boody is back

Five weeks ago today my older brother, Hunter, returned home from his mission. He served a full-time two year mission in the California Roseville mission-right near sacramento. Its difficult to describe exactly how excited and thrilled we were to reunite and have the boody clan back together again! I don't think anyone was more psyched than my mom was. She started a countdown when he had 150 days left and got more & more anxious as the days started flying from 50 to 5. It was such an anticipated day for us because during these two years, we've only talked with him four times on the phone, on christmas & mother's day-in addition to the weekly e-mails and letters back and forth. We were able to meet two families that he got to know very well that visited the D.C. area, which was awesome. He could send stuff back with them & we were comforted knowing how well he was being looked after. I am so proud of my big bro. He's always been a wonderful example to me, but even more while he was in CA. I am so thankful that he could have so many excellent experiences and strengthened so many people. An amazing family that we know really well were so kind & were able to see him twice, and surprised him at his last Sacrament meeting as a missionary in California.

The day he returned, November 9th, we ran all over the place getting ready. Yellow ribbon on the trees, "welcome home" banner, balloons, ice cream cake, and posters made. In all of our rushing around, we got to the airport a tad late. On the way, his friend called and asked if we were close-they had been promptly waiting at the airport for half an hour. I wish we were better organized & had been waiting for him, but what do you expect with seven people dashing to get into our sunday best and being so excited? We finally arrived & saw his flight had landed, but no baggage claim had been assigned. We met up with the buds, Piero & Brian, and stood around idly while waiting for the other caravan to park. I double-checked the board with all the flights & noticed a baggage claim was assigned. Adrenaline rushed through my head while Grant, Rex, Mckay, and I ran to the claim. There standing with his luggage at the empty carousel was the much anticipated Hunter. I was quite confused. We were the ones who were supposed to be waiting, with the signs and balloons in hand, not the other way around. What happened was that his flight landed, the one time it would've been wonderful to arrive late. There at baggage, were Pierro & Brian to meet the missionary. "Hey guys, where's my family?" haha oops. Regardless, it was incredible seeing him! He looked taller, and his voice & even laugh seemed a bit different. I think the biggest shock to him was how big Grant was. He was only four when Hunter left and all of the sudden he's this big six year old boy who reads, writes, and says the most adorable things. Clark also really seemed older and is slightly taller. 

Straight from the airport, we headed to our stake center where we met with the Stake President. It was incredible hearing Hunter bear his testimony to us and to spiritually see how much he's grown. Afterwards, he officially got released from being a full-time suit-and-tie missionary. Once we got home, we marveled at his enormous tie collection & his super nice new Nikon camera. It was funny how we followed him around the house, curious as to where he was going & what he was bringing out to show us. We broke out the ice cream cake & enjoyed it with our Aunt, Uncle, and cousins that stopped by. Its like getting to know someone all over again, we talked and talked while looking through hundreds of photographs to select what ones to show at seminary the next morning. We got so caught up in everything that he didn't get to bed until 3:30am, wednesday. Just an hour and a half later, we all somehow woke up & headed to early-morning seminary where Hunter & another missionary talked about their experiences. He spoke first, with the California flag and posters from he previous night displayed. I listened intently as he described all the people he got to know & his favorite things about his mission, accompanied with pictures. Those first two days home were crazy busy.

On Sunday, after a few days to settle back home, he spoke in Sacrament meeting at church. It was similar to speaking at seminary, but in more depth. I cried with joy, but also loved when he was describing how much he loves his family and the appreciation for all the support and when he especially thanked my mom. He said, "mom, thanks for your letters each week, although some things I could care less about." During several of Clark & Rex's basketball games, she would report the score every few minutes and the points they would make. She is  one of the most supportive people I know & made good friends with the mailmen at the post office. Good friends & more of our extended family were able to come and welcome him home. 

It has been wonderful to have Hunter back home and the way that he brings us all together. He's helped us realize how much more we need to share responsibilities in keeping a family of eight sane & more organized. We've tried to help out with chores more and the phrase "step up" is echoed throughout the day. He's working like a mad man & loves exercising during his lunch break. His mission has made him a better brother, man, son, and future father. I am so grateful for missionaries and all the dedication, time, and love they put into their work.