Getting the Chance to Say Good Bye

So through a very weird twist of fate - Jessica was allowed to go back to Olongapo to be a part of the departing missionaries (which happen to be leaving to go home this Tuesday).  This is how it happened...

Betsy sent a message to Jessica's past President, President Querido that Jessica was being sent home on a medical release.  He responded:  "WHAT?  Where is she now?  We wanna see her ... Is she in Manila?  Where are her things?

I responded back that she was at the Mission Recover Center in Manila and that she had to take all of her things with her.  I shared that she really wants to see everyone before she goes home.  

He said he would see her on Monday.  Then he a day later he wrote that he forgot that the Mission is inviting him and his wife to attend the devotional on Monday at 1:30 - which was the time he was going to see Jessica.  And then asked, "Can she be invited to the devotional since she is going home?  So she can share her testimony and be able to say good bye to others as well?"  

How very thoughtful!!!

I stated - "That would be wonderful.  Who do I need to ask?"

He responded, "President Dahle."

Little did we know that President Dahle was thinking the same thing and had already asked if Jessica could come from Elder Ferrin.  It would be an exception to the regular way of doing things.  When she left for the MRC, she had to take everything with her because they said, if she was going home, she wouldn't be able to come back.  (That what made her devastated).  

Any way, Elder Ferrin agreed to have the mission President meet them ½ way between Olongapo and Manila so transfer Jessica to their care.  She was soooo happy.  She was on her way back to Olongapo.  She was able to be with the other 20 missionaries that are going home this Tuesday.

Here is Sister Lowe and Sister Burt, her companion in the Calapacuan Zone.  

They loved serving together and brought many to the waters of baptism.  

Some of Jessica's best friends are from Calapacuan 

Look at her - she looks great!  Oh - thank you brother Gorringe for taking a picture and sharing it with me.  She looks so happy!  Thank you Lord for watching over the heart of such a dear daughter of God.

Devon Leaves for His MISSION

Wow, I can't believe this day have finally come - I know Devon is ready and so excited for this next chapter in his life, but I don't know if I am ready...

We left the house at 5:30 am to get Devon to the airport at 6:00.  We walked him down to security ... and that is as far as we can go ... it's time to say good bye.

First we take photos - Mark and his boy!

Saying good bye!

Next up is Marissa - so cute! They really got close the years that they drove to seminary together.  Marissa is so proud of him, but she will miss him, too.

hugs to say good bye and good luck

Then it was time for Betsy.  I always have it the hardest.  I love my kids so much.  I'm so happy for Devon - more than anyone could ever know.  To see this day come become a reality after all the "I'm never going on a mission" chants we hear when he was a young child, and all the lessons we worked on so he'd be prepared for his day (and then next 2 years ... and the rest of his life ... essentially).  But at the same time, the reality that I won't see this most amazing young man for the next too years brings tears to my eyes.  I love him so much and will miss him so much.  Especially now that we've had the last 6 weeks together.  We've had so much fun together.    Devon has brought me so much joy in my life!  I am so proud and happy for him for this moment, too!  I guess it's the "ying" and the "yang."

We thought this sign was the perfect "foreshadow"  Devon at the Starting line.  How appropriate!

Mommy saying good bye - so hard to let go!