Adios Elder Chinigan

My cousin Connor has been called to serve a Spanish speaking mission for the LDS church in Eugene, Oregon. He reported to the MTC on April 13th. My Aunty Sharon posted his departure photos online and I cried the whole way through them!

Connor and I grew up a decade and a universe apart... But when it comes to our family, time and space are futile concepts... In April of 2005 I spent 4 weeks living/holidaying with his family and I like to think that Connor and i formed a special bond of friendship and love in that time. This trip coincided with a time in my life that holds a great deal of meaning and emotion for me, (for reasons i will not get into now) needless to say I LOVED my time with the Scarletts!

When I first met Connor he was a mischievous 13 yr old boy, and despite the fact that I was a mischievous 22 yr old young adult, we found the same things funny and shared common interests. See proof here:

{snow ball fights}

 {sight seeing and snuggling}

[I wish Sharry was in this picture]

 {wrestling}

{more wrestling}

 {even more wrestling}

{chinigans}

 

{more chinigans}

{even more chinigans}

 

It's been 6 years since we last spent anytime time together and a lot of growing occurs in that kind of time-

Growing physically

Growing spiritually

Growing experiences

Growing dreams & goals 

Growing up in general...

And yet no matter the time that goes by I do not feel that there has been any growing apart... It's been so great to connect with family via blogs, fb, etc... and to see Connor grow into the man he is becoming.

Now that I have a son I am ever grateful for the examples of good men in my family! Men that my boy can look to in times of doubt, hardship, and joy and feel uplifted by their examples. It is my hope that Reeve will one day recognize their willingness to serve and remain faithful to our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, and these examples may strengthen his own resolve to do the same. So... Thanks Connor, for placing your name on that list! I love you and I've been saving up my chinagins for when we meet again :) May the Lord bless you and your family as you serve His children and keep you safe in His keep until your work is done...

GB xxx