Conference Bomb Shell

So, because of the race Saturday we missed the big announcement on Saturday. James was trying to listen on the radio, but couldn't hear much. He heard something about "missions" and "young women."

When we got home our son, Johnathan called to get our reaction. He filled us in, and I went to the living room. 

Me: Hey, James. What do you think about going on your mission NEXT YEAR?

James: What?

Me: What do you think about going on your mission next year?

James: WHAT?

I told him that he could go as soon as he graduated from high school. 

James looked like a deer caught in the headlights of an oncoming car. Too bad I didn't get a picture. 

I later watched that portion of conference, and it seems that's the common reaction from the boys. The girls on the other hand, were all smiles and excitement. 

I look back on my youth, and I really don't know if I would have been ready to serve at 19. I guess if that was the age I grew up with it would have been ok, but I look at where I was at that time and I don't think it would have worked for me. 

We assured James that it's up to him. He can choose when to go. It just seems so weird that we could have two missionaries out at the same time. If James goes at 18.5 (next October), Hannah will be 19 by the next August...and we're pretty sure she's planning to go. 

I'm pretty sure what Tom would have chosen. He had a similar choice during his mission. He had been in Australia 17 months and was given the choice to leave for home at 18 months. He stayed the whole 2 years. 

What's your reaction? 

Barber to Boise

Hannah and I

Timothy and Hannah

Here we are with Aunt Daryl. She's my inspiration and best supporter. She started running at the age of 50, and says it's the best thing she ever did. She flew to Boise to see us do this race.

Hannah finished next to last in her age group at 41:39, despite having pneumonia last weekend.

Tom finished the 10k race in 1:05:50. He was also next to last in his age group. 

My nightmare was that I'd be last of all the racers, people would have all gone home, and the workers at the finish line would be looking at their watches wondering if I'd ever show up. The closer I got to the finish line the better I felt. I was tired, really tired, but I could see the end coming. I kept telling myself that I was almost done and I could finish strong. 

It's really amazing how much energy you get from hearing people cheer and the loud music at the finish line. I had no intention of speeding up at the end. I felt I was drained and had done all I could, but as I crossed the start point I suddenly had more energy and started speeding up. I ran (not sprinting) the last 100 yards and crossed the finish line. 54.01 was my time. I took 3.5 minutes off Thursday's time. I was last in my age group and next to last overall in running. There were 3-4 walkers after me. So my nightmare didn't come true. 

More details on the other blog Rediscovering Me