The best part about this Christmas was that we were all able to finally TALK TO OUR MISSIONARY after 5 months of not hearing her cute fun voice. The anticipation was almost too much -- we were all a bit scared, nervous, thought....will we cry? will she cry? what should we ask her etc. etc. etc. She had planned to call us at 8:30 a.m. our time. We were ready and waiting.....it got to be 8:35 and NO CALL! How dare she make us wait! Finally, for some reason (the Lord must have known that we needed this Christmas miracle) Amber went upstairs and heard Alexa's cell phone ringing (she couldn't remember the home phone number because we had just changed it before she left -- funny).
Yep, it was SISTER BRIDGES!
But, hold on, wait a minute -- she could only talk for brief bit because they were stuck in their apartment -- ICE STORM in West Virginia had caused everyone to be grounded. Their town was like a ghost town. They had to wait it out until the Bishops son could drive the 30 minutes to pick them up, so they could spend the day with his family. So, we chatted quickly for a only a few minutes and she said, "I will be able to call you in about 2 hours." So, we waited and waited AND WAITED....all of a sudden FOUR HOURS had past. What was going on?! So, Lynn said, enough is enough and got on the phone and dialed up the mission president -- he answered! We asked if it would be ok if we called her cell phone to see what was up and make sure they were all right. He was extremely nice and said "go ahead and do just that!" So, Lynn dailed her number and ......VOICE MAIL -- 3 TIMES we just got voice mail! What is up with that?! We were getting more worried and more anxious by the minute. . . So, FINALLY 5 hours after the initial supposed call time -- THE PHONE RANG!!!!!!!! It was SISTER BRIDGES!!!!!!!!!! Whew....she made it to the Bishops house and all was well in the land of West Virginia. We all re-learned a valuable lesson today about patience and realizing that miracles occur in the Lord's time, not always in our time.
She sounded great, happy and so thrilled to be a missionary. She was upbeat and showed no signs of homesickness. She loves her companion, mission, mission president and wife and the people. We talked for almost 1 1/2 hours -- Alexa also had her own "twin time" for another 15 minutes. No parents allowed!!
What a wonderful Christmas day to hear amazing stories of service, sacrifice and the spirit touching lives all because our faithful daughter is in tune and obedient as she serves a honorable mission.
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2 comments:
Oh man. I felt your anticipation. How I remember those special Christmas phone calls, when neither of you want to say good bye. Bet you are still floating just a bit.
How wonderful to get to talk to her. Too bad about the anticipation and waiting. Kids know they are ok, but don't realize that you are crazy back at home. Love her Christmas card and your family photo in front of your house. See you tomorrow...
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