Six Months In

On Sunday, March 19, Chase reached a pretty major milestone in his missionary service. He has been a missionary for six whole months - one quarter of the way through!

I feel such joy. He really seems to be thriving. 

When Chase was first out in the mission field, after his three weeks of missionary training, friends and family would ask us how he was doing. We really weren't sure how to answer. I mean, he was okay and didn't seem to be wanting to come home. But you know, missions are really hard. It takes a lot of adjusting. And you bump into yourself a little bit, emotionally, if that makes any sense. You get bugged or bummed about things that you didn't even realize would be a problem for you. So, naturally, Chase was not always thrilled. Some Mondays when we got to talk to him, he was on the grumpier side of the emotional roller coaster. However, he always had a positive story to tell and interesting experiences to share. And he never talked about coming home. So....he was good? 

We have been especially grateful for his companions. So far, including his MTC companion, he has had four. And they have been absolutely wonderful. His trainer especially seemed like an inspired choice. His second companion didn't feel like as much of a kindred spirit, but I know they really bonded as Chase had to turn to him for support as he felt pretty torn apart by his trainer leaving the area. And now Chase has also moved areas and is really loving this companion as well.

Not only is Chase thriving with his current companion, but he's thriving in general. I think he's gotten through those first few months when it feels like time isn't actually ever going to pass and you feel so out of your element. He has shared some extremely tender feelings with us about his growth and faith. And a couple of weeks ago he sent this message, which basically made my life:

 

I get to see his grinning face from time to time on facebook posts he puts out there. And we get to talk to him on Mondays. But the best part for me is reading his weekly emails. At first they were quite brief and were a little light on the proof reading. But that was only the first couple of notes. Since then it seems that he really tries to express his experiences, feelings and faith in these letters and I love reading them. We have had a few folks reach out to tell us how meaningful they are to them as well.

I still feel like he will never come home. But I can't deny that the first quarter of these two years has gone by faster than I expected. How have six months have already gone by? I'm incredibly grateful for the love and support we have all gotten, and that Chase is making his way on his own. 

My heart doth runneth over with joy.