We took Willardson Jamae to the airport at 3:30 this morning. Reese and Ryan and maybe Logan are planning to pick her up and take her to the Provo MTC with a stop for one last in n out burger on the way.
Home MTC was a little tricky being over the kids winter break from school. It’s not easy for younger siblings to have their sister “home” but not “home”/available to talk to them. Aaron, Reese, and I took turns going to all the Christmas Break things with the kids while one of us stayed home to be Jamae’s companion while she was on zoom and doing personal study time. Even though her breaks were minimal and she was super exhausted after 10 hours on zoom every day, we loved every free minute we got with her.
On her P-day we dropped off some of the Austin’s dishes to them and got to have a quick hello with the family and Elder Austin. They had fun spotting each other in the giant zoom classes and getting a screenshot of the other 😂
We hosted our annual WillyShefMatt post holiday dinner where we gather to play games but really just want an excuse to eat delicious smoked food. This year, we had a smorgie of tri tip, homemade bread, smoked chili with brisket and bison, smoked stuffed bacon jalapeños, a delicious balsamic salad, coconut rice crispy treats, and all the European chocolate and hand rolled Czech cookies Katia could fit in her little box of happiness. I always forget to get photos with everyone, but it was great to be with these fun friends. We love the Matthews and Shefchik’s and they love Quincy. Byron and Amber got a photo with Jamae to send to Shef. He had a WillyShefMatt smoked feast as one of his pre-mission meals as well! So fun and so delish.
Jamae squeezed in a few more hugs and farewells. On Sunday, Kate did a photo shoot at the temple with girls who all just received their mission calls.
Jamae, Savannah H (Canada, French speaking), Kate K (Concepcion Chile), Gracie D (Paraguay)
From there we rushed over to join the family for dinner at Saumi’s. No photos but lots of laughs, conversation, and delicious things to eat! Joe and Mary love our CeeCee so much and were so thoughtful to invite us over for Sunday dinner and accommodating to squeeze it into a window of time before we had a zoom that evening. We sure love foodie friends! Jamae provided lots of funny tales of life in Provo, encouragement for Davey, Brodeo, and Riley to serve a mission and to join the Cougar Nation 🐾💙📣
We had Cava for lunch another day. When Q worked at an assisted living, she would treat herself to CAVA on her 12 hr shift days since they are half price for EMTs. She wanted to return for her kids meal braised lamb pita. I wonder if she’ll have any opportunities to use her health care certification/knowledge during her time in the Lords service.
One night, we fed the kids and they put themselves to bed while the 4 of us slipped out during Quincy’s last dinner break. She wanted a monster plate of nachos as her last American meal in Arkansas. Atta girl.
Bishop Blake came by to wish her well and gave her a little gift that says “remember who you are”
I hope she never forgets. My heart is full that there is so much love and support coming back to my firm who loves and supports and champions everyone in her path. She left 3 friends with a tear filled testimony and a bold charge to “do whatever it takes to get your life together and get yourself on a mission. Just do it. Whatever it takes.”
Sisters are the best. I came upstairs and took a sneaky pic of them saying bye to their bedroom. They did a lot of growing up in this home and this space. Reese will be married soon. They honored the end of their youth, and Reese emptied the drawers and boxed things up to prep the space for Sloane and Esme to move in. I appreciate the way they want to give this special space back to their little sisters.
Goodbye to Grammie and Grandpa! It was important to both Jamae and lady that Q sit on her armchair “perch” one last time. Sloane has moved in on this throne, but it was a good last hurrah. They gave Jamae a little point and shoot digital camera that she’s been wanting and Q cried at the thoughtfulness.
All the sibling love. Bear predicts he will be taller than Jamae when she returns. Corbin plans to have his own mission call.
Quincy tucked in each of the kids and still crept in at 3am to kiss each sibling goodbye and tell them she loves them. Big sisters are everything. The kids have already started praying for her in every family prayer. They’re so proud of her.
Corbin stayed up to finish getting her packed up and kept things light with great stories. I love the way their friendship has blossomed. Quincy and Corbin probably gad the most sibling contention in our family, but are now extremely close. I hope they both continue to foster this bond. They are an amazing duo.
Aaron says over and over, “I’m so jealous. I loved the MTC! A spiritual highlight of my life!” He is such a good dad. Only encouragement from him even though I know his heart is completely wrecked right now.
And that leaves me and my little bestie. We got her packed up, and then snuggled on the couch until her bedtime curfew. And then as she got up to go to bed, she said, “wait, you coming with me”
So we squished together and slept all curled up in her twin bed like old times when she needed me to sit on her to regulate until she fell asleep every night. This time though, it wasn’t because she needed me. She knew I needed her one last time. The mission field needs her.
She is ready! So happy for her.
Oh I just love her so much!
Best of luck to the bravest girl I know.
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