A Missionary Christmas

A MISSIONARY CHRISTMAS

I skipped the sales after Thanksgiving.

The thrill just wasn’t there.

No pictures taken with Santa Claus.

My decorating has no flair.

His presents are shoes, shirts, and ties,

two suits and socks… no fun.

I’ve bought him all white clothes because 

this year I’m giving Christ my son.

I’ve spent more time in the temple, 

my testimony stirred.

I’ve re-read November’s Ensign, 

felt strength come from His words.

Our family prays more frequently. 

My tears are quick to run.

Abraham seems closer because 

this year I’m giving Christ my son.

I wonder how those Lamanite mothers 

gave their sons to war?

Or how the pioneers chose Zion—

their sacrifice was so much more.

My loss will be his presence. 

I’ll miss his smile a ton.

For two years we will pray for him. 

I’m giving Christ my son.

I stare at his face when he’s not looking. 

I memorize his eyes, their shine.

He’s always hungered for the part of him, 

that makes his soul divine.

The stories and lessons he always heard. 

His choice and mine are one.

I’ll put my faith in God’s hand. 

This year, I’m giving Him my son.

Past gifts have lost their glitter.

I think I finally understand

Christ’s birth should be celebrated by 

giving Him a hand.

It’s because I know Christ lives and reigns 

that all his packing’s done.

My gift has taken years to make. 

This year I’m giving Christ my son.

I know there’s One who understands 

the sacrifice I’m making.

Who knows the gift I willingly give, 

the toll it will be taking.

For He has done it all before. 

Greater love — there could be none.

For years ago God gave to me 

His only begotten son.

The hands I washed, the hands I held, 

the hands I taught to pray—

Now knock on doors to find the ones 

who will listen to what he’ll say.

Because I know Christ needs him 

until all the gathering’s done.

My gift has taken years to make. 

This year I’m giving 

Christ my son. 

Author Unknown

MTC

Caleb was to check into the Provo Utah MTC on November 16th at 12:45. We left early and enjoyed breakfast at together at Mimi's. 

With several hours to spare, we wandered downtown and saw the Provo City  Center Temple and perused through several shops. In one Caleb found a great black leather bag that was perfect for carrying his mission materials. 

We found an antique store and Caleb immediately spotted several guitars and asked if he could play one. He struck up a conversation with the shopkeeper and they even played and sang together in one last jam session. He made up lyrics just for Caleb and New York. As it turn out, this man served in the Cummorah, New York mission in the 70's. It was the perfect send off. 

Caleb was excited to just get going and asked if we could just drop him off early. We walked a bit near the Provo temple and said our goodbyes.

When we pulled up at the MTC, missionaries were lining the street, cheering us on and waving. We got out and pulled out his luggage. We had another round of hugs all around. I held Caleb's face and told him how proud I was of him and gave him such a tight hug. He turned back and gave his dad one last hug, then walked away with a smile on his face. I don't think he looked back, but Todd watched him for awhile in the rearview mirror. We dropped him off at 12:36. And that was that. He was off. 

 

Todd has decided to grow a two year mission beard. This is a good before picture.  

 

 

Megan had been so sick all week, but wouldn't miss seeing her brother off for anything. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caleb's hand made mission shoes. He decided to learn and make his own full leather shoes. 

They turned out beautifully. 

 

He's off. With a smile on his face. Be still my heart. 

 

He Grew a Foot or Two...

From the time he was little singing "I Hope They Call Me On a Mission" in primary, Caleb wanted to be a "mishomary" like his dad. Todd is a born missionary  and always shared his stories and pictures with us. Todd is a missionary to his core. He served in Louisiana, Baton Rouge from 1993-1995. 

When we lived in Layton Todd was a ward mission leader and we often had the missionaries in our home. They would even stop by during the day and though they couldn't come in unless Todd was home, the kids would help make macaroni and cheese or sandwiches and they would picnic on the porch. Elder Silva and his companion took Caleb out to knock on doors around the neighborhood; he was in heaven. 

We lived for a short time in the Avenues in Salt Lake City. Caleb was determined to share the gospel with our next door neighbor Spike. He marched over and gave a Book of Mormon to the less than enthusiastic, but friendly, young neighbor.  

Caleb didn't take the commitment to serve lightly. He went through trials and a time of learning, doubting, researching, and wondering. We feel that this is important in gaining a testimony and will only make him stronger in the long run.