SHE'S OFF!

Well, our girl is off to Mexico!  She was able to call Monday from the Atlanta airport while they had a long layover.  We checked all our kids out of school so they could speak to their sister one last time before she left.  It was a tender and sweet conversation with our family.  To hear her little voice say, "I have to go" was really hard to hear.  She asked if she could bear her testimony of the gospel in Spanish before she had to hang up.  Although we couldn't understand her, our hearts could understand her heart and we all wept with joy.  It was very evident to all of us that she has received the gift of tongues and the spirit felt in her words was strong and undeniable.  She sounded confident and happy, ready for the adventure.  We all listened for the "click" of her hanging up, and then we all hugged and cried a little more.  Our collective grief and sacrifice has brought us closer together as a family.  We have already seen much evidence of the blessings promised to families of missionaries.  

Then, yesterday, the phone rang and I saw a strange number on the caller ID.  I normally don't answer those kinds of calls, but I answered.  A cute voice said, "Hi Momma!" Her mission president let her use his cell phone to call and let us know she has arrived safely.  She only had 30 seconds but its so nice to know she is there and all is well.  Please pray for her as she adjust to a new country, new language, and culture.  She is truly in the Lord's Hands now.  --Traci

Emma's MTC District-- they became very close