THE CALL

It finally came yesterday. We got it out of the mailbox at 3 pm, called to tell Melanie who'd been calling us everyday for what seemed like forever, and within just seconds, she'd texted the family to expect a call at 7:30 last night so we could open it "together" with everyone on the phone to hear. Jared and his 3 younger kids came over for dinner and to decorate the tree. We played Bingo and Chicken Foot until the long awaited moment finally arrived. Nancy and Karen also showed up with their cell phones so we could get everyone on the line(s). It was crazy. Orson and I each had a letter in the envelope. So we read them together. Bedlam broke loose when we read, "Perth, Australia." We'd wanted to go there, but didn't dare get our hopes up. A few minutes later, Diana called to ask, "Did you open it yet?" With all the excitement of getting everyone on the phone (some spouses were at Mutual), we'd neglected to call Diana. How embarrassing for us! Sorry, Diana.
Below is a picture of our "expert tree decorators."

PINS & NEEDLES

Seems like it's been forever since we sent our papers in. Actually it's only been a month (November 2nd). So last Friday (December 4), Orson called the Missionary Department. The brother there assured us that this length of time is typical for senior missionaries. However, he did tell us that we had been assigned in the early morning meeting that day and that we should received our call this week!

Waiting for the Call

11/17/09  A month or so ago, we began our mission process.  We hurried through doctors' exams, dentist visits, and shots thinking that while we took our leisurely trip to California (to witness Sam blessing his first baby, Isaac) the papers would go to Salt Lake, and we would return to find our mission call in the mail.  However, after we were on the road, we received phone calls that there was another test for Orson to take and I needed another shot.  So we enjoyed the family time with the baby blessing (which included a trip to Knottsberry Farm) loved our trip up the coast of California, visited Monterey where we lived while Orson studied Thai, visited my cousin who lives just south of Yosemite, visited old friends from Indiana who live near Reno now, and then endured the long drive across the desert to home.  We hurried to take care of the problems, and President Johnson sent the papers on to Salt Lake.  Now we are waiting.  President Johnson says that our online profile states we are:  "Ready for Assignment"  It's said that for about 2 weeks now, so we are anxiously checking the mailbox everyday to see if the call has come.  Melanie calls everyday from work to see if it's come yet.