This is a picture of Landon with his Albanian companion. Despite barely being able to converse, they are getting along really well and doing wonderful work out there. I couldn't be more proud.
The pictures and stories that Landon sends home to me are hilarious. One day, their bike got stolen and they had to chase down this kid that had taken it. There have been a lot of highly entertaining stories pertaining to learning the language as well.
It's so exciting being part of such an amazing experience even if it feels like I'm just on the sideline!
Now for my Note to other MG's
After a little while, you need to start living your life again. You can't shut yourself up forever. Finally, after about 3 months of Landon being gone, I accepted an invitation to go out on a date. At first, I felt like a cheat or something because in my mind, I didn't need to date at all while my missionary was gone. While that may be true, we need to be getting out and enjoying our lives. It's ok to go do things with new people. In fact, I'm pretty sure that is what you are supposed to do! Just know that this time of your life can and should be the best time. I was started to become something that I wasn't because I was afraid of having a social life without Landon. I was becoming somewhat of an anti-social shut in. DON\'T LET YOURSELF DO THAT! Now, I am out enjoying life to the fullest.
Another bit of information: dating others now will allow you to know whether your missionary really is the one for you. Choosing someone to spend the rest of your life with is a big decision - be sure you've made the right choice.
Bragging Time
Now to brag a little bit about my amazing fella. Ok, so my birthday was very recently.I figured Landon would try to do something for me (because he is such a sweetie), but I knew it would be hard for him because he's on the other side of the world. But, he made this birthday more special than anyone that I've ever had! First, he sent me a beautiful flower arrangement with a little help from his wonderful mother (thanks Lynne!). He also had sent me a little package that he didn't expect to make it to me in time for my birthday. In the package was a tape (if you haven't had a missionary out, you may not understand the excitement felt when receiving one of these), some Italian chocolate, and the beautiful yellow scarf that is in the picture of me. Yeah, I know. He is AMAZING. I'm not really sure what I've done to be so lucky. How is it going with me?
Things are going just swimmingly. I am not going to lie and say that I never cry because I miss Landon, but I don't nearly as often as I had expected. Honestly, I'm just too excited for him and the work that he is doing. I love to get his emails every Wednesday with pictures and funny stories. I had no idea how much joy I could find from that. I'm heading to BYU soon where time will definitely speed by. Only 4 months until I get to talk to him at Christmas!
