Wednesday October 7
Me: Hey Monica...did you find a place to live yet?
Monica: No.
Me: What are you going to do? Are you headed to Italy? laughing
Monica: Actually...yes.
Me: What!!! When??? Hooray!!! lots of screams and exulting
Monica: Maybe Friday.
Me: As in 2 days?
Rewind.....Mid April
Letter reads "Monica...you are called to serve in the Catania Italy mission. Italian speaking. Report to the MTC August 26th." lots of tears and exultations while video skyping...monica in Spain on a study abroad
Mid Augustish
Me: Hey, how was your weekend.
Monica: Great. thick with sarcasm A guy I have been waiting to ask me out, for forever finally did. It was amazing.
Me: Oh. hesitant and heartfelt
August 23rd...Mission Farewell
Monica in turmoil. Parents in turmoil. Monica infatuated. Boyfriend equally infatuated. Church leaders counsel to wait. Gives farewell talk at church. Luncheon at house. Awkward.
August 25th
Monica defers her mission. Announces she is moving to DC to see if this relationship is progressing.
August 28th
Parents pack up their baby girl and send her across the country instead of across the world. Probably there is more spaghetti in DC anyways.
September
Sporadic, suspicious and sparse communication btw all parties. What is going out there in DC?
More questions than answers. Lots of prayers.
September 29
Monica's coming home. She wants nothing to do with the relationship. She still doesn't think she will serve a mission. 2 days later she is home.
Monday October 5th
Monica in Provo looking for housing.
Fast Forward...
Wednesday October 7
Me: Hey Monica...did you find a place to live yet?
Monica: No.
Me: What are you going to do? Are you headed to Italy? laughing
Monica: Actually...yes.
Me: What!!! When??? Hooray!!! lots of screams and exulting
Monica: Maybe Friday.
Me: As in 2 days?
Thursday October 8th
Me taking a dangerous self-portrait, while driving alone. Yes alone. The first time in 6 years I took a trip without someone in my family to take care of. Yes that means I take care of my husband too. It was an odd sensation. Arriving at my Mom and Dad's and not unpacking anyone or anything... And so began our "Girls Night."
3 Sisters, One Mom and hundreds of clothes to sort through.
1:30 am Friday October 9th
12 outfits. At least 9 cardigans. No jeans. 3 sets of scriptures. No tight-fitting, trendy, or boisterous clothing. Sophisticated? Yes. Classy? Yes. Out of character? Yes. Will she look beautiful and appropriate? You better believe it! All this in just 5 hours.
Ready for the next 18 months. Italy, here she comes!
2 comments:
Wow - crazy! I'm so excited for her!! And I loved your post about your intentions to serve a mission as well. :) I remember those days of turmoil! It definitely worked out for the best, though, and you and Brent will make an AMAZING missionary couple one day!
Oh my gosh, that's nuts and so exciting all at the same time. How fun that you got to have a special girls night and get her packed and all ready to go in such a short amount of time!
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