A Christmas Phone Call

My missionary, Elder Jonathan Telford, got to call home using Skype on Christmas Day!

Christmas Eve I spoke with my parents, telling them that I was planning to go when he called and that I needed to be from Salt Lake City to Springville at 10:30 am.  My parents were very supportive of me, so they allowed us to wake up at 6:45 Christmas morning to open presents, have breakfast, and enjoy our time together as a family.

Oh Christmas morning was amazing!  I got some fantastic gifts - some expected, some complete surprises!  We sat around the Christmas tree next to the fire's glow.  We made a lovely wrapping paper mess and enjoyed each other's company as well as watching each face light up with pure delight at our Christmas surprises.

When the opening was finished we sat down together for a traditional delicious Christmas breakfast.  We had homemade waffles, sausage, and eggnog.  (It may not be the most healthy, but we can get away with it once a year!)  Over breakfast we laughed and talked and laughed some more.  After eating I hopped in to take a quick shower, fix my hair and make up, load up my car with grand presents I received and booked it down I-15 south to Springville.  Though I didn't need to be there before 10:30, I rushed and made it by 10:15 easily!

There the Telford family waited for the call.  As one of ten children, it was a blast to see everyone gather there to open presents together.  Under the tree there were dozens of gifts (some even had MY name on it!) to pass out once everyone had arrived.  As we were waiting for Jonathan to call and the rest of the family to arrive, Jonathan's sister Lara called on Skype so her family could join in the fun also.  It was a lot of fun getting to talk to her and the rest of her family, but I was getting anxious.

About 10:45 the rest of the Telford clan that lives nearby arrived and we all traipsed upstairs to unveil Hannah's Christmas present.  Her siblings had painted her bedroom, added some shelves, and a bit of other decor.  Holy cow it was so incredibly sweet of the family; Hannah really deserved this beautiful gift.  Then we proceeded downstairs once again to gather around the tree.

We passed out gifts, everyone got to open something.  I was so blessed to be thought of by pretty much each member of the family.  I truly am so grateful to have their love and support and I love to call them family of my own.

Finally the moment came - Jonathan called us on Skype around 11:15 or so and we got to see and hear him!  I could hardly contain my excitement and I sat up next to the computer for the entire hour just watching him and listening to his voice.  Boy, I miss him!  Hannah pulled out a Christmas present to me from him and I got to see his expression when I unwrapped it.  Out of the box fell a sweatshirt that I've had my eye on for months!  He knew the perfect gift and I am soooo grateful that he's been so amazing and watchful.

We continued talking about his missionary experiences so far in Colorado.  His parents both sat with me and the four of us had a great conversation.  I almost feel guilty for hogging him so much, particularly since in the mission rules they're only supposed to call family ... but I will be family someday... :)

When it finally came time to say goodbye it was bittersweet for me and tears clouded my vision, but did not fall.  He hung up and his brother sort of squeezed my shoulder to say, "We're all here for you."  His sisters gave me hugs, and I just felt so loved.

I'm so grateful to have found not just an amazing man, but also an amazing family.  They're all so supportive of his mission, and of me as I support him as well.  I love the Telford family and I can't wait to officially become part of it.

See you in Two Years!

Whew, it's been a while since I've updated my blog!  I apologize for that, but at the same time... I've been so busy with life that I just haven't had time and I DON'T apologize for that. :)

2 1/2 weeks ago my best friend and love of my life entered the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT to prepare to serve the Lord for 2 years though an LDS mission.  Although I know I will miss him immensely, I know that this is the right and best thing for both of us.  Sure, a lot could happen in two years.  We will both do a lot of growing, but I'm going to wait for him.  I've never wanted anything more in my entire life, and I know that someday we'll end up together.

Yesterday I got a very unexpected phone call.

I was on my lunch break from work and I had just dropped off a parcel to be sent to him at the MTC before he leaves on Monday for Brisbane, Australia.  I was sitting in the drive thru at JCW's and my phone started ringing from a number I didn't recognize.  The conversation went something like this:

Me:  Hello?
Other end:  Charity??
Me: Yes!  (I knew I recognized the voice... but was a little hesitant to believe it.)
Other end:  This is Jonathan.
Me:  [JAW DROPS!]  Wait, what?  Are you okay?
Jonathan:  Ya, sorry I need to be quick - do you have a pen and paper?
Me:  [Frantically searching through the glove box] Ah, give me a second.  What's up?  Why are you calling? Are you at the airport today instead??
Jonathan:  No, there was some trouble with my Visa; apparently some forms got changed recently and I have to fill out some more stuff.  This happened with at least 4 other guys I know... maybe 8?  Anyway, I'm going to be in Colorado Springs, Colorado for my first transfer for 6 weeks.
Me: What??  6 weeks?
Jonathan:  Ya, at least.
Me:  Are you supposed to be calling me?  Are you okay?
Jonathan:  Well I tried calling Mom, but she didn't answer.  I needed to tell someone so the family would know that I'll be in Colorado, but that's all I know.
Me:  You don't know your address yet?  ... Are you still calling on Monday?
Jonathan:  My flight leaves at 6:00 AM, so there won't be time to call.
Me: Is it because you don't want to call so early, because... if you're allowed I get up early anyway...
Jonathan:  No, I don't think that they give us time when it's that early.  But when I do fly to Australia I'll be able to call again then.
Me:  [Starting to tear up a little...] Oh okay.
Jonathan:  I love you.
Me:  [Slightly sobbing] I-I love you too....Don't worry about me, I'm not really crying.  But I do love you.
Jonathan:  I love you too, more than words can even say.  I'll see you soon.
Me:  See you soon, I promise.
Jonathan:  Okay, I love you, bye.

Wow.  So he'll be in Colorado until January 28 (at least).  Hopefully in that time the Visa clearance comes through. It should, since they approved him before the paperwork change, right??
Well, his real Christmas care package is already waiting for him in Australia - hopefully they'll hold onto it until he finally arrives.

Life is crazy.  I do believe that there is a specific reason why this happened.  There's a reason he's going to Colorado.  Maybe there's someone there that needs to meet him.  Maybe Australia isn't ready for that much awesomeness.  ;)  Only God knows why, and I'm already trusting his judgement so much - it's just time to put even more faith in His timing.

All I know is that I love my missionary whether he's in Provo, Colorado Springs, or Brisbane.  :)