Overwhelmed

Last night Colin and I were messaging each other back and forth whilst he was at work, discussing the financial implications of Ryan serving a mission. He will have items he'll need to purchase to take with him, as well as a cost of around £6000 for his contribution towards costs.... that works out at around £250 per month. Both of our parents have said they would like to contribute towards Ryan's mission which is really touching and takes a little more pressure off us.... This morning I had a phone call off one of my sister's to say that her and her husband would like to help support Ryan. I was overcome with emotion - she no longer attends our church, so for me, this took my breath away. I can't deny that the financial side of serving a mission is going to be a challenge but I am so incredibly grateful to our wonderful family who have committed to help in some way - every little helps. As I shared the news with Ryan, I started to cry again! He gave me a hug and we talked for a while about the prospect of him going. I'm going to miss him terribly but am so proud of him!

It's becoming a reality

IT has been something we have talked about often throughout our married life but it is getting closer to being a reality..... The reality of one of our children serving a mission for our church, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. We recently had a new Bishop called in our ward (31st January 2016). For those of you not of our faith, this is the title we give to the ecclesiastical leader of our local church congregation. Adam Forsyth (and his family) only moved into Redditch at the end of last year. Since joining the ward he was quickly called to serve as the Young Men's President and had started to develop a relationship with Ryan (& Ethan). Last Sunday he met with Ryan to discuss his desire to serve a mission and start the application process.