Mission Memories

Sunday night we went to a youth devotional for the stake. Our reason for going was that Inoke Funaki was going to be one of the speakers, Elder Funaki from my mission. It was so much fun to see him again. He did a great job speaking and we met his fiance. What a great night.

A day at the beach

We took Saturday off. Nate has gotten pretty ahead of work on the house so we went to the beach for a break. It was a beautiful day. We played in the water for a little bit, relaxed, built a sandcastle, and had lesson number two in watercolor painting. It was so nice to have a day off like that. Nate is such a brilliant painter. I'm learning that I am not but I'm having a lot of fun learning more about something he loves so much. It's helping me appreciate what he does so much more.

It's Sunday and Church was wonderful. But I can't help but get a bit home sick. I love you all back home and miss you. We called the Stouts and it was nice hearing how everything is going. Because of this home sick feeling Nate and I have compiled a list meant especially for Papa Stout...


REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD COME VISIT:

1. It would be heaven to see our family in Paradise.

2. Baby Stout misses you.

3. You could take a free guided art tour of artwork done by the locals.
4. We could build sand castles together.

5. We now know all the best snorkel/scuba spots. (oh and if your into it Stickson go's (spear fishing at night with his friends, that's right up your alley)

6. Because every now and then it feels so good to scratch those mosquito bites.

7. How wouldn't want a guided tour of the PCC in German.

8. It's Hawaii, what a memory?! Also, we know where all the good eats are.

9. Be closer to your grandchild.

10. and finally..... because we love you!

Okay okay, we understand if you can't come. We'll still love you either way.

My Dad the Super Elder!

Here are some pictures we took today. First this is Reena the Mom, and the Baby of the family Carolin. Next this is Eric. He's one of the sons living at the house. The other Landric is sick so he was in bed all day.

This is Nate, Stickson, and Reena hard at work. Not I am not hard at work.

And this is the house. Which Stickson calls his castle. He says the Lord promises everyone one for being righteous. He just got his early.

I know that's a weird thing to title this blog but we just had a wonderful dinner with the Diapolous Family where we "talked story". That's how they say we told stories about our lives. Stickson always talks about my Dad or Alan or Elder Winter. You see when Dad was on his mission he became close friends with Stickson. And Stickson tells with tear filled eyes how grateful he is for what my Dad did. It's so cool to here these stories from Sickson's point of view. I've grown up with these stories of a mission being filled with love, the Gospel of Christ, and tropical islands and people. I love getting to see almost thirty years later what kind of an impact one missionary can make. It's no wonder why I wanted to serve the Lord. Thanks Dad for being so faithful and changing the lives of so many. Me included.

Aloha!!

Hello from Oahu. Nate and I made it in last night. And Stickson, Reena, and Stickson's brother were here to meet us. The plane ride wasn't bad at all. After making it to Portland we asked the lady at the desk if there was any way I could be placed near a bathroom for the long flight to Hawaii. You know, just in case. Nate and I weren't even sat next to each other so I thought maybe one seat could be switched. She explained that the flight was full and that she was just trying to make it so that parents could be near children. I was fine with that, but just ten minutes later she called me and Nate up and told us she gave our seats to a family and she was bumping us up to first class. Yahaa! It was such a nice thing to have Nate with me and to be near a restroom but I'm not going to complain about the pampering, leg room, and warm hand toweletts too. Thank you all for your prayers. I've really needed them. I was so scared to leave home again. But the flights went well and Stickson's family is so open and welcoming and loving I feel like I have a little bit of family here too. Stickson is so funny we just laugh all day long. Nate and I have been so blessed this summer. I'm always amazed at how much the Lord is willing and ready to give us when we will be humble enough to ask. Thanks again. We love you all.

p.s. I'll get pictures up soon of the house and the family we are staying with. I just don't know how to do it. So we have to wait untill Nate get's back.

For those that do not know: We are having a baby!!!

This is a picture of our new little baby Stout. We are so excited to be parents. It's been a sick few weeks for me (Aubrey) but after finally going to the Doctor and seeing baby Stout move and hearing it's heartbeat I feel like it's all worth it. We are getting to the end of the first trimester. Wow that went fast. We'll see how fast the rest of this adventure will go.

What a crazy trip!

Well, we're back in Utah. Our month of installing security systems culminated with the closure of the office we were working at and another road trip. We came out more or less even (after four weeks of savings account draining) with a check that was waiting for us at home. We're glad to be back home for the time being but in a few weeks we are going to Hawaii to spend the rest of the summer working on remodeling a house on Oahu. It should be a great job to have and fulfilling to get done. We are home now and celebrated by throwing a space party that involved both of us making space helmets. Georgia was filled with some fun and hard times but we've learned that there's no place like home.