Well, it happened!
We got the long-awaited phone call from our Stake President Tuesday night, and
he calmly informed us that Hannah was cleared to go back to the MTC (Missionary
Training Center) in Provo, Utah. After all her doctor appointments, it's been determined
that she's well enough from her sickness (she had mononucleosis...ugh!) for her
to go back out on her mission. They needed her either Wednesday or Thursday.
Since Wednesday was the very next day, we said, "How about Thursday?"
From that minute on, it was a go!
We had gone through
this process already. Last September 17, 2014, we tearfully and proudly
deposited our daughter on the doorstep of the MTC as she began her mission
preparation for the Bakersfield California Mission. What we didn't know was
that, even at that time, she was sick...very sick. That very week that we
dropped her off, she became extremely ill with swollen lymph nodes all
throughout her neck, throat, and stomach areas, giving her a fearful sore
throat, awful nausea, plus she became feverish and lost 11 pounds in four days.
By the time she came home, she was only consuming water. It was pretty awful
for her. But, like I said, she had been showing all the signs of mono before
she left, we just had no idea at all. That's what you get for burning the
candle at both ends.
How can you prepare
for something out of the blue like that? Well, what happened was that we got a
call on the following Tuesday and were informed how sick she was and that it
was best she recovered at home since this illness has a year / year-and-a-half
recovery time, and that it would be difficult to know when she'd be well enough
to go back out serving a full-time mission. Up at 6:30 a.m. and running until
10 p.m. She just couldn't do it. We're not even sure she can do it now. But six
months later, and hopefully enough recovery time, we're putting our trust in
the Lord with much faith and, having experienced many a miracle in our lives,
we know that if its the Lord's will, it'll happen. Add to that a healthy dose
of prayers, and we truly hope that she's able to accomplish this goal she's had
since it was announced that young women could serve earlier at age 19.
So, lucky us, we
got to go through the entire process of getting Hannah ready to go on her
mission again--more lists, more harried errands (but we were happy!) and then
on to reorganizing, recounting, and repacking... Much fun, as you can
imagine... We are extremely proud of Hannah and her decision to serve the Lord
by spreading His gospel message upon this earth, readying all within her reach
for that special day of reckoning. Hope we get it right...right?
There were tears,
much hugging, and urging to write from both ends. So those of you out there who
might like to support and encourage our little one--who's not so little
anymore--please feel free to write to her and send pictures and loving support
from time to time. We would appreciate it very much, and I know she will too.
Here's some photos
from our day together. Yes, we left early this morning and drove all day there
and back again. One day! At least last time, we spread it out in two days. We
just didn't have that kind of time this time, and so decided to just go for it.
What a day!
Here's to you and
your loved ones,
Devin, Ellise &
family
P.S. We love you, Hannah! <3
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