Monday, March 1, 2010

What a Relief!

I can finally spill the beans!

check out the handsome couple, second one down
(Mark & Julie Furniss)

When I heard the news late one night in October, I was nothing but thrilled for my parents. My dad has always talked about wanting to serve a mission in Korea someday. In fact, in my early years, I was under the impression I had been adopted from Asia. And my mom? My mom has always encouraged my siblings and me to go explore this big world. My heart leapt at the thought of my sweet mom getting HER big adventure.

The next morning, my sister admitted to shedding a few tears when she heard the news. I was curious why I hadn't had the same reaction. The morning went on and thoughts popped in my head about probable babies being born in the next three years, possible weddings, grandparents who are currently receiving amazing love and service from my parents, does Dad just retire now? Do we go home for Christmas? Where's home? Where does Megan go when she has a week off school? What does Collin come home to next summer? And just as they are right now, the tears started flowing.

Many of my friends here are not LDS and it was interesting to hear their reactions and questions when I told them my parents were moving to Korea for three years to be 'mission presidents'. They wondered if my dad would continue his business over the internet from there (no...), if they can come back to the states to visit, (no...) if they'll get paid to do it, (no....). Then almost every single one next asked "Do they have to do it?" or "Can they say 'no'?"
They can say no. But they wouldn't. I don't think many people would.

It's been awesome to watch them go through the process of preparing for this opportunity. Whenever we asked our parents for things we couldn't have, they'd always joke about us getting in the wrong line in heaven. I don't know what I did to get in their line, but I feel pretty lucky to be their daughter.

17 comments:

val said...

awesome ash. that's so cool. start saving so you can visit-right?

aaron and allee said...

Congratulations to them! I read the Church News link and when it mentioned your mom's parents, I wondered if you are related to David (and Marilyn) Barlow or Henry (and Rosalie) Rawlings?

DeGooyer Family said...

WOW - how exciting!!

Ashley said...

Allee, I am, indeed! Are we related?!

aaron and allee said...

Small world! My husband, Aaron, is Marilyn's (Dave's wife) nephew and Henry Rawlings was our stake president and lived up the street from us in Las Vegas.

Mom said...

It's true that this is not just your parent's big adventure - it affects a great many people. You will be watched over in ways you can't even imagine - and I'm always here for all of you!

Alysa Clark said...

It is really exciting. I saw your mom at work (Club Heights) and all I could say is that. That it just sounds like the most exciting adventure in the whole world. :) They will be so awesome. Love ya.

Jen said...

That is a handsome couple isn't it? Wow. Your mom just gets prettier! I hate to sound cliche, but I promise it goes so fast. Everything takes care of itself somehow.

The Hodsons said...

Aw the homeland...haha! That is so exciting for them. That will be quite the adventure and experience. I've always loved your parents and know they will do awesome there and bless many people's lives. As for you and the rest of your family, I can imagine that you are sad, but I know you guys will be very blessed while they are away.

Tiff and Trev said...

No way!!! That is SO awesome! If I was going on a mission, I would LOVE to have your dad has a Mission President...and your mom as a Mission Mom. They'll be perfect! When do they leave? Are you coming back before they go? Are they selling their house? We must talk. I miss your guts...

allyn said...

i was so thrilled when i heard this exciting news. they are perfect for the job. it will be weird for collin and megan, but hopefully they won't hold it against them.

Laura G said...

I was so excited when I found out..what a HUGE adventure. I miss connecting to your mom all the time at Club Heights...she is AMAZING! And I LOVED when your Dad was our Bishop...you have incredible parents! LUCKY missionaries!!!!

melissa said...

Aren't they just the handsomest couple on that page? I choose them to be my mission president/mom. I'm so excited for them! And for you! Jen's right that it goes by fast and you will be taken care of. What lucky missionaries to have your parents to guide them!

Corie said...

Oh, how great! No wonder you're so amazing - your parents are too! :) It was interesting to read your insights about being a child of a mission president. I guess I'd never thought about all the practicalities of it. Well, I know your family will be blessed!

Alisa and Crowells said...

I LOVE spilled beans! That is very exciting ! Your parents are such incredible people and are going to be perfect for the Korean Mission! What a great adventure--not just for them, but for your family.

kenzie said...

I'm so excited for them! And for your family. It will be an awesome adventure for everyone. I hope you get to come visit before they leave.

Angie said...

That is so exciting! I am sure that Korea is going to be so lucky the next three years to have your parents looking over the young men and women that get called to serve there!