Tuesday, April 1, 2008

my parents

Most people love their parents, right? What isn't to love about 2 people who give you life, and then sacrifice their life to teach you, love you, care for and nurture you?

Well, I LOVE my parents. I always have. I think they are amazing. I admire them for raising a large (8 kids!) family in California where people thought they were crazy. They sacrificed infinitely to teach me the importance of education, family, church, health, art, music, etc. They literally gave me every opportunity to grow and develop, to learn about my interests, to serve, and generally to become a better person. Whatever things I accomplish in my life, I have my parents to thank.


A little over one year ago, they were called in to see President Monson, then the first counselor of the First Presidency of the LDS Church. Because of previous interviews, they pretty much knew why they were there; they were going to be called to serve as a mission president. But can you imagine how their jaw dropped when President Monson said "you are called to serve in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa Mission."

If you know my parents, you know that they have spent a majority of their lives working people of prestige and money. My dad was a partner at one of the largest accounting firms and then spent years at BYU where he built the entrepreneurial program. In both capacities, he has sought out and worked with many people of importance. My mother has been right by his side in all respects, and often threw grand parties for those important guests. They did it all with style and grace.

Now they spend their days with the poorest of the poor. They work and labor with about 100 young African missionaries to find and teach the people who are seeking the gospel truth. They travel hundreds of miles every month to Cameroon, the Republic of Congo, and to the heart of the African jungle. They bring along their camp stove, freeze dried meals, mosquito nets, and spend their days teaching, interviewing, and mostly loving the African people. Sometimes the road is rough....



...but I don't think they'd change their experiences for anything. They love the African people. They love the gospel. They want their missionaries to succeed. They trust them. They are there for them. They mentioned the other day that the work was growing and growing. They feel like they're having an explosion. Can you imagine why? I know why.

It's because they are TOTALLY AMAZING. I am so so so proud of them. Thank you, dad and mom, for being such a tremendous example to me, and to everyone.





You can read more about their adventures here.

10 comments:

Sharalea said...

Your parents ARE awesome. I have only met them once, but I check out their blog often & am always touched by their spirit of service & love. What a sweet tribute you have to them here, and a legacy to pass onto your children!

darcie said...

Hi Heidi! I wanted to say that I think your parents are awesome, too! I am loving reading about their mission in the Congo. They are doing amazing work there in Africa and our prayers are with them everyday!

They really are such an example to everyone that they come in contact with! I have always loved seeing your family at family reunions and think that you are all the greatest!

Love,
Darcie

Ryan and Hailee said...

That is so amazing, I had no idea they were gone!!! What an experience for them!!! I also love your parents, and wish them the best out there.

Sarah Johnson said...

I just read your parents whole blog--once you start, you can't stop! It brought back many memories for me of Africa and how wonderful and humble the people are. Your parents truly are an inspiration!

Amy Jorgensen said...

Hey Heidi--
So you're blog entry is way cooler than mine about Mom and Dad...I echo your sentiments exactly. Aren't we the luckiest kids in the world? I miss Mom and Dad sooo much. I can't wait for them to get back, but I don't see them hanging around for long. I think they have caught the mission bug...dang!

austinamasandra said...

Your parents are AMAZING!!!

the wrath of khandrea said...

hey i noticed your name on hillary's blog, and saw the "zinha" at the end.
i served a mission in cape verde, and i was curious if you had a portuguese connection...

so then i noticed the link on your sidebar to a cape verdian. so... maybe we should compare some notes!

meagan said...

You have a great family- what neat experiences, and great examples.

chloe said...

http://lauracpowell.blogspot.com/2008/04/stadium-of-fire-tickets.html">She may still have the four she purchased to scalp. Last night she was asking $100 for them, I don't know if that's gone up now.

Kris and Kally said...

This almost made me cry! In fact, my eyes have welled up a bit. This world really is full of goodness...you just have to know where to look for it