"That's your new suit."
Thanks Ems!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Monday, January 24, 2011
You've got mail!
It's time for celebration.... we got a letter! here are a few excerpts:
My first few days at the MTC has been quite the little adventure so far! I cannot believe how much we fit into our days. By the end of a day the only way I can remember everything I have done is by looking in my planner. The spirit here is incredible. It is amazing to be able to feel the spirit in everything you do. The holy ghost is essential to every single aspect of missionary work. Right now it's especially important to me as I try to learn Tagalog. The only way I will be able to learn Tagalog is with the help of the lord and the holy ghost. The first thing I did after I took all my things to my room was go to my first class. I heard about 10 words of English in the first hour. It was a little overwhelming to hear tagalog for 4 hours and not have any idea what was going on, but it's starting to get better. I can finally pray and bear my testimony without notes!
My companion's name is Elder Tomasi. He is from Tonga and is the only member of the church in his family. Before he converted to the church he was a boxer! He is still a pretty big guy. I love Elder Tomasi! He is one of the most sincere, nicest people I have ever met. His testimony is incredible. His primary language is Tongan so communication is sometimes difficult in english and tagalog but we are getting really good at our communication. I also belong to an awesome district and zone.
I will admit that during the first few days i have had many feelings of inadequacy (that's probablly spelled wrong... pasensya) and just being a little overwhelmed in all. I feel like most missionaries go through the same thing. The thought of learning a new language, of teaching real people and of being a representative of Christ hits you hard. Now I am starting to do better and to enjoy everything. Some things are still difficult but I feel very happy and blessed to have this opportunity.
This week I have seen Elder Clegg, Elder Child, Elder Seamons, Elder Winters, Elder Allen, Elder Green, Elder Mcgill (Joanna's Nephew), Elder Hamilton, Elder Green and others from school. It is so great to see everyone! They all look good and it just makes things go better.
My first few days at the MTC has been quite the little adventure so far! I cannot believe how much we fit into our days. By the end of a day the only way I can remember everything I have done is by looking in my planner. The spirit here is incredible. It is amazing to be able to feel the spirit in everything you do. The holy ghost is essential to every single aspect of missionary work. Right now it's especially important to me as I try to learn Tagalog. The only way I will be able to learn Tagalog is with the help of the lord and the holy ghost. The first thing I did after I took all my things to my room was go to my first class. I heard about 10 words of English in the first hour. It was a little overwhelming to hear tagalog for 4 hours and not have any idea what was going on, but it's starting to get better. I can finally pray and bear my testimony without notes!
My companion's name is Elder Tomasi. He is from Tonga and is the only member of the church in his family. Before he converted to the church he was a boxer! He is still a pretty big guy. I love Elder Tomasi! He is one of the most sincere, nicest people I have ever met. His testimony is incredible. His primary language is Tongan so communication is sometimes difficult in english and tagalog but we are getting really good at our communication. I also belong to an awesome district and zone.
I will admit that during the first few days i have had many feelings of inadequacy (that's probablly spelled wrong... pasensya) and just being a little overwhelmed in all. I feel like most missionaries go through the same thing. The thought of learning a new language, of teaching real people and of being a representative of Christ hits you hard. Now I am starting to do better and to enjoy everything. Some things are still difficult but I feel very happy and blessed to have this opportunity.
This week I have seen Elder Clegg, Elder Child, Elder Seamons, Elder Winters, Elder Allen, Elder Green, Elder Mcgill (Joanna's Nephew), Elder Hamilton, Elder Green and others from school. It is so great to see everyone! They all look good and it just makes things go better.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Why the Mustache?
When Joe left, he wrote a note to each child. To one of them, he said that every morning at Utah State, he drew a mustache on the mirror with a dry erase marker, looked at himself, and laughed. Joe says every day should start with a smile... so hats off to the mustache man!
The Big Day
January 19.... Finally. 
(this pic is playing Called to Serve, Joe on the right hand, me on the left)
Great day? Sad day? Wonderful day? Fulfilling day?
YES.
Perhaps the most accurate word to describe it: surreal.
Zipped up the suitcase, ate bagels, Father's Blessing, family prayer.
OFF! Southward we went.
Nate put together a quick slideshow for the car ride of family photos from the last year and half that the kids laughed at as we drove. When that was over, we started in on the BHS Acapella CD from last year's concert at Gardner Hall.
First stop? HIRES! Yum. Joe went for the Pastrami Big H.
Next stop? Provo Temple to take the last family snapshots.
(this pic is playing Called to Serve, Joe on the right hand, me on the left)Great day? Sad day? Wonderful day? Fulfilling day?
YES.
Perhaps the most accurate word to describe it: surreal.
Zipped up the suitcase, ate bagels, Father's Blessing, family prayer.
OFF! Southward we went.
Nate put together a quick slideshow for the car ride of family photos from the last year and half that the kids laughed at as we drove. When that was over, we started in on the BHS Acapella CD from last year's concert at Gardner Hall.
First stop? HIRES! Yum. Joe went for the Pastrami Big H.
Next stop? Provo Temple to take the last family snapshots.
The light entering into the MTC parking lot seemed to last forever, at least to Joe. He REALLY wanted to be on time. When we pulled in, many missionaries waved from the curbs with big smiles and warm dresscoats. What a welcome sight. The first person Joe recognized was his friend, Tyson Green. He was wearing a lovely yellow pinnie and was doing an incredible job directing traffic. "TYSON!" Joe yelled, and practically jumped out the window. Big waves, big smiles! 
Then I recognized someone... "Look! It's Helam!" Everyone looked out and noticed Elder Helam Hemuli, a fellow Bountiful Brave. We pulled up and Elder Heimuli gave Elder Joe a big hug and smile. Nate took out Joe's suitcase. We quickly snapped a photo with Elder Green (after another big hug) and with Elder Heimuli.
"Love you, son. Ayo ayo!" I whispered into his neck.
Nate gave him a big hug. Then he grabbed his bags and headed in. And that was it!
It was a long drive home. Jeffrey was cross. He yelled at everyone about wanting to play Robot Unicorn and wishing he didn't have to miss PE. Everyone else just tuned out, slept, or looked out the window.
That afternoon, we receive 5 Ben and Jerry's, two pies, and lots of love.
We can't wait to find out what kind of Joe had for the rest of the day! The mission officially has begun.
Then I recognized someone... "Look! It's Helam!" Everyone looked out and noticed Elder Helam Hemuli, a fellow Bountiful Brave. We pulled up and Elder Heimuli gave Elder Joe a big hug and smile. Nate took out Joe's suitcase. We quickly snapped a photo with Elder Green (after another big hug) and with Elder Heimuli.
"Love you, son. Ayo ayo!" I whispered into his neck.
Nate gave him a big hug. Then he grabbed his bags and headed in. And that was it!
It was a long drive home. Jeffrey was cross. He yelled at everyone about wanting to play Robot Unicorn and wishing he didn't have to miss PE. Everyone else just tuned out, slept, or looked out the window.
That afternoon, we receive 5 Ben and Jerry's, two pies, and lots of love.
We can't wait to find out what kind of Joe had for the rest of the day! The mission officially has begun.
Finally an Elder
President James Dester is an amazing man. We love having him in our home on occasion. He asked Grandpa Lowell, Grandpa Jeff, and Grandma Marge to share insights and testimony with Joe since both Grandpas served as Mission Presidents (Leishman: Philippines Bacolod 1988-91, Clayton: Missouri Independence 2000-2003), then set Joe apart as a full time missionary. Thank you, Grandparents, and thank you, President Dester! We love you!
Sacrament Meeting, anyone?
January 16 came more quickly than any of us anticipated. Sacrament Meeting started at 10:50 and our block ended at 12, so Joe was able to say goodbye to many fellow Aggies, Braves, family, and friends. Joe has been blessed by wonderful friends throughout his life. Thanks for the love and support!
More pics to come... I am new to the blogosphere and it is taking a minute to figure it all out!
More pics to come... I am new to the blogosphere and it is taking a minute to figure it all out!
Mission Shower.... not bath
The Leishman crew has a tradition of holding a shower for the outgoing missionaries. The missionary parents assemble a list of what is left to pick up before the MTC and the family divides it up and shares insights into missionary work. It is always a time of reflection, love, food, and laughs! Thank you to Aunt Kristel and the Afflecks for hosting and the whole fam for the fun and support!
Blue Lily
Of course with a Mission on the horizon, we had to have a final family photo. It rained most of the ride, but when we approached Provo, the sun cleared. Surprisingly, the kids had a RIOT (thanks Wendy and Tyler) and hope to have photos with Blue Lily again. These are the photos that will hold us over until the family is complete again in 2013.
Mission Call
Our resident Aggie, Joe rushed home from Logan on the last day of August to open the much awaited call. It was a BEAUTIFUL day! We were able to round up just a few friends and family to open.... talk abou
t EXCITEMENT!
Grandpa Lowell served as the Mission President in the Philippines Cebu Mission in 1988, and it was divided in 1989. At that point, they moved to Bacolod and presided there until 1991. Imagine his happy smile when Joe opened the call to find out he would be serving in the PHILIPPINES! Commencement: January 1
9.
Joe couldn't have been happier, can you tell by his expression? A shock! A thrill! Hugs, tears, pizza, what a day! Looking forward to exciting months of preparation
ahead...
We are pretty sure Grandma Connie had a wink and a smile of approval from heaven.
t EXCITEMENT!Grandpa Lowell served as the Mission President in the Philippines Cebu Mission in 1988, and it was divided in 1989. At that point, they moved to Bacolod and presided there until 1991. Imagine his happy smile when Joe opened the call to find out he would be serving in the PHILIPPINES! Commencement: January 1
9.Joe couldn't have been happier, can you tell by his expression? A shock! A thrill! Hugs, tears, pizza, what a day! Looking forward to exciting months of preparation
ahead...We are pretty sure Grandma Connie had a wink and a smile of approval from heaven.
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