Decisions, Decisons, 21 of Them

 This is a place we've really come to know over the last two years.  This place is where a broken heart comes to heal.  Our Stake President, President Talley lives here.  He has such a beautiful love of the Savior.  He looks to the heart of a big trial and does his best to emulate the Savior and how He would behave if He were the one counseling my son.

 Two mission attempts in the past two years, two trips home; one before he got started and one, eight months after he served.  President Talley takes the time to meet with my son every 6 weeks.  A transfer in missionary language.

 Kota goes here to heal, to learn, to grow.  He comes out loved, filled with hope, and goals for the next six weeks.  Six weeks ago, he went in not sure if he was going to return to his mission.  He thought maybe, 8 months was enough, and now with the 21st birthday looming, that he might just stay home and begin the quest of finding a temple marriage.  Kyle and I were hoping that he might change his mind, but the thought of him staying and starting a good adult life, was also a noble choice.  Instead of referring to our knowledge and hopes, our council to Kota was to do what he thought would be the Lord's will.  That whatever that was for him would be okay.

Sunday, before traveling up to President Talley's house, Kyle had a temple recommend interview.  When done, he came and got Kota and me from class.  Brother Jeffery one of the counselors in the bishopric told my son, that he wanted him to know that if he chose to stay and start a family that he would support and love him for that decision.  But, if he chose to go back on the mission he would still love him, but he (Kota) would be his hero.  At that point, with a Spirit-filled room, Kota told all of us, that he just told bishop that he was going back.  He had a mission to finish.  The spirit told him a week ago that it was time to go back.

Tender mercies!  How lucky are we to have such amazing examples of Christ-like behaviors in our life. 

 As part of our ward mission callings we've been rallying the YSA (young single adults) to have some local fun activities, as stake activities are 1 hour away 4 days a week and they can't make all those trips.  We had a Harry Potter Night.  Elyse volunteered for snacks and did an excellent job.

 The missionaries came for the beginning, pre-movie part, plus we fed them dinner.  They left us with a spiritual thought.  Then we got started.

 Thanks Elyse and Dakota for getting us organized.  Dakota turns 21 this Friday.  So this was in honor of him.

 Most people his age, would celebrate by getting drunk.  He just hung with his friends, watched Harry Potter.

 ...and maybe had a butter beer, or two.  (Crème Soda, with butter flavoring, whipped crème and marshmallow topping).  You know, like they drink in Harry Potter at Hogsmead?

Today, we put Kota on a plane to visit with his grandparents the next month in Minnesota.  His Christmas/Birthday present to spend a month with family to help the time pass before returning to the mission really paid off.  He turns 21 tomorrow.  So many possibilities with the decisions that he has made.  Can't wait to watch them unfold.