December 17-18, 2017
Dearest Spencer:
Oh, how I understand homesickness on a mission!!! The timeline for my mission was very similar to yours. I left for the MTC on Oct. 1, 1986, then arrived in Germany on Dec. 1. The heart dropping Homesickness didn't kick in for me for a couple of months--maybe in February or March. I was on my 3rd companion in less than 3 months, we were on our way home at the end of the day and I just felt this overwhelming darkness envelope me. My companion called the elders who came and gave me a blessing--truly one of the most spiritual experiences in my life. The young elder who gave me a blessing, excused himself prior to giving it--I'm assuming to go pray. He then proceeded to give me a blessing literally quoting passages from my patriarchal blessing. This was an elder whom I had never met. He didn't know my particular struggles, but Heavenly Father did and spoke to me through him. From that experience, I knew that I was known and loved by God and that though things were tough it would all work out; and it did. I had my little coping mechanisms. I would look at the stars at night and think--that is the same night sky I saw at home. Somehow that comforted me -- (Too bad you can't do the same thing. haha. But how COOL that you get to see the night sky from the southern hemisphere! Know that what you are experiencing has been experienced by countless others before you. It is normal. A few days prior to leaving on my mission when I was mourning leaving all that I knew, my music, friends, family etc etc, Uncle Dave told me that everything I was mourning would still be there waiting for me when I returned home, IF I still wanted it and was interested in it--and it was true. Missions give you a perspective on what REALLY matters in life. I promise, it will get easier! I echo Uncle Arts sentiments that as you look for ways to serve and genuinely extend yourself in service, peace will come and love for the people you serve will grow. Look for the good and you will find it.
I love the story of helping the little bird and how that opened the door for a conversation with someone. Just know as you spread light and goodness through your kindnesses and actions you ARE spreading the gospel. It will soften hearts and open doors. You never know what will happen to seeds that you scatter. Did Christopher share with you the story of Ms. Francy from Russia? He gave her a Book of Mormon while we were there. Recently she contacted him and asked if he could record a little blurb about what his experience serving in AAS Ambassadors did for him. He responded, she thanked him and told him that she read the Book of Mormon and liked it. She then told how her son had some addiction issues and life was not going well for him. She gave her son the Book of Mormon, he read it (or was in the process of reading it), missionaries knocked on his door and he stared taking the discussions, did the addiction recovery program and may be getting baptized (or did--I'll have to find out the rest of the story). See . . . a seed planted and it was passed to another person and grew. Think happy thoughts, count your blessings, and see whose life you can bless today. You are always in our thoughts and prayers!
So your Dad has been downstairs cleaning and arranging the "doll houses" (it looks very nice). Anyway Rebecca came up and asked for super glue. I inquired why and she said "Dad broke a doll house" -- so glad it was him and not me--right??!!!! :)
So, the craziness of the Christmas season has really been ramping up this past week. I must admit I have this love hate relationship with the holidays and have yet to find that magic balance of doing the work entailed in all of the festivities and still keeping my focus on what matters most--namely thinking of Christ, his birth life death and resurrection and the hope that it brings. we have two open houses this coming week (Belnap extended family, neighborhood, caroling with the youth, Mannheim steamroller concert on Saturday then Christmas eve on Sunday. The hard part is that I don't think I'm finished with all of the shopping. One year I would love for the family to give one another gifts that they have made rather than store bought. I like the idea of getting away from the consumerism aspect of Christmas.
Saturday we had both the Belnap family Christmas party (at Grandpa and Sharon's home) and the Goff Family Christmas party (at Dave and Carlin's home). It was good to see Brian and Karen's family as well as the extended Goff family. The Goff family party was wonderful in that we sang some carols and everyone just hung around for quite a while and enjoyed one another's company. I missed my mom and kept thinking of her sitting in the chair by the Christmas tree at the family party last year. I think most people thought of her as well. Hard to believe that it has been almost a year since she has passed. I felt her Spirit at the party and think that she must have been close by. It's crazy, but I still think of her as the old, infirm frail mom rather than the youthful mom--I wish I could see her in a dream in the state that she is currently in. I am so grateful for her life and for all that she gave me. As I have gotten older my love and appreciation for my parents has grown significantly--I've begun to realize all that they did and sacrificed for me and my siblings--such good examples. David and Christopher were able to make it up for the Goff party--Christopher was going to go to the BYU vs. UoU basketball game but instead decided to surprise us and come up to the party. So glad he did. Ais stayed in Lehi to study for finals.
On Thursday I went to the Nutcracker ballet in SLC with Kelly and Janae. We were supposed to meet at Siegfried's before hand for dinner but traffic was bad and Kelly and Janae were late so I ate Spaetzle, Rotkohl and Sauerkraut by myself and it was sooooo yummy!!! Brian has served as the President of the board of Ballet West for the past 2 years and was able to take us back stage--very cool. Thoroughly enjoyed being with Kelly and Janae. In fact, getting together with them helped me up my holiday Spirit quotient and refocus my mind and heart on things of importance.
While at the ballet, Nathan had his Christmas recital (whoops I double booked myself) so your Dad came home early and took the kids there. Rebecca played a duet with Nate at the recital. They had worked very hard--lots of tears and yelling under the bridge on that one--as you well know they can be the best of friends or just down right mean to each other. As an example, yesterday (Sunday) Nathan decided that he wanted to play "City of Stars" from Lala Land. at a Primary talent show in two weeks and started learning it on his own. He practiced for probably 4 hours yesterday (obviously super motivated). Well at one point he took a break and Rebecca went over to the piano and started playiing it. She, of course, is better than Nate in that she is older and has gotten pretty good at sight reading. that, of course, provoked Nathan and he kicked her pretty hard in the back while she was there at the piano. OH MY GOODNESS! Really??!!!! About 30 minutes later, after NJB had apologized they were laughing and snuggling together. It truly is hot and cold with those two and NEVER ends. It's exhausting.
I had a nice time with Grandpa on Friday. He dictated some things to me and we talked quite a bit. His health is pretty good. His mind isn't as sharp as it used to be but I contribute that to the lack of more regular interaction. He continues to inspire me by his enduring to the end.
Tuesday evening we had the YW over for personal progress and popcorn. It was nice to be able to use the basement and have people spread out. It really is a great convening spot. Things went really well, we had the older girls who already had their personal progress completed help the younger girls. Home run!
Rebecca was sick from Sunday to Wednesday--she had the flu, and is still recouperating. She gets tired easily. I'm hoping she gets to full strength soon!
Well dear, I guess that is about it for this week.
We love you so much Spence! You are always in our prayers and thoughts. I hope this past week went better for you. You will grow to love the people of Buenos Aires and it will rip your heart out to leave when your time on your mission is fulfilled. Work hard and serve them.
LTIABABA
Mom
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