So I knew that the Mother's Day phone call was going to be wonderful and so neat. I was so excited to hear Tara's voice and get to ask and answer bunches of questions. Mostly, I just wanted to hear the truth in the tone of her saying that she was happy and enjoying her mission. I had no idea, however, how very much FUN it would be to have her in the room with all of us. I didn't want it to end.
Her and her companion were being very obedient to the 40 min guideline in the Missionary Handbook, but because of some technical glitches with her comps connection we got an extra 20 mins! #tendermercies We were grateful for that extra time.
A couple from their ward were so gracious to feed these girls a yummy sounding lunch and, most importantly, to lend these 2 sisters their home and computer devices to be able to simultaneously talk with their families. They even let Tara use their Skype account when she couldn't get into hers. It was busy that day and we all had to try 2 or 3 times to log into ours also. But it worked. I am so grateful for the members that are watching out for our girl!
I like this photo because it captures the first moment after we got the video feed up and we could hear each other. "Can you hear me now?" was happening and then her eyes got really big and her hand flew to her mouth and she said, "Justin! Your voice!" She got teary then because Justin sounded so much different to her in the 2 months since she has left. All that gravely practice with the Batman voice has deepened it, I guess. Of course, right after that he went right into full Batman impression and said, "What's wrong with my voice?" "Does it sound different to you?" Too funny.
She was absolutely beaming and it was so fun to share stories and make each other laugh. She talked about how wonderful her Mission President and his wife are. They will be leaving in June and she will be helping to break in the new folks!
She and her companion have so much fun together. They have been counseled "you need to laugh more, sisters!" and they are like - okay!?! They absolutely love the people they are teaching and getting to meet and work with.
We talked about business things, like packages and contacts and broken bags. She had a list of questions for us too, so that was fun. We told her about Stacie's graduation the day before and how the family was doing. We were going along on the questions so fast that the time just flew.
We had a few minutes to take the computer on a tour of the house. She was surprised that we hadn't remodeled her room yet (it has only been 2 months and Justin is still designing plans for his "lounge room") She got to see her fish, Phineous's, new aquarium. (We hope he lives!)
She also wanted to peek in her closet to see if there were any blouses that might be a little cooler to wear. It is warming up in VA and she has mostly winter things. She'll need to beg a little shopping time on p-day soon.
We talked about the neat bird's she has seen. Cardinals are her favorite so far.
One of my favorite moments was when I was telling her something and Justin did this impression of a falling tree right across the camera's view, inexplicably. He. Just. Fell. and then didn't get up. it was a head shaking moment. She got the funniest expression on her face and then laughed out loud so big that we all laughed. She forgot about how randomly crazy her kid brother can be.
She made us try to say the words Norfolk and Portsmouth. She then laughed at us and taught us the correct VA pronunciation: Naw-falk and Port-smuth.
She talked about all the wonderful food that members have been feeding them. Always too much, but it is so delicious! No real seafood yet, but her favorite thing so far has been Lamb with Mint Jelly. She challenged us to find some to try.
We asked her about what the hardest thing about being a missionary is. She did not hesitate to say that it was knocking on doors. It scared her. The scariest moment is actually when someone says, 'Yes' to their offer to share a message about Christ. She says that she gets immediately nervous about what she will say. Even tho they have practiced and role played so much. She still has a little freak out. Then they sit down and her companion asks if they can start with a word of prayer. During the prayer, Tara said, "I'm praying my own prayer saying - 'help me know what to say! Send the Spirit here to help me.' and I'm still so nervous. Then, as soon as I start the lesson, the words just come and the Spirit is there and afterwards, I'm all - like - That was great!" *grins*
We talked about the missionaries that we have been talking to and feeding here. She loved that they gave us a card and asked us to call them if there is any service needed. "That is exactly what we do!" Then she showed us her cards. They are pass along cards with web addresses to Mormon Messages. She asked us to watch the #Hallelujah video, if we hadn't already. It. Is. So. Good.
She had made me a handwritten Happy Mother's Day sign and had been so good as to send Stacie packages for Graduation and me for Mother's Day. (She is way better and packages and letters than I am, sadly!) I opened the present with her watching and loved the VA lighthouse shot glass that she sent for our collection. Stacie got a VA lighthouse towel that was covered with grad cap confetti (that is now everywhere!) What an amazing and thoughtful girl our sweet Tara is!
This call really was a treat and I cannot even think about how far away Christmas is. But, in the meantime, I can't stop smiling about our visit with her. What a joy! I am so glad that she really is sooo sooo happy.
We love you Sista Poulsen!!
