playing dodge ball, she reached up to hold Grandpa's hand and kept saying "Rover. Rover".  Oh my grandma heart!  


Playing our favorite games!

I gave them each a crocheted stuffed heart to carry with them when they were missing us. Our hearts will always be together!

Love these kids!!

Paxton with his heart

Remi with her heart

Look out Mongolia, here we come! 




Comments

  1. Bisbee LindaApril 20, 2025 at 8:07 PM

    Thanks for the update, Mel! Love the photos and the grandchildren stories. I'm looking forward to following you on your great adventure.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. J.D. and MelanieApril 20, 2025 at 8:49 PM

      Thanks! Keep me updated on the Pickleball scene!!

      Delete
  2. Dr. JAKApril 21, 2025 at 10:46 AM

    Goodbyes are SO hard. This made me teary. You are so loved, both of you. Hoorah for Israel! Go get 'em. We'll enjoy watching from afar.

    ReplyDelete

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