With Wondering Awe - The Island Gals SAW!

So, while out doing some church work at 7:45 p.m. tonight, we happened to be passing by the MTC when Litia said, "We need to keep our eyes peeled for a Grandpa and Grandma sighting!" When What to Our Wondering Eyes Should Appear? But a gray haired couple walking arm in arm around their corner of the MTC on the way back to their dorm after an evening stroll. Litia went balistic! "Mom, you just have to stop! You just have to! We want to prove it to them that we actually saw them!"

Kalina was in the back seat making high pitched screeches of, "I can't believe it! I just can't believe it!"

So, we turned down the stadium street, went into the parking lot of the church that shares property with the MTC, stopped the van, and jumped out to holler, "Elder and Sister Everett!" for the second time in three days! They looked up, were shocked . . . again, and actually walked over to say, "Hello!" to the girls, through the gate.

Dad and Mom look great! They are very happy and CONTENT! They said they have been kept very busy. They teach a lot of 'lessons' and enjoyed the fireside last evening a great deal. They said this was their first chance to get out for a walk. (After the crazy weather we've had today, it was a pleasant evening - autumn crisp and perfect!) Everyone said, "I love you!" and it was back inside the van for us.

We were shocked that we had just had that amazing experience! Litia said, "It was meant to be!" Long sigh, "It was just meant to be! I get to be the first one to tell Dad and Fotu since it was MY idea!"

Kalina commented, "I have such a good feeling in my heart right now! I just know that I want to serve a mission someday! I was really hoping I would get to see Grandpa and Grandma again before they left! AND I DID! I Can't BELIEVE IT!"

Seneti - not to be outdone whined, "I wanna go mission - too!"

What a fun, happy, and crazy way to end the day! We will chalk that experience up as a kind tender mercy of the Lord!

Grandpa and Grandma, "May God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again!" We LOVE you!

Let the Mountains Shout for JOY!

September 28, 2009 will officially go down in my memories as one of great JOY! It was a sweet delight to accompany Dad and Mom to the MTC this morning! The mountains were bathed in Autumn sunlight and adorned with bursting red. Squaw peak stood out above the temple with distinct shadows and brilliance! What a beautiful day to be alive! As Sione drove the van onto 9th East, Dad said, "Can't this rig go any faster?" Dad and Mom had smiles on their faces so wide you would have thought they were kids in a candy store! I have NEVER seen them so happy and excited!

Mom mentioned, "I am so glad this day has finally arrived! If we had had to wait a moment longer, I would have called the whole thing off!"

The front of the MTC was EMPTY. The gentleman who hopped up to help us invited us to take some pictures in front of the MTC since NOBODY was around!

Calling all Couples! You are needed now more than ever! Sione and I offered our missionary services, but wondered if our little Seneti could tag along. The answer was an affirming, "NOT NOW!" Then we drove around to the Jacob Hamblin building! (How fitting!)

Sione drove right up on the sidewalk - next to the outside door, and we all got out - against Mom's "Rule Abiding" desires. Seneti helped hold the handle of Grandpa's bags as we walked up the stairs to get them situated into their humble abode! Sione man-handled the rest of the bags and grandpa checked the car one last time.

Man, I forgot how much baggage a missionary carries around! (Not to mention 2!)

Seneti said, "Grandpa (the loving name she has christened Grandma - not to be confused with Grandpa-pa which is really Grandpa) you bed is funny." That is because the bed had all the linen folded neatly, but was not made. They have a south facing window, a double sided closet, a small desk with two chairs, a sink, mirror and small bathroom. I remembered that this was the same building I did my Celestial Service in when at the MTC. Dad remembered that it is the same building where he worked as a custodian when we were living in Provo.

We gave happy, content buttermilk hugs and walked down the stairs just as Dad and Mom were getting out the ironing board!

Called to Serve - and TIME TO WORK! Oh, how jealous I felt!

As Sione was dropping me off at work, we noticed that Dad's President Hinckley hat was under the seat in the van. Tucked inside, hidden from view was also a BYU baseball cap. Oh, shucks! We would just have to turn around and get those belongings to their rightful owner! So, back to the MTC we cruised. We bypassed the front desk and went straight back to our unloading spot. Undetected, I made it up to their hall and just as I topped the stairs, I saw a candid moment! Elder and Sister Everett were arm in arm - almost ready to leave the other end of the hall. I called out, "Elder and Sister Everett!" They turned around and I saw NAMETAGS! Official! "Did you want these?" I asked, while holding out the hats. Understatement of the century, if you know anything about the President Hinckley hat!

A minor miracle was underway - Mom and Dad had only returned to their room because Mom had forgotten to take their medical papers with them on their first trip out the door. Dad acknowledged that both members of the companionship had been a bit forgetful already and that they'd strive to do better! (Dad rode to the MTC with the hats on his lap!) With a good laugh, an unforgettable memoir in my head, and the lightest heart, filled with the sweetest spirit I've felt in a long time, I bounded down the stairs and back to the mission I am sequestered to for now!

May God be with YOU until we meet again!