too much to do: Sister Koenig

Monday, October 21, 2013

Sister Koenig

About ten days prior to B leaving, I was a wreck! I kept telling myself it was a combination of other responsibilities, but as those responsibilities were finished, and I still felt a mess emotionally, I realized it was just stressed. Generally speaking, I am mostly capable of keeping things pulled together. But I just couldn't get things together. I felt like crying every time I turned around. It was difficult to watch her goodbyes. Most difficult for me was when we took Davis to lunch right before we left to go to Provo. We dropped him off at school and she gave him one last hug...both had tears in their eyes, and I had to send D back to school! I guess they do like each other.

Some one told me sending a child on a mission, is "the best kept secret in the church." I agree, if we knew how it would feel, I am not sure we would do it. But I guess we do it because we know it will bring such growth for everyone involved, that we sacrifice for the greater good. I won't lie, I didn't like it one bit. It was the most difficult thing I have ever done. The feelings in my heart and head were so confusing for me. I knew it was the right thing, and was so happy it was happening, but my heart hurt.

We met my brother, his wife, and daughter, who was entering the MTC on the same day, for lunch just before going to the MTC. We saw so many missionaries getting ready to go to the MTC. The people at the restaurant call it missionary Wednesday. When we were dropping her off, I asked how many missionaries enter that day...650! So exciting. It was fun to take some pictures at the Provo temple before with the girls. They will be amazing missionaries!

She left on the 2nd of October, we received a letter written on her first night on Saturday the 5th, and then I waited, and waited, until the 10th for an email. And that was all I needed, to know she was happy and wanted to be there. I assumed that, but had to hear it from her. I could already see changes in her. So exciting to hear the happiness and spirit in her letter. A mom just needs to know their child is happy!

She flew on the 15th. We were able to talk to her for a few minutes at the airport. She was so excited to get to Florida and teach. So also said she wants to serve in Georgia and in the ghetto of Jacksonville. I assume, she will have the opportunity to do both. So the waiting started again... I was hoping either she or the mission president would send a quick email to let us know she arrived. I finally got an email on Friday night saying she had arrived and would be serving with Sister Lawrence in the Brunswick, Georgia area. I am currently not so patiently waiting for an email from Sister K with an address I can send a letter to.

The good news, is that my emotions and mental status are much closer to normal. (at least for me) I am posting her letters at sisterbaylee.blogspot.com if you would like to follow her.