It's hard to say what it is like from a child's perspective when your parents go on a mission. Unlike a parent, the worry of whether or not they can 'handle it' or if they will be OK does not concern you as much. Instead, you worry about whether or not your kids will know them, or if your life is adding stress to an already stressful mission. When my Dad was called as mission president to the Russia Novosibirsk mission, we all laughed and said "I told you so!" He got a little torqued! It was difficult at times to have them away, especially when Violet was born and I was recovering from my C-section without my Mom. Or when my anxiety flared up again and my sounding boards were halfway across the world taking care of other people's children. But I think the hardest and most rewarding thing is when you see those missionaries who LOVE your parents and you are a little jealous that you have to share them and yet happy because someone else gets a little piece of the goodness you were raised with. I was so lucky to be raised by goodly parents who instilled within me a testimony of the gospel. I was so proud to tell people my parents were serving a mission for the church. We missed them and wished they were with us but we knew the Lord was blessing our family because of their sacrifice. They gave extraordinary talks about their mission and what they learned. They gave light and hope to an otherwise hopeless country and saw people change through the power of the atonement. We are glad they are home! Thank you President and Sister Mickelsen for your example and for "Returning with honor!" We love you!!
The kids at 12:00 in the morning (due to Russian flight delays) happily greeting Mom and Dad!!!
My Dad hugging Allison!
My Mom holding Violet for the first time!
Mom and Dad talking to people at the luncheon
Some of the 30 or so missionaries who during sacrament meeting sang "Called to Serve" in Russian and brought everyone to tears!
We had a 'best-friend' reunion while working like dogs to feed the 150 or so people that came to church and the luncheon!
Hanging out at the luncheon!
Aleeya was OBSESSED with baby Violet!!! 
ps- We will be having another one of these in year and a half when my cousin Whitney or rather... Sister Morris returns from the Russia, Samara mission.
6 comments:
Fun Tricia...this makes me excited (and scared!) to think about my parents or GASP! maybe us serving a mission one day. I always love seeing all your cute pictures.
Welcome Home Mickelsens!!! It was so great to see your parents, and so awesome to see all the lives they have touched. And you're right, it's kind of hard to "share" your "parents". They have been such great examples and second parents to me. I am grateful they are a part of my life.
The "Called to Serve" was so amazing, I loved it! The talks were so uplifting, and there is nothing like creative events! It was a fun weekend!
Hooray for Witters! Can't wait for the big celebration when she gets home, does that mean party reunification in Boise?!
Nice Pictures Tricia and you are looking so HOT! it is fun to hang out with family!
That brings tears to my eyes. What an awesome family! I'll bet it's great to have them back home again.
The first part about your thoughts on your parents was so moving! I've never really thought about it like that I guess-- what a scarifice it is for everyone. The whole homecoming sounded really amazing. Sign me up for the lunch squad at Whitney's in a year and a half.:)
Yay! How exciting to have your mom and dad home again. Love the picture of your mom holding Violet for the first time. So sweet.
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