So about 5:50 a.m. on Friday, I got a phone call from Dad. He said, "So are you watching the BYU Football game tonight?"
I said, "Yes - did you want to come watch it with us?"
No, he said, "We have something else in mind, if you wouldn't mind."
Then he told me about their Australia mission conference that would be held in American Fork.
So happily, I headed up 9th East as if I were a faithful game goer and waited for Dad and Mom to emerge from the MTC. Before long, there they were! Mom had on her gray puffy sleeve suit and looked great! It was so fun to see them again! They are sooooo happy!
While on the way to American Fork I heard stories of attending the temple, and other couple missionaries and their faithful service. Couples at the MTC this week have also served missions. Dad and Mom are amazed at their faith and dedication. Mom was amazed to meet a guy she played in the Tooele High School Band with, that was not a member of the church. He is there serving another mission. Dad told me of a single sister that is out again - and this time off to South Africa. Adventures await! They told me about the devotionals, the talks, and their faith building teachers. It has been a great week for them!
At the mission conference Dad and Mom were able to meet some favorite people from their mission. The new Adelaide Temple President and his wife were there. He's in America to attend Conference. He used to be in the Mission Presidency. There were a few Elders that Dad and Mom knew. Dad was impressed with the dedication of one of the Elders from a small town in Idaho. He had been a bull rider. He used this experience to teach while a missionary. He explained that you don't just get on a bull and hope to ride. "That just wouldn't be pretty!" You have to work at it, and learn and practice, just like about anything else. With dedication and determination, you could become good at it - with time and practice.
Then it was off to the Lindon Wal-Mart to gather up some forgotten necessities! Eye drops for Dad and BLUE TAPE for Mom! (Just in case you were all wondering, it can't be just any blue tape! It HAS to be "Duck" tape with a white inside section, and mid-strength if you want it to stick! And Mom would know!) As we waited in line, Dad was already striking up conversation with the people around us and getting to know them better! He is so excited to share what he knows!
Dad and Mom said to let everyone know that they really love them! They said it was hard to say good-bye, but that they would love to get a letter from everyone!
All to soon, it was time to drop Dad and Mom off. Since I was waiting for traffic, I took occasion to watch Dad and Mom's silouette walk off arm in arm through bright and then dim lights of the MTC outdoor walkways as they headed back to their dorm. I watched until they were not able to be seen. I hadn't really noticed before that they are the same height.
May God be With You Dad and Mom until we meet again! Enjoy the Emerald Isle! Mom said we can count down their return based on General Conferences. Not a bad idea!
