Nathanael left to serve an LDS mission 11 months ago today. He was just transferred this week from the city of Paine to a town called Condegua. It is just North of Rancagua. He was ready to have a change- but it is still kind of "hard". He wrote this week that saying goodbye was "not fun" -which is Nat's way of saying that he feels sad to be leaving these people that he has grown to truly love by serving them. Serving a mission can be a "hard thing" at times. However, he knows that he can do "hard things" and keep trying when he becomes discouraged. Recently, he was asked to remove a tree stump with his companion. He wrote that after hours of trying to remove it, the stump won. It made me think how sometimes we have obstacles or "stumps" in our lives that we cannot remove but we just have to keep going and let it go. Even though a mission can be a "hard thing", I am so grateful for what he is learning and the growth that he is experiencing. He is becoming a better man than I could have envisioned.
Lindsay had a lot of "noteworthy" events this last month. She does not like hiking or camping but we encouraged her to take the opportunity to go on a pioneer trek with our stake. It was a "hard thing" for her to get excited about and do. The stake challenged the youth to find an ancestor that was the first to join the LDS church and become familiar with his/her story and learn what sacrifices he/she had to make in faith. Travis and I have a lot of pioneer heritage on both sides. It was a matter of choosing just one from the many books and stories that we have of their experiences. She chose Susannah Stone who was in the Martin/Willie handcart company and endured extremely great hardships in trying to come to Utah. Lindsay was able to get a tiny glimpse of the "hard things" that Susannah had to experience and sacrifice for her faith. It was a good reminder that even though our kids have such a great heritage, each of them needs to know for themselves and truly be converted and do the "hard things" that will be required of them to stand up for what is right. Lindsay also had the opportunity to go to Girls' camp with our ward. Travis ended up having to take her back and forth because she was preparing for the Utah State Irish dance competition at the end of the week. Lindsay had practiced and practiced more for this feis than any other and only placed in one dance. It was "hard" for her because she is used to placing in most of her dances. However, she learned that sometimes you work really "hard" and "things" may not end up the way that you hope. She handled the disappointment really well. It was a "hard thing" not to place in more dances- but my respect and admiration grew for her to see how mature she was in her reaction. She is truly a remarkable young lady.
Ethan also had the opportunity to go on Trek with our stake. The ancestor that he chose was Thomas Lloyd (who married Susannah Stone shortly after rescuing her). Thomas sacrificed wealth and a marriage that would have given him status in his community for his faith. Ethan also got a small look at what his ancestors went through and gave up to come and "build up the kingdom". Ethan was pleased to learn more about his heritage and the legacy of faith that they have left. It has given him a bit more confidence and courage to realize that he can rise up and do "hard things" as well. His soccer team also played in a local soccer tournament and won first place. It was "hard" because the weather was extremely hot. He does his best to play "hard" and "leave it all on the field". He has pushed himself "harder" this year in developing his ball skills and it is showing on the field. At his team party, Ethan got the "Braveheart" award because he puts his heart into each game that he plays. He has learned that he can follow the examples of his ancestors and step up and do your best and push yourself to do "hard things".
Clarissa worked really "hard" practicing Irish dance this month. She is grateful to have Lindsay work with her and help her to really improve her technique. Clarissa participated in the Utah State Feis as well. I don't think that she has ever competed any better and was able to place in multiple dances. Clarissa also went to the Scottish Festival with Zachary and Travis and myself. It was a bit "hard" to have so many of our "clan" missing, however, it was great experience to remember our heritage and the sacrifices that they made for their faith. She is also growing up a bit in the fact that we let the children each choose one souvenir at the festival and she had to make a "hard" choice. She had to choose between getting something now or waiting for something else that she would order and have to wait two more weeks. It was "hard" for her but she chose the item that she would have to wait two more weeks to receive. It will last a lot longer and will mean a lot more to her in the end. She is learning that sometimes growing up means making decisions that put off immediate gratification. Clarissa is growing up to be a wonderful young woman who can do "hard things" too.
Zachary went to the Scottish Festival as well (which I mentioned previously). He chose to get some kids armor to dress up in and play in. He has worn it often. I hope that as he grows, he will choose to "put on the armor of God" every day and follow the examples of his siblings of doing those things that will help him to become a strong disciple and follower of Jesus Christ. Zachary received a bicycle for Easter this year. The old one that we had for Ethan and Nathanael could not be fixed. Zac needed a bike that would be small enough for him to learn to ride on without training wheels. Because he has never really had a bike to practice on, he had a "hard" time even moving the bicycle forward. I worked with him every day on having him get used to pushing the pedals and by the end of the week, he was moving as fast as he could go with training wheels. He worked really "hard" and was able to ride in the Flag day parade with our primary kids in the neighborhood. He has been working "hard" every day to do his jobs and he is turning into a great kid! He brings a lot of joy to my life.
This last month, Travis and I celebrated our 21st wedding anniversary. I am so grateful for him. I honestly could not have asked for a better father for our children. Marriage is sometimes a "hard thing". We have had our share of ups and downs over the years. We both have had "hard things" to deal with personally and together. As we continue on our journey together, I have realized more and more what an amazing man my husband has become. He supports each of his children in so many ways. Not only does he provide for them, he spends hours and hours supporting them in their talents and hobbies. Travis is a wonderful provider, father, and man of God. He has courage to do what is right as the head of this family and I am grateful that he has chosen me to stand by his side and deal with the "hard things" that we face together.
My "moment of joy" was on my birthday. Our family had gone to a favorite Mexican restaurant and on the way home, the radio began to play "Livin' On A Prayer" and to my surprise, my children all joined with me on the chorus singing at the top of their lungs! That is what it is all about-we can make it through the "hard things" together :)
Cathy
