Happiness

On a Saturday afternoon around noon, Jonah flew home from his two year mission to New York City. We were cutting it short and I felt like we were going to miss him off the plane. We waited about 5 min until Josh said “I think I see him!” I was shaky and hadn’t slept for most of the night and we had rushed to make it there in time. I wanted to run away really. Then, I saw a smiling, blonde kid running up to us and gave him a hug! It was so good and unreal to see him! Josh gave him a big hug and Jonah started crying. Everyone gave him a hug and it was so good to see him! He looked skinny and well. We took pictures and then headed home.  I love the picture of us hanging out on the couch, snacking and looking at his mission pictures. Later they went to Walmart for supplies and our car ignition shaft broke. Glad it didn’t happen at the airport and just look at that sunset that we might have missed if our van had started just fine. We are so glad to have Elder Abbott home! Now to get the...

Happy Birthday, Ethan and Jonah! We’re so proud of the fact that you are out serving the Lord! New York and Idaho have been so lucky to have you! Jonah, you have only a little over a month left! Ethan 2 1/2 months left. How crazy is that? Time has both flown by and gone by super slowly. It’s been wonderful to talk to both of you each week and see your growth.  Jonah, you’ve grown from someone who didn’t like to talk to people to an Elder who can easily enter in and out of a conversation and also invite anyone anytime to Church! Ethan, you’ve excelled at teaching and working with other Elders. You’ve been a great example of someone who knows how to work hard and have fun!  We love you boys! Get ready, Arizona, these boys are coming home! 

  Ethan and Jonah- Elder and Elder Abbott- are doing so well on their missions! Ethan is currently serving on the Campus of BYU Idaho in Rexburg, ID serving 64 wards (student and family wards). He absolutely loves it! He loves being around people his own age, they teach a lot and those he teaches often want to get baptized because of the example of their friends. He’s become great friends with his companions- Elder West and apartment mates Elder Conway and others. He’s been Zone leader for a while and his energy and enthusiasm helps encourage the other missionaries.  Jonah is loving his area right now. He is in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He trained his last companion in Queens. He’s now loving seeing the Horizon and being District leader is a busy job! He works hard and finds joy in the work! We are so very proud of them! They work so hard and are increasing in their testimony through service, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and loving others. We love you tons and tons Elder ...

  Ethan and Jonah are doing so well! Ethan got transferred to the BYU Idaho campus in Rexburg, Idaho. There are two sets of missionaries working there and they ride scooters! He is excited to serve among so many people his age and is trying to decide if he should go there one day! He’s currently serving as Zone Leader so these next few transfers will be busy ones for him! We are so proud of him and love him a ton! Jonah is still serving in Woodside Queens now as a district leader. His companion Elder Toolbooth is from Guatemala which is Jonah’s favorite country so how awesome is that! He loves being in New York and while he wanted to get transferred, he’s excited to serve! We love you, Elder Abbott, you are doing an amazing job!

School started yesterday! The kids first day of school went well! Asher is a Senior at Highland High School and Declan is in Fourth Grade with Mrs Yocklin at San Tan Charter School. Asher has a few challenging classes and Declan likes his class.  Elizabeth will be a freshman at Mesa Community College majoring in Conversative Biology and a Rosie will be at home with me. Ethan is currently in Blackfoot, ID for his 3rd transfer and Jonah is in Woodside/Queens for his 3rd transfer as well. They are both doing very well and we are so proud of them and their service to others and to the Lord. Josh is going back to school too! He got accepted to the PhD program of Complex Adaptive Systems at ASU. He can work on his degree while working at the same time. He is also teaching an online class.  I have eight piano students for this school year and I love each one of them! I enjoy teaching during the week. It’s going to be a great school year! I’m excited!!