My Grandparents are Champions

It's true.

I was born to goodly parents.  And they were born to champions.

......Oh yes, and my parents are champions too.  :)

More than a month ago, my dad's parents gave a mission farewell in our ward at church.  Usually, at farewells, I sit and listen and beam with pride all the day long.  I'm just so happy and proud to know people who are so willing and worthy to go serve.  This was no exception.  And I think I was beaming even more than usual (if possible).

All during Gramma's talk, her pretty blue eyes sparkled, and I just thought of how great she is.  She's a wonderful woman, Gramma Kate.  She's taught me a lot about how to work hard, how to be kind, how to sew and paint and knit and crochet, and she's always just loved each of us with all her heart.  As she stood in front of a packed chapel to speak, she bore her testimony of the truth of the Gospel of Christ, and I was so happy and proud (the good kind, I promise) to be her granddaughter. :)

After she spoke, it was Grampa's turn.  His talk was short and to the point, and he prolly didn't say all that he wanted to, but it was so heartfelt and powerful.  I was just overjoyed at seeing them prepare to go and serve together.  It's such a wonderful opportunity, and it has been a humbling one for them, I'm sure.  He made me cry.  Like a lot.  And then during the closing song, he saw that I had been and laughed at me.  (Or, as he puts it, he smiled inside).  But he was really laughing. :]

Two weeks ago today, I moved back to school, and the day I brought my belongings and my self to Provo was the same day they came down.  The next morning, they were scheduled to enter the Missionary Training Center to begin their 18 months of serving the Lord.  Liza and I invited them to come to our apartment for waffles that morning.  It was great to have a good visit and see them so ready to go.  They're simply splendid!

This morning, I was checking my blog stats and I saw that I had two views from Finland.  That reminded me--oh! I have a half-finished blog-post about my champion grandparents! :)

Yes, they're now in Finland.  In my opinion, they've taken a bigger leap of faith than most of the younger missionaries who choose to serve do.  They've left their posterity--their children, 30 grandchildren, and 6 great-grandchildren--to serve.  I'm so proud of them!  They've chosen to follow the council of the Prophet.   I'm so happy that they have chosen to be such wonderful examples for their family.  Their great, and I love them, and they love the Lord enough to sacrifice so much to serve Him.  I'm beaming with pride as I write this. :D  I'm so happy!