Several months ago Nash's friend Gabriel invited him to go with his Dad and Uncle on a fishing trip. They left on Friday and camped on the beach by Strawberry Reservoir. They spent the day fishing and swimming. Nash even caught a few fish. He had the best time. I'm so grateful for these fun and new experiences that he is getting to have.
Today Gray left for his camping trip with the Deacons. There wasn't a ton of information leading up to this trip so I was a little nervous. Thankfully he has his phone with him and was able to give me a few updates along the way. They are camping near Flaming Gorge. On the way they stopped on the way to canoe in the Strawberry River and had lunch. Gray was in a canoe with Owen and Brother Anderson. He said their canoe tipped over four times. One time when they were going down rapids and Gray said he almost hit his head. I'm so glad he didn't hit his head and kind of wish he did not tell me. They made it to their camp around 2:30pm. We got a picture tonight of all of them in the water. I hope Gray has the best time. Sure miss him. It is so not the same without him here.
I was so lucky this morning to get to chat with Luke for about an hour. Made it so worth getting up early. He had a good week minus his windshield getting shattered when a missionary in their district threw a gallon of lemonade at it. Not sure what the mindset was behind that decision but after Luke realized it was not his own car, he thought it was funny. We chatted about the rest of his week and then about his companion. He is still struggling with him. He is just not motivated. Luke said that he sometimes sleeps in until 10am. So Luke gets up and studies. So frustrating. I just don't understand why you would go on a mission and no follow the rules. It seems like time would just drag on if you didn't stay busy. Luke was especially frustrated today because he wanted to get shopping done and laundry so they could have some fun. After we talked he finally got up. I messaged Luke to see if they had gotten to the store. He wrote back to say that he did go shopping but it took over an hour because... then he sent over a picture of him and Brewer. He was at the store at the same time. I told Luke that this was a tender mercy from Heavenly Father. He knows Luke is trying hard to do what is right and he needed a little pick me up. This was exactly what he needed. I am so grateful that Luke is in the best hands. I am so proud of him for doing what is right even though his comp is choosing not to do the same.
We love our Fourth of July traditions and this year was not any different. We went to lunch at JCW and enjoyed a little family time. We came home to prep for the night. Joey made tons of different ice cream flavors with our ninja creamie. I made a pasta salad and we were ready to go. We went to Jamie and Mindi's for a bbq. It was so fun to visit with everyone. This year John, Darolyne, Mike, KC, Mindi, Jamie, and Hailee's family came. After the bbq and hanging out for a bit, we made our way over to Discovery park for fireworks. We had parked our truck early and we were able to get a great spot. Tag found someone selling cotton candy again this year so everything was right in his world. We sat and visited for about an hour until the fireworks started. They were just as amazing as I remembered. It is magical to lay back and have the fireworks happening right above us. It is even better being surrounded by the people I love.
I was super anxious to talk to Luke today. I know that the companion situation is not ideal so I have been extra worried about him this week. I was so relieved to chat with him and to get his email. His email was full of all the work they did this week. He has always worked hard but in reading his email, I don't think he has ever crammed that much in a week. When I asked him if that was his companion driving the work he shook his head no. He is the one keeping them so busy. I love it! Time goes quicker when you are busy and I am sure that Luke is hoping the time will go faster. Luke also had his first district meeting where he had to teach all the missionaries in his district. He said that he is learning that he needs to plan a little bit more but overall it went well. I am sure that he will feel better with each time that he does it. I am so relieved to hear that he is doing it. He loves all of the missionaries in his district which helps I am sure. I am so proud that he is making the best of a not perfect situation. He is learning life lessons! So proud of him.
Because tomorrow is the 4th of July, Joey was given today off. We both had to work a bit so we did that in the morning. By the afternoon we were ready to go and have some fun. We decided to go to Top Golf and to use the giftcard that Jamie and Mindi gave us for Christmas. The weather had cooled off a little and it was actually pretty perfect. We ordered some drinks and the yummy donuts you fill with raspberry or Bavarian cream. Then we each took turns golfing. It was so fun. I was amazed with how good Nash and Gray were at golf. Nash actually beat Joey. After golf we went and picked up In and Out for dinner. We then hurried home to chat with Luke for our weekly call. Pretty perfect day.
This was the title of Luke's email this week. He had transfers last Friday and he will stay in the same area. His new companion is Elder Watkins. When I spoke with Luke this morning I could tell something was a little off. He cannot say much but he is not clicking with this new companion. I feel so bad. I tried to give him some advice on finding common ground and trying to see the good. I also told him that if all else fails start a countdown as to how long he will have to serve with him. I sure hope it will get better for him. In other news, Luke was asked to be District Leader. He will be an amazing leader. He always has been. He knows how to lead in a strong yet unintimidating way. He will be such a good example to those in his district. I am so excited to hear all about what he learns and to see even more growth. So proud of our missionary. He spends his days serving our Heavenly Father and sharing the truth of the Gospel with the people of New Jersey.
Nash has been thinking about getting his patriarchal blessing for a little while now. Harlee told him of how they did a devotional at HXP b...
