Blake got to go to FSY last week. He wasn't super looking forward to it, he usually gets nervous before going places. Monday morning he was joking about just not getting on the bus. I later learned that FSY was for all of Canada, some of the kids flew in. I thought each province/area was holding one. Very thankful it was so close to us. Blake had kids from Saskatchewan and Manitoba in his company. But I'm getting ahead :) I got a picture of all the kids from our ward as they were setting out.
I had asked Blake to take just a few pictures and assured him that he would want some for memories. He was not down. He roomed with Avery and was across the hall from Jack and Joey. He later told us that he knew that God had definitely hand picked his group to be together. He loved every single one of them.
Blake had so much fun. He misses the kids in his company and said it was the strongest he has ever felt the spirit. He loved all the classes, didn't even mind the dances. Said he felt like they truly were all his brothers and sisters. Said his leader was the best ever. (Turns out Leah knows him, not a shocker)
He came home declaring he was a changed man and was feeling the love of Christ for every person. We had talked about his mission on the way to the bus Monday morning as we often do, but he sent a text during FSY and said he is so excited to go and share the gospel with everyone. And he had got a lot of pictures. Even kept a journal.
It was so neat to hear his stories and see his excitement, even though he was exhausted, when we picked him up. I am so glad he got the chance to go. Later Cora and Leah were talking to Blake about how they still refer back to their EFY journals and the experiences they had there for talks and Cora has used on it her mission. He had a blast and made wonderful friendships. One of the great things of social media is that he can keep in contact with them too.
Leah had planned to come down and switch back cars. I was very happy to switch as it is the only car with A/C and I wanted it back. Haha. Leah also wanted to go out on the boat. They brought Cora with them, which was a very fun surprise. We had lunch and then just hung out, Dave was out in field and Blake had gone up to the smash-up derby with a friend. When everyone got back we packed up our picnic and got the boat ready. Off to the lake we went. It was very windy and Dave was a little worried about going out on the lake. We said a prayer and it ended up being absolutely beautiful. Answer to prayer. Lot of tubing, waterskiing, wake boarding, swimming, and a great picnic on the boat.
And yes, in case you were all wondering, Blake did go waterskiing with his broken ankle. He skies so well I wasn't worried about him falling, crazy kid. He said it was just fine.
We stayed out until the sun went down and we had to turn the lights on on the boat. After church and a quick meal, the kids played a round of spikeball and then headed home. Cora started work very early in the morning.
Dave has had this picture on his desk for years. It is one of his favorite. I have been wanting to recreate it for a few months. When Cora came as well, I knew I had to do it now. I don't know when they will all be together again at the farm to do it. And it turned out pretty good.
September 2010
July 2022
I love it. My kids are such beautiful people, in their souls and outwardly. Blessed with the best.
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