Nathanael was recently transferred to a new area. He is in a town named Codegua. It is quite rural and it is also a very large area. He and his new companion have been given bicycles to get around. He told us that at first he he was very sore because it had been a while since he has ridden a bike. One experience that he told me about happened this last week. He and his companion had ridden a bus to teach some people about 30 minutes away. (The wheels on the bus go 'round and 'round...) However, they did not know how they were going to get back to their apartment when a man offered them a ride. They were able to have a great conversation with him and he wants them to come back and teach him this week. Nathanael also just completed his first year on his mission. He was a great young man when he left, and yet, I have seen a more amazing young man emerge as he has learned to love the Chilean people he serves.
Lindsay went with me, Clarissa, and my parents to a family reunion in Minnesota. We drove there and so we were able to stop on the way there and back at some neat places. On the way to Minnesota, we stopped at Winter Quarters and took a quick tour in the visitor center and then went to the cemetery nearby. It felt as if we were on sacred ground. Both my girls mentioned how the atmosphere "felt like home". It was a wonderful reminder of my heritage and I was touched by the sacrifices of my ancestors and the other early saints. We took 2 days to drive to Minnesota going through several states to get there. (The wheels on the car go 'round and 'round...) The family reunion was a great experience as we got to catch up with some relatives and get to know others better. We had a lot of time to relax and enjoy the little town nearby. It was also a treat to have some time with just my girls and we had some meaningful discussions about important things in life.
Ethan had the opportunity to attend a scout camp at Windy Rivers. He ended up hiking about 40 miles with a 40 pound pack on his back. He said that it was beautiful but also a lot harder than he expected. However, he was able to rise up to the task and came home strong. Ethan was already in good shape- which was a blessing as he was hiking 'round and 'round. This last month, he also had two soccer tournaments. The first one was not difficult competition until the final. His team was playing a team that is a bit of a rival for first place. The game was intense and the boys really stepped up and played really well. They were able to win 1-0. It was a great win and the boys can hold their heads up because not only did they play well- they were good sports. The second tournament was more difficult as the boys were playing some teams that were a year older. They did make it to the final again, however, they lost that game but came in second place. Even though in this tournament they did not take first, they felt really good about the game because they were losing and looked like all was lost. They rallied and came back at the end and came really close to winning. They also had most of their starters missing or injured. Therefore, the team is excited for the new season coming up. Ethan really "gave it all" this last month and I think has become stronger for it.
As I mentioned before, Clarissa came to Minnesota with me for the family reunion. She was so excited that she chose Minnesota for her state report in fifth grade. On the way back, we stopped at Mt. Rushmore. It was amazing to me that they were able to complete such a large monument with so many obstacles. It was a massive undertaking and the result is quite impressive. We took 3 days driving home. (The wheels on the car go 'round and 'round...again) Needless to say, we drove a lot in one week. Clarissa handled it very well and I was so pleased with her and Lindsay and how they behaved on our trip and were helpful and polite. At the reunion, my aunt had put out a puzzle for everyone to work on throughout the time there. Clarissa sat down one night and said that she was not very good at puzzles. Then she found 5 pieces in just a few minutes. She then helped complete that puzzle and my aunt got out another puzzle that had about 300 pieces-more for kids and Clarissa completed most of it herself. She found that she really is good at puzzles and that she really likes to do them-just like her Grandpa! The girls also learned a bit about my Dad that they didn't know. For example, they found out that he is good at yo-yo tricks. They also found out that he was in Madrigals in high school which is comparable to the Chamber Singers that Nat was in and that Lindsay will be performing in this year. Clarissa really enjoyed the trip and experienced a lot of new things-like seeing fireflies!
Well, all the kids have been gone somewhere this summer and Zachary now had the opportunity to go on a trip as well. Our family went to Yellowstone with my extended family to celebrate my Dad turning 65 this year. We all stayed in a cabin together and played games, visited, and went to see the sights during the day. We got to see different geysers-including Old Faithful the first day. The next day we did a little hike and saw the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone and a couple of beautiful waterfalls. We also saw a couple of bison and some elk. My kids had a great time with their cousins seeing some amazing wonders of nature. Zachary also had a great time playing with his cousins in the cabin. Zachary has made some wonderful memories and we had a great time together as a family. I will say that Yellowstone was extremely crowded- but I thought that the kids did really well driving 'round and 'round to the different sites.
I am grateful for the opportunities and experiences that I have had this month. However, I am so grateful to be home and to enjoy my family. I am grateful for my husband who has supported me and our children in having these different opportunities. I hope that my girls find someone like him and that my boys turn out to be as attentive to their kids as he is to them. He is a wonderful husband and father as we go 'round and 'round in this life together.
My "moment of joy" this month had to do with Nathanael. He had just transferred to a new area with a new companion, new surroundings, new people etc. Adjusting can sometimes be difficult. As a mother, I was a bit worried about him and how he was handling this change. When I wrote to him, I asked him how things were going and how he was getting along in his new situation. He wrote me back and told me that he was completely adjusted and really enjoying learning a lot from his new companion because he is Chilean. He was so positive and seemed so happy. I felt an overwhelming feeling of gratitude that he is doing so well.
Cathy
