Just when you think you've sent your last missionary out, another one comes along! I had to have some way to throw the cutest grandbaby into a missionary post!
This picture was taken after Travis was set apart. What a wonderful payback for a mother and father the next half hour was. Ben suggested that each of them give Travis some advice about being a missionary. I thought you all might want to know what each of them said.
Ben started by giving the advice to always leave your investigator or home on a spiritual high! He said many elders like to "play around" with the children in the home, or the adults, but that doesn't work well when you've just had a spiritual moment. Get the spirit there, and then leave with the spirit at its maximum. Travis told us on the way to the MTC that he'll remember this advice by thinking of a particular Seinfeld episode! He always has loved tv/movies!
Joshua gave the great advice to never be afraid of telling someone that you don't know the answer to their question. He said, "Just say you don't know that answer, but I do know this," and then bear your testimony. He and Ben talked about how you then go back to your ward, and ask if anyone knows the answer. When someone volunteers, you get them to return with you to the house, and you've involved the ward members!
Jason gave him the wisdom about having patience. He said how when he left the MTC, he thought he was doing great with his Spanish, then got to Argentina and found out differently. He said he went the first 6 months not understanding 95% of what was said. But then one day it all just clicked. He also told how he waited a year to become a senior companion, and was made a branch president at the same time, and how difficult that was. So be careful what you wish for.
They all talked about not aspiring for leadership in the mission, that there is a simple beauty in just you and your companion being over a place, and not having to worry about other elders, problems in the mission etc.
Steve chimed in about learning to love your companion, even when you think you have nothing in common. He told about an elder that was tall like himself, and when asked what he'd like to do on P-day, instead of choosing golf or basketball as he would, he mentioned going window-shopping! I can see you all laughing about that one! He wrote in his journal that he didn't see anyway that he would baptize with this elder from New York. But they did!
Jake Waddoups was kind enough to come and ease Trav's nerves just before entering the MTC. He'll be joining him on Jan. 28th, learning Spanish to go to San Jose.
It was nice having Jake there so we could get these shots!
This is in the MTC as Travis gets two important items - - his meal card while at the MTC, and his badge that will be worn every day for the next two years!
I want you to know how blessed I feel as a mother to have such fine sons! And I love their dad more than anything for going on his mission 30 years ago and setting the example. I know my life has been blessed because of all the men in my life and their dedication to the gospel.
(And in case any of you are wondering, sending Steve and waiting for him for 2 years was still the hardest of all the missions!)
This picture was taken Troy's last day in the hospital. He likes to yawn really big!
I took these last 2 pictures last Sunday as he woke up for a few minutes. He was quite fascinated by the little light that came on the camera before it flashed. It is interesting how fast their little looks change in such a short time. We sure love him!
After a beautiful sunset that evening, we went to Mama Mia! playing at movies under the stars. It was a great day and an experience neither of us will forget. Just the bus ride alone on these islands is something to remember. Our bus driver was Richard, and the bus was named Comfort - God is my Guide! and going around curves, mountainsides, believe me, you want God along with you!
Wednesday we were in Grenada, another volcanic island. Since we were only in port until 2:00 that day, we opted to wash some of our sweaty clothes, hang out by the pool, and take pictures from the ship. We went to a comedian in one of the lounges later that evening. Those are always fun when you're on the ship. There is always a lot to do!
The ship was huge! It had 4 or 5 different pools, lots of hot tubs, and was 18 stories tall. Our room was on the 8th floor, the floor where the life boats are hanging. One place we spent a lot of time at was watching movies under the stars. They had a huge screen that played movies most of the day, and then they showed a couple every night, complete with popcorn, cookies and milk! 
We got on the boat on Sunday, and other than a lot of waiting in line and eating (they had shrimp, lobster claws, and crab legs!), exploring the ship, nothing much exciting happened. We surprised Jovi (our cabin attendant) because we were ready for bed by 8:30! It had been a long day flying to San Juan the day before, and then a hot afternoon getting on the ship. We weren't prepared for 95% humidity, and it tired us out.
We had food for an army! Liz got a lot of great gifts and we all had a good time visiting with each other. Angie's boys did a super job of eating food so we didn't have as many leftovers. My boys helped polish off more of the food since they had worked up an appetite playing Madden on the X-box while we were all at the shower! All-in-all it was a great day. We are so excited to get this first little grandbaby here on earth. We just ask Liz to wait until we get back from our cruise!
