We had a fun day. We found out that Nick had some clothes that needed to be mended prior to the mission. I cannot believe that he would have been willing to go on a mission with some holes in his pants! I guess that means he is definitely all male!
Tonight, we called Grandma and Grandpa Hedelius, Grandma and Grandpa Hope, and Uncle Sperry’s family. There were some neat things that were said to Nicholas that I want to record for him. We talked to Grandma and Grandpa Hedelius first. We sang Happy Birthday to Grandpa and Grandma. We told them that it was the very last time that they would hear all five of us sing to them for a while. Grandpa Hedelius said that he might not be around. I told him that we really wanted him to be and he said he was planning on it but he wasn’t going to make any guarantees. Grandma Hedelius told Nick that, “You will do great because you are a positive person and you will do much good.” Grandpa Hedelius said, “We Know you will do well” That is a lot coming from Grandpa but it was a good thing for Nick to hear.
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| Dad's Nametag in Portuguese, Nick wore it today to be Elder Hope |
We didn’t talk to Grandma Hope but we did talk to Grandpa Hope. We gave him Nick’s flight information and other such logistics because he told us that he is planning on meeting up with Nick at Uncle Gary’s house tomorrow. That will be very special for Nick. All five of them are planning on going down to the MTC tomorrow!
We then called Uncle Sperry and Aunt Teresa. There were some funny things said like, “don’t get any taller. We like your height where it is at” (Aunt Teresa). There were also some serious things said. Aunt Teresa was really on a roll. She promised Nick that Heavenly Father will bless him as he needs it and remember that work makes the time go faster. She also told him to write down names and addresses of people. Uncle Sperry had some great advice too. He told Nick to journal and write things down. He said that was a regret of his but that he is grateful for the letters that he sent off because they help him remember. He told Nick to just remember the good things (kind of like how Dad always said to learn the good things) and he also said “Learn to be yourself. Live the mission rules as you. Incorporate the rules to be your life.” Basically he was saying that you shouldn’t just live the rules because they are there but to live the rules because that is who you are. I liked that.
After dinner, we watched the Nest living scripture, Helaman one last time. We were reminded how much Nick loved this tape and it was fun to watch. I reminded Nick that Helaman was the prophet and the 2,000 stripling warriors chose the prophet as their leader.
Dad gave Nick a father’s blessing. President Alleman had suggested it last night. President Alleman said that he may have insight as to Nick’s service but Dad would have insight into Nick’s soul. He said that this was like another patriarchal blessing. Dad gave Nick a beautiful blessing. The spirit was so strong. Dad reminded Nick that he has two names on his name badge. He has his own and his family’s name on there and to make the Hopes’ proud but he also has the Savior’s name on his badge. Dad promised Nick that there would be hard times but to look to the mission president for guidance and to the Lord. Dad promised that as Nick was obedient, he would be blessed. Dad also promised that there would be the good times and plenty of opportunities to learn!
After Nick’s blessing, Nick turned to mom and asked if he could give her a blessing. Nick gave a beautiful blessing and told mom that God had not forsaken her and that both of her children would serve. He also said that God would stay with her and that there may be sorrow but there would also be joy and we would be reunited as a family again.
Because we are getting up so early, we said prayers as a family. They were the last family prayers with all of us together for two years! It was a special time to ask the Lord to bless us all as we go our separate ways. Then we did family huddle time. We have all changed in heights but it is still fun to get into a big group huddle!
I have to put in that I love my little brother and I am so glad that he is going first on his mission. I am glad that I get to share in all of this. There are so blessings here for me to be able to leave after he does!
We then called Uncle Sperry and Aunt Teresa. There were some funny things said like, “don’t get any taller. We like your height where it is at” (Aunt Teresa). There were also some serious things said. Aunt Teresa was really on a roll. She promised Nick that Heavenly Father will bless him as he needs it and remember that work makes the time go faster. She also told him to write down names and addresses of people. Uncle Sperry had some great advice too. He told Nick to journal and write things down. He said that was a regret of his but that he is grateful for the letters that he sent off because they help him remember. He told Nick to just remember the good things (kind of like how Dad always said to learn the good things) and he also said “Learn to be yourself. Live the mission rules as you. Incorporate the rules to be your life.” Basically he was saying that you shouldn’t just live the rules because they are there but to live the rules because that is who you are. I liked that.
After dinner, we watched the Nest living scripture, Helaman one last time. We were reminded how much Nick loved this tape and it was fun to watch. I reminded Nick that Helaman was the prophet and the 2,000 stripling warriors chose the prophet as their leader.
Dad gave Nick a father’s blessing. President Alleman had suggested it last night. President Alleman said that he may have insight as to Nick’s service but Dad would have insight into Nick’s soul. He said that this was like another patriarchal blessing. Dad gave Nick a beautiful blessing. The spirit was so strong. Dad reminded Nick that he has two names on his name badge. He has his own and his family’s name on there and to make the Hopes’ proud but he also has the Savior’s name on his badge. Dad promised Nick that there would be hard times but to look to the mission president for guidance and to the Lord. Dad promised that as Nick was obedient, he would be blessed. Dad also promised that there would be the good times and plenty of opportunities to learn!
After Nick’s blessing, Nick turned to mom and asked if he could give her a blessing. Nick gave a beautiful blessing and told mom that God had not forsaken her and that both of her children would serve. He also said that God would stay with her and that there may be sorrow but there would also be joy and we would be reunited as a family again.
Because we are getting up so early, we said prayers as a family. They were the last family prayers with all of us together for two years! It was a special time to ask the Lord to bless us all as we go our separate ways. Then we did family huddle time. We have all changed in heights but it is still fun to get into a big group huddle!
I have to put in that I love my little brother and I am so glad that he is going first on his mission. I am glad that I get to share in all of this. There are so blessings here for me to be able to leave after he does!
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