This evening, after church and dinner
(cold cereal...we're still not sufficiently eating
from the kitchen quite yet), we drove to Apex,
where President Bingham
(also, my second cousin, who we call "CB"),
visited with Jane and our family
before he set her apart as a full-time missionary.
On the drive, we witnessed the most beautiful rainbow, which stayed
vibrant and curled its way over the temple when we pulled into the parking lot.
It was a sign. A sign from God that let me know that this is all good.
All of it; the heartache, tears, and sacrifices.
I felt so much better.
I felt at peace.
I told Jane that every time I see a rainbow, I will think about her,
and I'll probably cry.
(Remember Claire's sign was a heron?)
We met CB near the temple and walked around the grounds,
talking and enjoying the evening before
heading inside to meet in his office.
We gathered around the room, offering Jane our most heartfelt and inspired advice.
Gig encouraged her to speak up with everyone.
(Good advice from a teenager).
I urged her to look people in the eyes and recognize the
light they bring when she engages with them.
Christian said she should connect with the people through music, and
through her tears, Lottie suggested: "to be happy and let go of any fear."
which is pretty wise coming from a 10-year-old.
Oliver told Jane to teach from The Book of Mormon and use the power
of its teachings. (He will be such a dynamite missionary, too!).
Claire gave Jane the best advice, having JUST come home from her mission;
she said to trust in the Holy Ghost.
She explained that so many times, she was stumped about what to
do, where to go, and what to say, but learning to rely on
on the Holy Ghost gave her the confidence to move forward daily.
We all cried and laughed and then felt humbled as our Jane
turned into SISTER NIELSON right before our eyes.
She put her black tag on her chest, and just like that, her 547-day
mission began.
We drove home, made a treat from the super scarce panty
(still working it up since moving), then went on the porch to watch
the boys light off fireworks to celebrate Jane.
I love my family!
