Harmony and Havoc: Farewell

Today was Joshua's farewell. OK, so technically, we don't do "farewells" anymore at church, but Curtis, Joshua and I spoke and the kids did a musical number, so it was still rather like a farewell, but without the name. ;o)

Curtis talked about strengthening spiritual "muscles," I talked about teaching the gospel at home, and Joshua spoke about his role as a missionary. I thought my menfolk did a great job, and I was proud of all the wonderful things Joshua said about being a missionary. I know he's feeling a little scared, but I also know he's eager and enthusiastic, and I'm grateful for that.

Loundia, Lily, Maizie, Sofie, Cora, Jackson and Beck sang "We'll Bring the World His Truth" (my mom played piano) and it was wonderful. At home as they practiced they would really belt it out, and I was hoping they would do the same in Sacrament meeting. They were a little more reserved, but they still did a great job.

After church, we had our friends, the H family, over for lunch. They came all the say from Billings to spend this special day with us, and we loved having them here. Our kids haven't seen each other in months, but it was as if they'd never been apart. There was much hugging and kissing and playing and even a little fighting. ;o)

The new sister missionaries and Zoe's friend B also came for lunch, so we fed 24 people! Not too shabby!

After lunch, we had an open house for Joshua. I'd been baking for days, and my mom and sister also provided some treats. We had a lot of people come over, including a lot of Joshua's friends, and it was a great way to spend the afternoon. I think Joshua really felt loved.

My emotions have been all over the place the last couple of weeks. I can't help but think "this is the last time I'm going to be able to do this with him for a while" with so many of our activities. I've grown so used to seeing him outside painting, and I keep thinking about how after next week, he won't be out there anymore. He won't be there to go to lunch with me, to help me with projects, to carry in groceries, to talk about my day with in the evening, to sing with at church, to pray with and to laugh with. Some days I'm just weepy and depressed, but today has been a good day and I made it through without crying.

I know that he's going to be a fabulous missionary. I know it. He's a rule follower with a strong sense of right and wrong. He's a people person who puts others at ease and can relate to them easily. He has a strong testimony. He sets and achieves goals. I know there will be people he will encounter who need to hear the gospel from his lips - people who might otherwise not have accepted the message if it came from another source. I'm so grateful that he's willing and worthy to go, and I know that once the dust settles, he'll be just fine. As for me, the jury's still out... ;o)

Here are some pictures from today.