RJ's FAREWELL

Today was our nephew RJ's farewell. I'm still trying to wrap my head around that one. Especially since he was only 5 when Erik & I started dating!! I can't believe he's that old & going on a mission. He's been called to serve in the Guixaquil, Ecuador Mission. He's been ready to go for a LONG time now. He was hoping to have his call before he graduated in May, but due some circumstances (Hmm, hmm... his papers being lost in the Stake President's office for a bit) it's been a little longer. I can't remember the last time I've seen a young man so ready & worthy for this calling. He's an amazing kid! An awesome example of how everyone should be! Here's Erik with RJ. RJ calls Erik Uncle Rico.

His talk was wonderful. All the kids, cousins sang "I Believe in Christ". Kylie & Jadyn didn't hesitate. They were ecstatic to do so. It was beautiful to watch all of the kids sing. My brother-in-law Ron spoke as well & did a good job. But, what took the cake was something I've never seen before. The closing song was "Called to Serve". A real tear-jerker in itself at a farewell right? Well, all (& I mean ALL) the priesthood holders were asked to come up to the front to sing. What an AWESOME sight to see all of the men, young & old, in the audience stand up at the front & sing that amazing song!! Then, I saw my friend Sarah's dad standing behind RJ (he was RJ's Young Men's President in his previous ward) singing & lost it. I miss that man so much & his daughter even more! There really are no words to describe how beautiful that was. What a tremendous idea for a farewell. Supposably it has become a tradition in that ward.

At the "Open House" Edwin (my friend Sarah's dad) serenaded RJ. It was great! Again - I miss this man! He had served his mission in Ecuador & came to tell some stories. No one tells stories like Edwin. Here's a picture of me with Edwin & Sarah's youngest sister Ashley. Ashley was born at the end of our Junior year in High School. She was only 3 when Sarah was killed. Ashley was also the flower girl at our wedding when she was 4 since Sarah couldn't be a bridesmaid.

In watching all that this family has done in preparation for RJ I have found myself a little sad. I'm quite jealous that I don't have a boy to send out & have that experience with. I've told Ron & Nikki numerous times that I will have to live vicariously through their boys. Lucky for me, I also have many boys to live vicariously through on my side of the family. So, I'll be covered. As sad as it makes me - I can't help but be extremely excited as well. I can't wait to hear his stories & all about his adventures! I can't think of a young man that was more prepared than RJ. He will be an amazing missionary! We're so proud of him & the choices he's made.