Sunday, December 7, 2008

Farewell Elder Christensen

Last night we were able to go to an open house for a missionary farewell. Allen's cousin, Gordan and Debora, are here taking their son to the MTC this Wednesday. Their son, Ryan, is leaving on his mission. He has been called to the Taiwan Mission. I'm sure there is a specific place in Taiwan, but I don't know where.
Gordan and Debora and Family
This cousin is particularly special to me. Gordan was the best man when Allen and I married. Gordan and his wife, Debora, were married the year before us. Then Debora was pregnant with Ryan the same time I was pregnant with Chad. Ryan was born a few weeks early, and Chad was born abut a week late. Hence, Ryan is one month older than Chad.
I have the most wonderful pictures of the two baby boys, their fathers, and Great Grandma Nola together at a wedding in Idaho. As soon as I find this picture I will add it. Just a side note, it was Michelle's wedding (Gordan's sister, her family picture is below.)
Anyway, it was a wonderful night. We spent hours catching up on each other's families. I cannot tell you how good it felt to be with these people. We've all been through trials in our lives, but we have all grown from them. I grow even more by listening to them and seeing their examples of strong, faithful, loving words and deeds. Even though the time and distance is great, it felt as if we'd never been apart.
Today, I am extremely grateful for the many, many family members I have. They are too many to mention by name. I have family from my mom's side, my dad's side, Allen's side, Sam's side, and Lynn's side. I hope they each know how much they mean to me and how thankful I am that they love and accept me, even with all my faults.
Kyle and Ryan, one is 12 and one is 20.
Jay and Rosie and Family


Derek and Michelle and Family

3 comments:

Debora said...

You beat me to it!!! What a wonderful time I had visiting with you this evening! I can not tell you how happy it made me to spend time catching up on old times. Olivia's right, we do look like we are related!! I hope you were able to get on Ryan's blog. Please keep in touch.

Love,

Debora

Sherrie said...

Hey. You said the pictures were on three blogs already. Whose? I appreciate the ones you placed here, but wondered if you meant my pictures, or just pictures people took in general?

It was really good to see you. I'm glad to get a chance to get to know you better.

Sherrie

Nathan and Annie Miller said...

What a wonderful time you must have had!