Coming Home

Monday, August 09, 2010

Coming Home

Another flashback of the past. Continued from Neighbors Again.

I came home from my mission determined to spend some time "boyfriend free". I had enjoyed the eighteen months of just being me and wanted it to continue for a time.

I was met, as most missionaries are, by a group of friends and family at the airport. It hadn't really occurred to me that there would be people there other than my own family. But there was my first missionary companion, several friends from highschool, and even someone from my home ward (Andy Shadel). It was awesome and flattering to have so many people there to welcome me home. I made the rounds, talking with everyone and was ready to leave with my family when Andy approached me again.

"Can I call you tomorrow?" he asked.

I was thoroughly confused.

"But I'm right here," I said. "Why do you need to call me tomorrow?"

Well, he had wanted to wait until after I had been formally released from my mission before he made the request, but he explained that Tim and Jen had encouraged him to bring me on down to their house for a double date so that I would have a chance to see them. He was eager to make Red Beans and Rice for dinner (a common favorite of southern food that he and I had been exposed to as missionaries).

He finished his explanation by asking, "Are you available Saturady night?"

I drew a blank. I had no idea! I had been a missionary for eighteen months, haven't even gotten home yet, and I have no concept of what I will be doing with my time. I turned to my dad.

"Am I available on Saturday night?" I asked him.

He considered my schedule and determined that yes, I was available. So with a shrug I turned to Andy and agreed to our first date.

Then I headed down the escalator to pick up my luggage.

To be continued in First Date

To be continued...

1 comment:

KristaAugust 9, 2010 at 3:07 PM
Haha. So much for remaining "boyfriend free" for a bit, right? Andy sure didn't waste any time! :)
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Family Proclamation

The First Presidency and Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

We, the First Presidency and the Council of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, solemnly proclaim that marriage between a man and a woman is ordained of God and that the family is central to the Creator's plan for the eternal destiny of His children.All human beings—male and female—are created in the image of God. Each is a beloved spirit son or daughter of heavenly parents, and, as such, each has a divine nature and destiny. Gender is an essential characteristic of individual premortal, mortal, and eternal identity and purpose.In the premortal realm, spirit sons and daughters knew and worshiped God as their Eternal Father and accepted His plan by which His children could obtain a physical body and gain earthly experience to progress toward perfection and ultimately realize his or her divine destiny as an heir of eternal life. The divine plan of happiness enables family relationships to be perpetuated beyond the grave. Sacred ordinances and covenants available in holy temples make it possible for individuals to return to the presence of God and for families to be united eternally.The first commandment that God gave to Adam and Eve pertained to their potential for parenthood as husband and wife. We declare that God's commandment for His children to multiply and replenish the earth remains in force. We further declare that God has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife.We declare the means by which mortal life is created to be divinely appointed. We affirm the sanctity of life and of its importance in God's eternal plan.Husband and wife have a solemn responsibility to love and care for each other and for their children. "Children are an heritage of the Lord" (Psalms 127:3). Parents have a sacred duty to rear their children in love and righteousness, to provide for their physical and spiritual needs, to teach them to love and serve one another, to observe the commandments of God and to be law-abiding citizens wherever they live. Husbands and wives—mothers and fathers—will be held accountable before God for the discharge of these obligations.The family is ordained of God. Marriage between man and woman is essential to His eternal plan. Children are entitled to birth within the bonds of matrimony, and to be reared by a father and a mother who honor marital vows with complete fidelity. Happiness in family life is most likely to be achieved when founded upon the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ. Successful marriages and families are established and maintained on principles of faith, prayer, repentance, forgiveness, respect, love, compassion, work, and wholesome recreational activities. By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners. Disability, death, or other circumstances may necessitate individual adaptation. Extended families should lend support when needed.We warn that individuals who violate covenants of chastity, who abuse spouse or offspring, or who fail to fulfill family responsibilities will one day stand accountable before God. Further, we warn that the disintegration of the family will bring upon individuals, communities, and nations the calamities foretold by ancient and modern prophets.We call upon responsible citizens and officers of government everywhere to promote those measures designed to maintain and strengthen the family as the fundamental unit of society.

This proclamation was read by President Gordon B. Hinckley as part of his message at the General Relief Society Meeting held September 23, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah.