Blessings......

One of the greatest blessings for senior missionaries is being able to call our children whenever we want to.  There are a lot of times that just isn't possible because we are at the center, in meetings or doing missionary stuff.  When it IS possible though, it connects us to all that is going on in their lives....even seeming trivia.

It is also nice when one of our children just needs to talk --- an overprogrammed day, a difficult decision, a child who needs extra help, exhaustion - both mental and physical - wonderful news, or just to say hello.  I am a long way from home, and often I long to help, but there is precious little I can do except pray....which we do.  We feel that the Lord is mindful of them, and we rely on that.

My life here is busy with much to do....but it is so much simpler than it has ever been, and so much simpler than the lives our children lead.  It is a focused life.  We have our missionary responsibilities and our assignments at the temple.  For the most part there is not a feeling of hurrying from one thing to another, and being torn between several good choices in how to spend our time.

Yesterday and today has been simpler than ever.  Neither one of us feels well, and we have spent the time resting for the better part of these days.  I have been grateful that our schedule has allowed us to do this, but I am looking forward to being up and around.  I think any single one of our children and their spouses would not know what to do with an entire day to rest - much less two!

We are aware that we must be well by tomorrow afternoon,  because we have things scheduled for every day through a week from Friday.  Actually, we have something every day for the next two weeks, so we need to be better.  I have wondered today what would happen if we were unable to be at the center.  I suppose we could call around and see if there is a couple from the stake who would go spend the afternoon and evening.  I ought to obtain some names and phone numbers....just in case.

We have not missed anything since we arrived here, and we are on our 18th month.  That is remarkable to me.  I am most grateful.  I anticipate that after we get over this minor setback, we will be well for the remainder of the mission....since we both tend to be healthy.

One very nice thing about this quiet time is that it allows opportunities to count my blessings....and that makes me happy.