I am feeling a bit sentimental today - so you have fair warning for what is to come. Nothing specific that sparked it, just a quiet Sunday afternoon where the kids are mostly getting along. I am so grateful that they often like each other. With all that quiet I realized that in just 3 days my baby brother is on his mission! Well, he will be in the MTC first then off to Mexico. I have to say I am slightly jealous that he will return fluent in Spanish. I really wish I would have taken more time to learn another language. It seems so effortful now, yet isn't that kind of ridiculous? I am, after all, working on a PhD which is quite effortful. Anyway, although he may not read this before he leaves here is what I would not be able to get out if he were in front of me. Uncle B (Seems I always refer to you this way because of the kids)-
I know it must be hard being the baby in our family. Such strong opinions, so many giving suggestions on how to run your life. Seems we all have our quirks as well which can't make navigating us all easy. I know these past couple of years have been somewhat filled with trials for you, mom and dad. I don't know all the reasons for those trials, but I am sure you will be a better missionary for it all.
I am very impressed with how sure you are of yourself - and if you are not you are a better actor than I give you credit. You have talents that are often hidden to others and I wish I would have been able to witness them more often. I am sure you were toted to many events for me as a kid, and I wish I would have been able to attend your events as often. Not that it was really possible in many cases, becoming a wife and mother changes life.
You may know this, but mom brags about you often. Not in a snobby way, but she is obviously proud. Don't ever skip a week writing to her, it would definitely be a sin. I am sure her letters will do much for you and yours will do much for her. She is the best mom around, make sure you let her know that.
Dad has a lot of wisdom in him. It may not always come across eloquently (does it for any of us really?), but I am sure he will send you many words of wisdom while you are away. I imagine he has been sharing them these past couple of years as well. Take it in, I am sure it will be a good memory.
I will try to be a good sister and write, but with limited time and my own kids the letters may be infrequent. I will do my best to at least send photos of the kids so you can see how much they change. I wish I could give you a super big hug before you leave, but plane fare is too expensive for our budget right now. Maybe I will have a real job when you return and I can actually visit!
I am not a perfect person, but I do know that the gospel is true, that missionary work is important, essential, and service filled. You will become more Christlike through it, and you will make an excellent missionary. The people in Mexico will love you. I can see it now - they may ask you to sing in sacrament meeting. You might play with their little children. A new improv night for a ward activity! They will become your extended family and part of you will want to stay in Mexico forever (even if the rest of you is dying to return after 2 years).
Missionary work has only ever made my life better. Dive into the work, immerse yourself and let it change you.
Lots of love!
S
