One year ago today we checked into the MTC. Our youngest daughter dropped us off (just as I had dropped her off a few years ago). SK could never participate in that dropping off stuff....it was just too hard on him. SK said in some ways it seems so long ago.
At 5 this morning, our mission president came for the Johansens. I got up and got dressed to see if I could help them with anything....I opened the door of the bedroom - which opens out into the darkened living room. There in the dim light knelt Elder and Sister Johansen and SK in prayer. I quietly listened as Elder Johansen finished his heartfelt prayer of gratitude for the great blessing of serving and asked for help in getting home safely. They have 21 hours of travel time ....so they are as yet still traveling.
I made 48 burritos with the tortillas we purchased at such a great price. They are now getting frozen and will await a convenient day to be made into chimis. Ah....what a great feeling!
In the afternoon I worked at loading up pictures on Facebook from Festinord and Golden Days. I am highly inefficient at it, but it is coming together I hope. We had some great pictures and I think the YSAs appreciate them.
Erin told us about a great movie and so we have been planning to go see that on our one-year anniversary mark. It is called "The Hundred-Foot Journey." It has been a long time since we have been inside a movie theater (yes...senior missionaries CAN go to a movie, but really there isn't much to see and little desire to go see most movies,) We were completely enchanted with that sweet little movie! The morals were high and the story was satisfying.
Erin is batting a thousand on her recommendations....she said that a talk from the most recent BYU Women's Conference on BYUTV by David Clare from Gilbert Arizona (!) was outstanding. Being in the kitchen making so many burritos gave me the opportunity of hearing that, as well as a couple other talks from the same conference. That is a wonderful thing to have playing as I work.
To top off the day, we went to our favorite little Cantonese restaurant with Sister Hamblin (Sister Swena was swamped with work). We enjoyed our orders....sweet and sour fish....the same that SK loved so much when he was here 50 years ago.
It has been a productive day and it has been an enjoyable day and I will fall asleep contented.
Ah.....a lovely milestone of a day.
That is a BIG milestone! What a wonderful feeling to have all those burritos finished! I'm sure they will love them!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that you enjoyed the movie too. I was pretty sure you would. And the talk as well. One of my friends read the talked instead of listened and thought he sounded a bit condescending although she appreciated the content. Did you listen to the Hafen's talk and Sister Dew's? I loved both of those as well and the way it made me think of grace differently.
It sounds like a great day! Love you!
Yes....those burritos make me very happy! I haven't listened to the Hafens yet, but I have always enjoyed them. I listened to David Clare's talk twice, as well as the sister who also talked about the priesthood. I listened to Sister Dew's talk today and LOVED it. I will listen again tomorrow if there is time. Thanks so much for the recommendation.
DeleteErin is the source of all good movie recommendations!
ReplyDeleteWhat is inside those chimis? I can't even make one, let alone 30. Is the stuffing very difficult?
A few weeks ago I was sure that my huge bottle of olive oil had gone bad so I threw it out. I bought a new one last week, and it smells the same! It's just an olive oil smell.
Yesterday I made brownies and accidentally left out a quarter of the chocolate AND the chocolate chips.
Today I found that my pantry floor was flooded.
I'm telling you...it's not easy to make everything go well in the kitchen, unless you're Melissa or Erin. I think you have heaven's blessings upon you.
Well. .I usually cook a roast, but for 48, I opted for ground beef and beans. I seasoned them with mexican seasoning. The topping will make them truly tasty...you know, salsa, sour cream, guacamole and cheese.
DeleteYour tales of kitchen woes make me laugh. I think you are far more efficient than you think. Besides, it is difficult to be much of a cook when you have two little ones demanding so much of your time.
Janis, I can't believe that it has been a year since you entered the MTC, (after that long visa wait) The time has flown by. I have loved reading your blog and all about your adventures. The cooking adventures are still sending chills up my spine. I would be a nervous wreck each time but you seem to take in all in stride and have such a wonderful attitude. Cooking for a crowd is a huge challenge.
ReplyDeleteWill you be in Denmark for another year or did they start your mission at the time that you were supposed to enter the MTC? I saw that you announced your "hump" day a while back. We are now at the 10 month mark and it too has flown by.
Hi Debbie, it IS amazing how quickly this time is running by. I enjoy reading about your mission and seeing the beautiful pictures there. We are certainly in very different places, each so lovely in their own ways....and our assignments are different. Yet, I feel a great connection to you when I read.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, if I can do this cooking, anyone can. I never enjoyed cooking that much, and in a typical ward and family, the responsibility is shared around, so I don't recall fixing so much food. I certainly wouldn't seek this out as a "mission" but all the perks ....being able to associate with the YSAs offset the stress!
Our mission started the day we entered the MTC - September 30 and will end on August 29, 2015.
It is amazing to think you have already been out 10 months! We'll home before we know it, swapping mission experiences.
How nice that you were able to do something ahead for a meal - and get spiritually fed as well - and then go out to eat - to be fed more. What a great day! L&P
ReplyDeleteThere is an associated problem with being fed so much.....L&P
ReplyDelete