Returning from Italy

In a few months I will be returning from Italy, but for now, it is Brooke who is returning from her semester abroad in the beautiful country of Italy.







Brooke left the first week of September for an experience in Italy not soon to be forgotten. She won her airfare in a drawing at BYU. We know that it was a blessing from the Lord and that she was supposed to go on a semester abroad program. It was a long wait until she actually got to take advantage of this blessing, 11 months to be exact! Life is good! Brooke had some wonderful experiences and made friends with other students on her program. Experiences and friendships that will be remembered for years to come.

After three months in Italy, she returned on December 2. We had only been home from our Thanksgiving vacation about 3 days when we picked her up from the airport in Spokane. It was a great day. She was home for about one week, when she walked into the bedroom, and said ,"Mom, can I talk to you?" She then said "I'm going on a mission!" O course, that caused a few unexpected tears in my eyes that morning. It had been something that she had mentioned several times in high school, and college, but I guess that it had been on her mind now and again in Italy. What a great decision! The next day, we started to get things in order by getting the physical, dental, and bishop and stake president interview taken care of. All in about 4 days! We were thinking maybe a mission call in March or so. The call came January 7, and Brooke was called to to the Melburne, Australia Mission, June 22!! Another long wait, 6 1/2 months to be exact. More wonderful blessings and experiences to remember a lifetime! For now there are all kind of things to talk about and to anticipate. The Lord truly guides our lives.