After a week, we called President Miller and asked what the time frame is. He said it would probably be another 2 weeks, this paper work is much like the paperwork he originally sent in for his mission call and that takes about 3 weeks. Coelton was asked to write a letter to the missionary dept. explaining why he wants to return to his mission.
This day was December 27. We went to Idaho Falls for New Years and returned on Monday the 2nd. on Tuesday morning Joel flew to Tennessee to work for the week. That afternoon I went to take Chloe to a friends house and Coelton met me in the garage as I pulled the car in. He said Pres. Miller called and said they want him to fly out on Thursday! Coelton just stared at me and then said," I don't think I will be ready by then. I have to buy deodorant and get my home exercises from Von. He said I should ask Dad if it is okay." I looked at him and grabbed his shoulders and said, "Coelton, it's over...it's over. You are going back!" We both started to cry and he went in the house and called President Miller and said he would be ready to fly out on Thursday.
We started to walk through the house and find luggage, and all the "stuff" that filled that luggage before. The living room became the headquarters for packing.
That evening we received another phone call that we assumed would be the travel itinerary. We were surprised to learn that the church travel agent, the missionary Dept for the church, Pres. Miller and Pres. Alvarado were all on the phone! Coelton was pale and motioned for me to get on the other phone. When I did, I heard the missionary dept representative tell me that they would like Coelton to take a 5:30a.m. flight out of Boise. They asked me if this was even possible. I said "yes". President Alvarado was very excited! He wanted his missionaries together for the 3 kings celebration. He really wanted Coelton back. He had put off the Christmas celebrations until Coelton returned.
We began packing like crazy people. President Miller came over and Bishop Simpson to set Coelton apart as a missionary. What a blessing! I was so happy to see this happen again. Joel was having a difficult time missing out on all of it. We were able to face time and speaker phone most everything. When the Lord calls and wants his servants to report...you do it. Even when it's not too convenient.
Coelton and I stayed up all night. My dear friend across the street, Kim, went to the store for me and picked up all the last minute stuff we needed...even the deodorant.
I came out of my room at 3:45a.m. and saw Coelton standing there in his suit and tie and hair all done nice. He looked like an angel. He was glowing from head to toe.
We woke up the kids and loaded the luggage. The luggage was heavy and we knew it. We had to try to make his carry on bags as light as possible with his arm not being able to lift heavy things and his elbow still being bent can't reach the over head bins as easily.
When we weighed the bags at the airport one was 5lbs over and one was 2. They charged me $90 and I didn't even argue with them. I just handed them my debit card. We were tired and there was nothing I could take out and send him later that wouldn't cost more in shipping charges.
We all said our tearful goodbye's and watched him go through security. He looked back through the double glass doors and with a huge smile on his face he gave us a big wave.
He was able to call us when he landed and President and sister Alvarado picked him up. They also texted us some pictures.
Coelton spent the night in the mission home and then the next morning he as told he would be companions again with Elder Griffin. President wanted them to finish what they started. He them drove him to the church where the ENTIRE mission was standing on some concrete risers in the BB court outside. As Coelton got out of the car, the all started to sing.
No comments:
Post a Comment