Where in the World????

My parents received their much anticipated mission call this Saturday, for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. And imagine, if you will, what it was like for them to have received that envelope in the mailbox at approximately 10:00 A.M., and leave it sitting there for 8 HOURS, just staring at them, and begging them to open it. Why would they do such a silly thing?...because their very lives depended on it! Their eight children, and many of their grandchildren threatened them that they better not open it until we could all be present to witness it (4 of them were on speaker phone, 4 of us were standing with cameras and video cameras running). It was much better than Christmas morning!
Before the envelope was opened, we all guessed where in the world we thought they would be serving the Lord for 18 months. Guess who hit the nail on the head??? That would be yours truley! I said that they would be serving in the...(wait, I've skipped some parts of the story - I can't tell you yet where their going).
So back to the events. After everyone was ready, and the phones were all connected, they tore open the envelope (not carefully like they do Christmas paper). While my mom pulled out the papers, my dad sat with his hands over his face - not believing the step they are about to take. When they pulled out the paper and started to read, they both got looks of shock as they read the words from our Prophet of God, for them to serve in the Marshall Islands. I think most of us, in unison, said: "Where?" "Where is that?" (of course, I knew...because as I mentioned before...I had guessed it.) They will be living in and serving the people of the South Pacific Islands - where it's hot and humid. Where (according to the internet), there is LITTLE internet access, FEW phones, and even FEWER cell phones. For a family who call our parents at least once a week (some of us about once a day), this will be a HUGE adjustment. But I guess we've had them our whole lives, and we need to share them with the people of the Marshall Islands. Whom, I am sure, will love them as much as we do.
My parents, especially my dad, has waited for this day their whole adult lives. However, change is never easy when it comes right down to it. I saw lots of emotions in their expressions yesterday - a little bit of excitement, a lot of nervousness, TONS of questions, and even a little sadness for what they will be leaving behind. I will miss them so much, but I am SO EXCITED for them to get to have this new adventure together. They will be doing more service for their family back home, by serving the Lord, then they could ever do for us by sticking around home. I would love for them to stay home with us, BUT...the Lord will pour out His blessings to them, the people they serve, and to their family while they are away. I know this is true!
My only fear is that they will love it there, and the people there SO MUCH that they WON'T come home when their 18 months is done!

Their expression as they read the words: Marshall Islands They each have two phones up to their ears, talking to my siblings who couldn't be there.
It's just that 18 months never seemed so long! Ira and I always said that wherever they go, it better be a cool place to visit. So somehow, we are still determined to visit - it just could be a little trickier than if they went somewhere state-side. BUT Marshall Islands...here we come (maybe)! Any volunteers for babysitters???? haha