Nathanael has now been serving his mission in Chile, Rancagua for 19 months. This last month he has had two companions instead of just one. They all seemed to have gotten along well. He told us that it is still very hot in February as it is summer and it is sometimes a challenge to find investigators as many go on summer vacations. He did tell us that they were working with one young man named Felipe and that it was going well. It is hard to believe that he will come home in about 4 1/2 months. Nathanael's mission seems to be "fulfilling" for him as works hard and serves the Lord.
Lindsay's month was very "fulfilling". I have decided that when a child is a Senior in high school, family life kind of revolves around them to some extent. I keep reminding my younger children that Nat had his turn, this time it is Lindsay, and that as each one moves up the ranks, they will each have their turn to be a busy Senior with a lot going on. A few "noteworthy" events for Lindsay were first, she was able to participate in a "Knight at the Movies" Chamber choir concert/fundraiser. She sang a song from "Hunger Games". Her voice was perfect for the song and her confidence in her ability to sing has really grown. Next, she participated in her final Irish dance competition. Because she is graduating this year, she will no longer be able to do Irish dance. She will need to work and go to college. She is in a level that is very difficult to place-and yet she did. She placed first in two of her competitions and third in another. I was so pleased. It has been so "fulfilling" to have watched her develop this talent over the years. Finally, at the end of February, she was able to go on tour with the Chamber choir to New York City. Travis was able to be a chaperone and it was a wonderful experience for them to spend that time together. While in New York, Lindsay performed with various choirs in Carnegie Hall, saw the musicals, "Wicked" and "Phantom of the Opera", and spent some time at the 9/11 Memorial. It was a "fulfilling" experience that she will remember throughout her life.
Ethan had a "fulfilling" February continuing to develop his soccer skills and abilities as well as play basketball with his friends on a Junior Jazz team. Ethan played a lot of soccer this last month as he played 5 V 5 games indoors and then attended almost all of the "open play" opportunities at the high school preparing to try out for the high school soccer teams. He also played on a Junior Jazz basketball team with his friends and was a good defender. As Ethan's mother, it is "fulfilling" to watch him become such a kind and compassionate young man. Travis and I have had many of his leaders tell us what an amazing young man he is and how impressed they are with his humility, kindness, and strong testimony. He is a great leader and loyal friend.
Clarissa also competed in her last Irish dance competition (as far as we know). She has grown so much these last few years in taking Irish dance. She would sometimes make herself ill before the competitions and then go out and compete and even place. She has learned that she can overcome her fears and do great things. This last competition was "fulfilling" as she was able to place in a couple of her dances. Like Lindsay, she is in a difficult level of competition and yet she was able to do well. This was Clarissa's last Irish dance competition because she has prayerfully decided that she would like to try musical theater. Travis and I feel that musical theater will be a very "fulfilling" experience for her.
Zachary is continuing to really enjoy his Kindergarten year. It is "fulfilling" to see him make new friends and develop his little sense of humor. One night, just before he climbed into bed, I gave him a hug and told him that he was my favorite six year old in the entire world. He replied, "And you are my favorite hundred year old!" He then laughed heartily.
My "moment of joy" this last month was when my girls hugged each other after the Feis was over. They have been so supportive of each other and cheered for one another throughout these last few years. It is "fulfilling" to see my girls so close and truly interested in each other's happiness.
