t h e m a y f i l e s is foremost a family blog, chronicling everyday life. Life including natural, healthy eating (with recipes thrown in at random), home educating (with ideas popping up sporadically), an attempt to homestead on .2 acres (with very meager yields), raising 3 of 4 children with a rare genetic disorder, and lots of highly personal family triumphs and failures. You may also find an eclectic array of musings on politics, exercise, sewing, emergency preparedness, backyard chickens, and religion. This blog isn't a campaign to glorify anyone or anything. Just simply a record.

10.12.2009

Alone on the Road

Wednesday October 7

Me: Hey Monica...did you find a place to live yet?
Monica: No.
Me: What are you going to do? Are you headed to Italy? laughing
Monica: Actually...yes.
Me: What!!! When??? Hooray!!! lots of screams and exulting
Monica: Maybe Friday.
Me: As in 2 days?


Rewind.....Mid April

Letter reads "Monica...you are called to serve in the Catania Italy mission. Italian speaking. Report to the MTC August 26th." lots of tears and exultations while video skyping...monica in Spain on a study abroad

Mid Augustish

Me: Hey, how was your weekend.
Monica: Great. thick with sarcasm A guy I have been waiting to ask me out, for forever finally did. It was amazing.
Me: Oh. hesitant and heartfelt


August 23rd...Mission Farewell

Monica in turmoil. Parents in turmoil. Monica infatuated. Boyfriend equally infatuated. Church leaders counsel to wait. Gives farewell talk at church. Luncheon at house. Awkward.


August 25th

Monica defers her mission. Announces she is moving to DC to see if this relationship is progressing.


August 28th

Parents pack up their baby girl and send her across the country instead of across the world. Probably there is more spaghetti in DC anyways.

September

Sporadic, suspicious and sparse communication btw all parties. What is going out there in DC?
More questions than answers. Lots of prayers.


September 29

Monica's coming home. She wants nothing to do with the relationship. She still doesn't think she will serve a mission. 2 days later she is home.


Monday October 5th

Monica in Provo looking for housing.

Fast Forward...

Wednesday October 7

Me: Hey Monica...did you find a place to live yet?
Monica: No.
Me: What are you going to do? Are you headed to Italy? laughing
Monica: Actually...yes.
Me: What!!! When??? Hooray!!! lots of screams and exulting
Monica: Maybe Friday.
Me: As in 2 days?


Thursday October 8th

Me taking a dangerous self-portrait, while driving alone. Yes alone. The first time in 6 years I took a trip without someone in my family to take care of. Yes that means I take care of my husband too. It was an odd sensation. Arriving at my Mom and Dad's and not unpacking anyone or anything... And so began our "Girls Night."

3 Sisters, One Mom and hundreds of clothes to sort through.


1:30 am Friday October 9th

12 outfits. At least 9 cardigans. No jeans. 3 sets of scriptures. No tight-fitting, trendy, or boisterous clothing. Sophisticated? Yes. Classy? Yes. Out of character? Yes. Will she look beautiful and appropriate? You better believe it! All this in just 5 hours.


Ready for the next 18 months. Italy, here she comes!

2 comments:

Brittney said...

Wow - crazy! I'm so excited for her!! And I loved your post about your intentions to serve a mission as well. :) I remember those days of turmoil! It definitely worked out for the best, though, and you and Brent will make an AMAZING missionary couple one day!

Jo Lynn said...

Oh my gosh, that's nuts and so exciting all at the same time. How fun that you got to have a special girls night and get her packed and all ready to go in such a short amount of time!