Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Our babies are Off To Japan!


Our sweet Twin boys,
who I keep remembering as being only up to my knees just a short while ago... 
are leaving on their missions to Japan 
in less than three weeks!
Ben and Oliver finally received their mission calls a couple of weeks ago.  The family gathered (Beth and Robbie via the phone), to be there for the Big Moment when the envelopes were opened, to find that 
Ben will be serving in the Japan Kobe Mission, and Oliver in the (next door) Japan Fukuoka Mission.  
They are of course tremendously excited.  They can't wait!
We've worked for and looked forward to this moment all of their lives, and now that the time is almost here...
I am going to miss them so much!  Even though I couldn't be happier and more proud of them for how well they have prepared themselves, and what wonderful young men they both are!
We've started the countdown of 'Last Time..' and 'Final..'  
 They both received their 'Duty to God' awards, and spoke at their last Sacrament meeting in our ward last Sunday.  They both finished work last Friday, in order to help us around the house this week (we are probably selling the house this year), before Neil and I take them away for a week down to the Great Ocean Road for a holiday together.
We'll get back in time for video conference week-end, 
then they will leave the following Saturday.
In between times we will shop for what they need, and they will spend time with family members and friends.  We will celebrate their nineteenth birthday on Friday, 15th, 
which is the night they will be set apart by our Stake Presidency,
in a family meeting in our home.
I am so happy and so sad.. !   But most of all, I feel very, very grateful  :)






6 comments:

  1. How cute are the boys in the top photo!!
    (congratulations on posting on your blog again)
    How incredibly exciting for them! I thought they both gave really great talks on Sunday (kudos to Ben for going first!) and Im sure they will have a wonderful time away. I think it will just take a bit of adjusting for you, but before you know it, it'll be hump day! :)

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  2. Thanks Bec, *sniff* I'll be *hic* okay....

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  3. My mom told me that they were going there that is crazy, i hope i can see them before they leave for Japan my mom was saying somthign like going doen to Utah to help them put or something.

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  4. Oh Mum.

    The silver lining?

    You still have ME!!!!! lol! :) AND: We still have a road trip to go on... so THAT will be fun :)

    The top photo is such a cute one - always one of my favourites :) I love their mission letter photos too though - so funny!

    You and Dad have done such a wonderful job with them. Major major kudos to you both :)

    xo Tammy

    PS. I'll miss them too....

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  5. Hahahaha. Mum, you're funny :P
    My little brothers are all grown up!! How sad / happy that they're going! I'm so proud of them :) :)
    Can't wait to see you all again!
    You can cry on my shoulder Mum :)
    Love you!! xoxox

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  6. I am so excited about those mission calls! BOTH to Japan! You have raised the most wonderful children!

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