Sunday, December 16, 2007

She's Got a Ticket to Ride

Well, okay, to be honest, I'm not sure she has the actual ticket yet. But she's very close to getting it, if it's not already in her posession.

My mom had her mission farewell today. To everyone's surprise, after getting called to the Italy Catania mission, she received a letter asking her to go to the England Leeds mission instead. She had already begun Italian lessons and was in the mama mia mindset, so it was a bit of a transition, but now she's looking forward to England.

I told her she did it just to make me jealous. When she got called to Italy, I was happy for her, but not really jealous. England, on the other hand -- I've wanted to go to England my whole entire life. There is definite jealousy taking place now.

Just for fun, here are a couple of historic sites in Leeds.
This one is called Harewood House. Doesn't it just scream "Pride and Prejudice?" It's an 18th century manor house with fabulous gardens, and is now a gift shop/museum.


This one is Leeds City Hall. Yeah, I can see going to a place like this to pay my utility bill!

Her farewell was really nice. She spoke in church and afterward we had a nice meal. A bunch of family was there, including all my uncles and aunts on my mom's side. That group doesn't often have the chance to be in the same place at the same time, so it was a real treat.

Mom goes into the Missionary Training Center midway through January, so she'll be here through the holidays. It's kind of weird to think -- when she gets back, my daughter will be thirteen, my first son will be ten and a half, my second son will be eight, and my third son will be four and a half. That's pretty funky.

I'm really looking forward to getting letters from my mom while she's gone. She's going to have so many great experiences to share. And I'll get jealous all over again.

10 comments:

Jennifer @ Fruit of My Hands said...

Now see I would love Italy over England. But either way she's going to be in Europe, and its only a hop skip & jump away once you already cross the pond.

Pendragon Inman said...

wow... england! I got goosebumps just reading this post. Your mom must be a very special lady. Thank you so much for sharing such an important moment. When i left on my mission, my sister was engaged to be married. She was suppose to be married the day before i left, but documents got hung up, because the groom had been married before, and they ended up getting married about 5 weeks after i left. So, i can understand that strange feeling of not having her around during certain events... but my family was amazed at how much comfort they received while i was gone. I'm sure it'll be the same for you. :) love ya tristi!

Keeley said...

Congratulations to your Mum!!! How wonderful that she's going to Leeds. I've been there a few times. =)

Tell her it's cold. Really cold. Like the cold that soaks into your bones and makes them ache. Thermals are an absolute necessity. =)

I hope she lives in a nice area of Leeds, and gets to see the historical sites too.

Is she going on a proselyting mission?

Carrie and Troy Keiser said...

I know how ya feel, a few years ago, my sisters went to Ireland! I so wanted to go with, but I'm poor and have a bunch of kids! my parents and one of those sisters also went to Scotland! Jealously, for sure! Cool that she is going on a mission!

Kimberly Vanderhorst said...

~sigh~ I want to go there so very badly. And I can't wait to serve my first mission!

Tristi Pinkston said...

She is going to proselyte -- hitting the pavement and all that good stuff. I'll pass along the thermal underwear advice.

Thanks for your good wishes, everyone! We're really excited for her.

Unknown said...

I hope you get a chance to visit her! England is awesome. I went on a study abroad there and can't wait to get back one day.

mindyluwho said...

I'm jealous with you, I've always wanted to visit England. And I love the Pride & Prejudice manor. *Sigh*.....someday!

Keith N Fisher said...

She'll like England Leeds. That's where my whife served and she loved Yorkshire.

Bennett family said...

I'm jealous as well. I served my mission in Manchester. I would love to go back. And yes, it's super cold, windy, and wet. But, it is so beautiful. Tell her congrats for me!

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