Three of the young sisters from the Church came by the apartment this evening for their English lesson. Two of them are actually studying for the TOEFL examination in hopes of going to a US university. They sang happy birthday in both Shqip and English and brought along a wonderfully delicious cake.  It is so easy to love these people.

This quote was found by Mom and I as we were cleaning the apartment this past week. It now hangs on the living room wall. We both realize that being apart from our family is hard on both ends. Grandparents really love and miss their children and grandchildren. Children and grandchildren also miss Grammy and GP (aka Papa).  But there is something more important going on here.  To be of service to mankind is very important. It is our heritage to do all that we can to allow the Gospel of Jesus Christ to be preached in all the world. One birthday is now over, it is but a small moment. Mom got me a tie and except for missing all of you, I could not be happier. 

If you can't read the quote, here it is:

"What is the best way to teach our children and grandchildren---light and truth?  What is the most important way to set our families , both immediate and extended, in order? Is it possible in spiritual matters our example speaks louder than our words?  Temple marriage, family prayer, scripture study, and family home evening are all vitally important. But there is another dimension---the dimension of service.  If we are willing to leave our loved ones for service in the mission field, we will bless them with a heritage that will teach and inspire them for generations to come."  Robert D. Hales, Ensign, May 2001.

In so many ways, I'm just trying to follow our ancestors' examples and the heritage they left us. Be it James Wright Shupe and Sarah responding to Brigham Young's call for 500 men to join the US Army and march to California in 1848 or John Melvin Dalton leaving wife and children twice to serve missions, the last time for 2 years in Ireland and Whales, their sacrifice was much greater than mine. Heck, I've got modern communications, phone and "Skype."  

I love you all, dad