Monday, May 22, 2017
WOW!
What a day full of closed chapters, goodbyes and new starts....not to mention many emotions!
Sister Wright's day started out bright and early at 3 am as Sister Hosea woke her to say goodbye -she left for the New York, New York Mission. Of course, Mickey went back to sleep after, but woke up a short while later for her own goodbye to the MTC. Sœur Wright was at the travel office bright and early and on the Frontrunner train heading for the SLC Airport by 6:30 am. Last week, we sent Mickey a phone so she could keep in touch with us (which in case you are wondering WAS allowed.) So, at 7 am, I received a call from Mickey telling us to head to the airport. Fortunately, we found out the MTC is pretty lenient with the amount of luggage a missionary takes to the MTC, but when they head out to the mission field, too much luggage is discouraged - especially when going on International flights! Mickey had one whole extra luggage bag (stuffed to almost bulging!) that was not going to Tahiti with her, so we were able to meet her at the airport to pick it up. Of course, we weren't going to turn down the opportunity to see our beloved Seour Wright so we made the journey to SLC!
What a joyous reunion as our family was able to embrace Mickey one final time before she was to head to Tahiti as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints! I can't even express in words what it felt like to see her again. ♥ So much love. ♥ So much joy and excitement - like a little child on Christmas morning. Mostly, gratitude as I watched her hug each of our family members and reflected on the impact she has had on each one of us. Next, I immediately noticed the change in her countenance as the scriptures promise. She was glowing and filled with the Spirit. She had matured and was a beautiful sight.
^^The Sister Missionaries went crazy over Kai'son...they're all baby hungry! oh dear!^^
Without hesitation, Sœur Robinson waved to us from a distance. I loved that without even previously meeting, we knew each other. She is so sweet and immediately called out, "Hi Jess." She knew all our names and hugged us girls and shook the guys' hands. It was a sweet sound to my ears as we have been getting to know each other a bit from letters back and forth. What a fun, sweet young women! It was evident why she and Mickey have become such good friends! I'm grateful to her for her generosity and friendship to Mickey! ♥
Second by second, we were able to meet each of the Elders and Sisters in Sœur Wright's district. Eight in total. Each one with their own personality and kindness. It was an honor to shake their hands and be able to meet them personally after hearing so much about who they were and how they've helped or influenced Mickey's life over the past 9 weeks.
Fun surprise! As if our day wasn't already perfect enough, as we were gathered in a semi-circle near the check in desk, with Mickey's whole district, a man and his wife with bright beaming smiles came up to us and said, "Where are these missionaries headed?" Of course, everyone joyfully replied, "Tahiti!!" He introduced himself as Brother Stephen Owen. Are you kidding me??!! The General Young Men's President??!! Amazing! He and his wife were heading off on an assignment and were just getting ready to check in for their flight. The paparazzi in me couldn't help but ask for a picture! What a treat! As he was walking away - Mickey had asked to shake Brother Owen's hand but he didn't hear her - I wanted to shake his hand too (what an honor!) so of course, I ran after him and his wife and asked if they would allow us to shake their hands. haha. He was gracious without hesitation to our request! What a nice, nice man and an honor to have gotten the chance to meet him!
Long story shorter - we were escorted by a nice worker of the airport to a "gathering area" of the airport so we could visit. haha - she even called us "Sisters and Elders". Do you think they see a few missionaries? haha. We did as asked and quickly moved.
Our visit time at the airport with Mickey was for a good hour and a half and she even serenaded us with the Hymn "Called to Serve" in French! What a treat! ♥ But, alas, a goodbye was inevitable. We watched her walk off with her district. Just like at the MTC, we didn't want to say goodbye - but at the same time, it was by choice and obedience that we did. I can't even count how many "I love you's" were said today. However, this would not be the end of our correspondence for the day. I looked back on my phone at the end of the day, and we received 17 phone calls from Mickey and 127 text messages throughout the day as she traveled. I think that's a good amount of love! ♥
The "Tahiti district" flew from SLC to LAX and onto Tahiti. They had a 4 hour layover in LA but got lost so it took the group quite awhile to find where they were supposed to go and then once they got to the International security check point, they had to wait more (anyone who's been there knows it's a forever long line!). I have to say Mickey did really good throughout the day, but once she got to the gate in LA, she sent me a text that said, "It's starting to feel real. I can do hard things.". About two seconds later she called and through tears she mustered out a "Jess.". Of course, I knew why she was crying. Her world was about to turn upside down as she was trying to courageously leave EVERYTHING she knew for an unfamiliar territory. ♥ My heart sank for her, but I had to be brave to help her through this hard moment. "You will do amazing!! Keep your chin up and give it your all, I LOVE YOU!!! ...besides that, guess what?! You are going to one of the most beautiful places in the world!" I said as encouragement. I also validated her in being nervous - lets face it, she had the right to be scared! However, I quickly changed the focus and reminded her what she could look forward to once she arrived. I feel blessed to have visited the South Pacific - because my nerves where calmed in knowing a little bit of what she had waiting for her. The land is beautiful. The people are gracious. I knew she would be in good hands. ...the tears lasted the duration of the conversation until she was called to board the plane. I wanted so badly to wrap her in my arms and allow her to cry on my shoulders as I've done so many times in the past but I couldn't, so I did the one thing I could: I prayed for her! ...and then I let out a few tears of my own. I felt peace that she really would be okay. For that, I was entirely grateful. ...now I just had to wait until I could hear from her again. ♥
The "Tahiti district" was scheduled to land about 1:30 am our time. I waited up for her like I have done a hundred times. I didn't know if I would get a text, call or email when she arrived. I kept track of her flight status and at 1:22 I knew she had landed. She was safe. Phew! ...now it was making sure she found her mission parents and that she got to the mission home safely. ...2 am. Nothing. 2:30 am. Nothing still. I figured she was probably busy getting settled, so I turned my phone to it's loudest setting and went to bed. Morning came. Still nothing. Really? I was pacing the floor now. My heart knew she was safe. It really did, but my head needed to hear confirmation that she was with the Mission President. By 6 pm our time, I couldn't take it any longer. I sent a message to the mission home. A couple hours later (by this time, I had nearly worn out my hardwood floors!) I FINALLY received a response. Yes! Sœur Wright was there. Yes, she was okay. Phew! That's all I needed to hear and then I was relaxed. As I was writing this, Mickey's "Mission Mom", Sœur Bize sent me a message letting me know Mickey was "doing well" along with a few pictures.
^^Sœur Wright made it to Tahiti!^^
^^Awe, love this girl to pieces!! Miss her already.^^
^^Safely gathered at the Papeete Tahiti Airport^^
(She got her lei!! ...and a juice box! haha)
^^Sœur Wright made it to Tahiti!^^
^^Awe, love this girl to pieces!! Miss her already.^^
^^Safely gathered at the Papeete Tahiti Airport^^
(She got her lei!! ...and a juice box! haha)
^^Mickey with her new companion and mission parents (aka: mission president and his wife)^^
She looks so happy! What a sweet tender mercy this was for me. I can now rest well tonight! I know Mickey will be fine from here on out. That's not to say she won't go through learning curves or hard times. She most definitely will - but her courage, faith and strength will get her through as they always have. When she comes out of this mission of hers, she will have grown so much. I am SO excited to watch her grow. In the process, she will touch MANY souls. Mine included. She already has. She is a choice spirit no doubt! Mickey sent me the following texts from the airplane just as she was taking off to Tahiti: "Thank you for everything. I love you. Really. U don't know how much you love someone until they are gone." ♥ ...my last conversation with her. Those were the sweetest words to my soul and I completely agree with her. I can't wait to hear from her again. Sœur Bize also told me Mickey's new "P" days will be on Mondays...if you are like me, it will become your favorite day of the week! ...until then - continue in prayers for our sweet missionary!
Hugs,
Aunt Jess ♥
Mickey's First Full Day in Tahiti - a real, live missionary now!!
^^ Tuahine Wright's new mission companion!!^^
(We don't know her name yet.)
^^The MTC district with their new companions!^^
^^Lunch at the Mission home^^
**NOTE: As soon as I can confirm Mickey's new mailing address, I will post it.... I think this goes without saying, but just in case - dearelder will no longer deliver daily mail to Mickey but you can continue to email her. ♥
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