Social Distancing On The Jersey Shore.

It's not hard to practice social distancing while at the beach and in our first week of being quarantined in the house decided to venture out to the shore to take in the sound of the waves and let the kids run around. The water was still cold so we kept our shoes on but when we left our hair felt salty and beachy. There weren't too many people on the beach but plenty of people were running on the boardwalk. We pretty much kept to ourselves and walked straight to the sandy beach and for about half an hour relaxed and took in all the sounds that the shore entails and even appreciated those seabirds in the sky. 

The Only Missionary Who Was Waiting At The Curb At Newark Airport.

I know this is old news but I wanted to express how thankful I am that Lexie arrived home safe and sound last week. Even though she was rushed to leave the country from Mexico City it was nice knowing that she wasn't among the 1600 plus missionaries who arrived in Utah. I also count my blessings for not living in Utah (lived there experienced that) and that she and her companions were the only missionaries at LAX to switch planes and that she was the only missionary at the Newark airport to pick up! After reading this article on how sooooooooo many families in Salt Lake City were NOT waiting at the curb for their missionary but instead were allllllllll NOT practicing social distancing blew my mind! It didn't surprise me with that many missionary families did not follow protocol. I get that families were excited to greet and have their missionary home, and maybe they feel invincible from this virus but they really should have practiced caution. I only hope that none of those missionaries or their families got infected because of NOT social distancing and minding protocol. 

Lexie Lately: Home From The MTC For A Two Week Quarantine.

I knew sooner or later that Lexie was either going to come home to be quarantined for awhile or go straight to the mission field once it was announced that all U.S. citizens must leave the country. So when Lexie phoned me this past Sunday to let me know what was happening and how quickly she was leaving was excited, confused and sad for her at the same time. Excited because after four weeks of being away on her mission I was going to see her again, confused because I wondered why she was coming back to Jersey where there are more cases of covid19 here than in Mexico City or Arizona, and sad for her because she was truly going to miss learning with her mission peeps whom she grew to love at the MTC. I could literally hear the tears over the phone as she was sharing her beautiful testimony of her love for God, and friendship. 

This Is Spring In 2020.

It's times like these where I know that the Lord is our guide and His word is true and all we need to do is have no fear and just be kind to everyone and love each other and not let the stresses of this particular virus take over our lives. I have found myself stressed out on some days which is very rare but it's human nature to be stressed out from time to time. Not a good thing, but The Lord is in charge for us who believe in Him and know that we can get through this together. Families are bonding even more like never before (let's hope), virtual activities are becoming more popular. Virtual reading with teachers are a daily thing, and on the days that are sunny with blue skies with trees that have branches blossoming into pink beautiful flowers is a reminder to me from the Divine above saying that things will be ok. That the new norm of dancing indoors won't last too long. That being cooped up in the house won't last long. That the shelves in the store won't always be empty. That my kids will soon be able to play outside with their friends. That we will be able to attend church again and fellowship with our church family. That we can gather inside a restaurant without the fear of getting sick. And that all will be well. All will be well. 

Happy First Day of Spring everyone! More pics below...

Lexie Lately In Mexico City MTC - Week Three.

"Although hearing the news about everything back at home and some missions being closed blows my mind. It's insane how things are happening but I know that we will all be okay and just have trust in the Lord. It's crazy so many of the devotionals that we've been having, I feel like they are meant for me. And it's comforting to know that we have an older brother always looking out for us." 

That was a snippet from Hermana Jorgensen's email today. It just brings me peace knowing that she is safe surrounded by others who are there for the same reason. To study and to know God more. To spiritually grow. To have a refuge of peace and love. And because of her faiths knows "what will be will be." Things are not too bad where she is at compared to here in Jersey, but because of the fact that I know our Father in Heaven is looking down on us I know that we will be ok. We cannot let fear take over our life and allow the chaos to make us forget all about humanity and what the purpose of life really is. The smile on her face in all these photos are all too real and it just shows me that she is loving the missionary training center even though there is a lot to learn! And she is blessed to have these eight other people in her life! 

Lexie Lately In Mexico City MTC- Week Two.

With everything that’s going on in the world with the Coronavirus having a missionary in the field is my solace and a blessing. Video chatting with mi hermanita & receiving these photos of the one place that brings her and I peace totally made my day. Although there were a few missionaries who were puking and had explosive diarrhea she was one of the few who didn't get sick. They are all doing better now and some of them were able to go to the temple. She's doing well, and I am just so glad she made it to Mexico City in time before all the closures.

The Little Red Lighthouse.

Nestled along the Hudson River and under the George Washington bridge sits a little Red lighthouse. It is one of the smallest lighthouses that I have ever seen. I have heard about this lighthouse from fellow New Yorkers including this book and have been wanting to see it forever. So last month before Lexie left on her mission decided to go and check it out! Since we drive into the city we parked nearby, and there is a pedestrian bridge where you can walk across and it was only a 15 minute hike. There is a tunnel and a bike trail that leads you straight to the lighthouse.  

Lexie Lately At The MTC In Mexico City!

Surprise video chat call from Lexie happened last Saturday due to arriving midweek & not having a p-day (for those who don’t know what a p-day is it’s a preparation day which is a free day for missionaries where they do their laundry, errands, clean apartment, write letters and call family only) Not only is she enjoying the beautiful weather while hearing the constant sounds of colorful birds chirping she’s super excited to learn and grow with The Lord. She knows what her purpose is as a missionary & what she needs to do. And even though there is a lot to study she finds joy in the work. The Spanish Language is coming pretty easy for her. It is amazing how in the three days she has been there she has spoken more Spanish than ever before! She's in a trio companionship and lucky for her they are all going to serve in Tempe too! I am truly happy for her and as we spoke with her we saw the glow of joy on her face just as you see in these photos. Video chatting with her was the best and I’m so glad I’ll be able to do that each week until she comes home!