Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Busy, busy!

Sometimes I feel like a cog in the workings of life, just going around and around. Always moving, always doing, always thinking. Making lists, scratching off the completed tasks one by one. Sometimes it feels like mindless meaningless tasks while others seem overwhelming and out of reach. Can anyone relate??? Well, I am happy to report that one of the things on my list is completed. It was one of the huge, monumental tasks that has overwhelmed me for the last 2 months. Mark is ready to go. We sent in his paper work yesterday with all of the visa permits, entry permits, shot records, passport photos, notarized copies and several other things. And it will even make it there 2 weeks before the required date. (yes, I am proud of myself for that!) We have a few last minute things to pick up before he actually leaves, but for all intents and purposes, he's ready. Am I ready, you ask?? No. I don't think a mother can ever be ready to watch her son leave and know she will not see him for 2 years. And send him to a third world country, no less. However, he is excited and it is something that he wants to do. How can I stand in his way? I will take comfort in the fact that many other missionaries have left and returned--and have been better for it. I have been told that the time goes by fast--I am counting on it.

10 comments:

Julie said...

Congrats on getting Mark ready to go. The task sounds very over-whelming!! Relax and sew!! Have a great day. Julie

QuiltedSimple said...

Congrats on getting over a big hurdle. And yes, I feel like I'm on the wheel in the hamster cage continuously!
Kris

Linda ★ Parker's General said...

My prayers are with Mark.

Gettysburg Homestead said...

Hugs MOM!!!!! Two weeks before the date... I can't seem to remember to get things in until the day they are due. LOL. Let's spell this P-R-O-C-R-A-S-T-I-N-A-T-O-R. That's me.

Jo-Anne God will take care of him while he is gone. You raised him to trust in God right??? Now it's your turn to trust God more than ever. He will return Mark to you a stronger more faith driven man.

Mary

Linda - Behind My Red Door said...

Sending a kid to college sounds easy compared to this Jo-anne. Congrats for getting it all done. I can't pretend to know how it will feel to see him off come December. I can only send my support through cyber space and keep you in my prayers! hugs, Linda

Anonymous said...

Dear JoAnne,
I know it seems like you are having an out of body (heart) experience watching Mark get ready for his mission and knowing that you won't see him for 2 years, but I want you to know that the Lord comforts the mother and dad just as much as he blesses the son.
One day, after Tim left, was very hard, he was homesick, and I missed him so much I thought my heart would break, and so I turned to the scriptures and read that the Lord would walk with his servants, and from that day forward I never worried, for I knew that the Lord and his angels were his literal companions and how could I ask for more than that?
I missed Tim very much, but I took comfort knowing that he was being blessed, growing spiritually day by day and that he would come back with blessings that would last his entire life.
It will be that way too, for Mark.
Take comfort in the fact that as much as you love him, Heavenly Father loves him even more and is aware of his every need and will be near him in every moment.
You will be amazed at how many times your family will be protected and blessed while he is away serving.
We send our love and prayers.
Pennee

Tammy ~ Country Girl at Home ~ said...

Jo-Anne,

My heart did a little flip flop reading your post about Mark leaving for 2 years! I know you're exciting, but yet as a mom...it's hard too! Sounds like he's got a great mom...getting everything ready for him like that!

Blessings,
Tammy

familywithfivekids said...

Good for you to have everything done! WHEW! YOU are AWESOME!

Nicole said...

My heart is seriouly aching for you. Although it's what you want as a mother, but wow the thought of sending my sons away for two years is a lot to handle. I sent my hubby on his mission and I still have dreams that he tells me he has to go on another one. I'm definitely thinking of you and I know your family will be blessed.

Something Nice and Pretty said...

Here's a big hug...and I cried when Michale went to Maryland! I can at least identify with you on that.
Keep posting and let us know how everything goes:0
Rondell