Thursday, October 7, 2010

Family Reunion

Last Friday Dan and I went to my mission reunion. My mission president and his wife, the Petersons, are the most fantastic people you can imagine. They live in Virginia. And Switzerland. And Phoenix. And wherever they feel like it.

They are brilliant, educated, respected, and fancy. I mean really fancy. I remember at one time Sister Peterson asked me to bring her the chargers from the dining hutch. I said, "Sure." Then I came back sheepishly a second later, "What's a charger?" She said, "Its the big plate that is sitting on the table before your dinner plate is brought out to you at a dinner party." Oh. Right. The kind of dinner party that I had never been to. Later Sister Peterson confided that the first purchase she and her husband made after they were married was a crystal chandelier. They didn't have a sofa. Or a table. But man, the lighting at their place was good.


Besides being fancy, though, the Petersons are sweet, kind, faithful, and uplifting. After talking to them you feel like you're a million bucks and you can conquer the world. They hug you and dote on you and smile at you and laugh with you. They love you. And you can feel it!

No wonder, then, that some of the best memories I will ever have are when I was serving as a missionary under their care in Hungary. They are as dear to me as family. And in that missionary family I met the dearest sisters one could hope for. The sister missionaries.


From my first companions in the Missionary Training Center to my last companion in Debrecen, Hungary I met, served with, and loved some of the most hilarious and wonderful people in the world. I've never laughed so hard as I did with Sister Anderson and Sister Groberg. I never thought somebody was more witty than Sister Rose. I'd never seen talent and confidence like Sister Tilliman-Dick had. I'd never wanted to put somebody in my pocket and keep them with me for the rest of my life like Sister Squire. I could go on all day. Sister Mackey's poetry! Sister Jory's hard work. Sister Mihlfeith's joy and spunk. Sister Mic-Podar's deep care for people. Sister Smith's cinnamon rolls (so. darn. good.) and fearlessness in teaching the gospel.

These missionary sisters were my sisters. And I love them so. Which is why when Sister Anderson planned a sister missionary sleepover after the mission reunion I was beyond thrilled. We stayed up all night long talking and laughing and remembering and laughing some more. We talked about our lives, we gave each other advice. We lifted each other and encouraged each other just like we had done when we met 8 years ago.  When I rejoined my little family the next day after being surrounded by my best friends I felt refreshed, supported, a little tired, and happy.

I love my sisters.

7 comments:

Jennifer said...

Oh, Megan I am deeply happy for you! I just know exactly what you are talking about, and I am truly happy for all those blessings you have standing around you in these pictures. What a magnificent thing to have and to belong to.

P.S. I didn't know what a charger was until about 8 years ago. It was at a baby shower, and the lady throwing it (who was younger than I!!) said, "Could you put the chargers on the table?" and the rest of the story you know because it's just like yours. And, by the way, now I actually own two sets of chargers.

Pam Williams said...

It's great that you have such wonderful memories and friendships. In some cases, I was close to companions while we were together but I never really got into post-mission relationships - I guess we just didn't have enough in common.

Jenae said...

Ah yes, the education of the charger! I remember that same moment when I learned it at the same time. Looks and sounds like the reunion was a blast, so sad I missed it! I love the way you summed up how the Petersons make us all feel- Awesome!

Cheeseboy said...

Good times. What a great group you've got there.

I loved my mission memories too. And then I started having nightmares that I have slept in and the APs are at the door. I had one last night. I am 35 years old.

Still fond memories though.

Andee said...

How wonderful!!! There's nothing better than sisters to help each other and make you feel good! And it doesn't matter if their "family" or not!

Dan and Emalee said...

Thanks meg that is so nice of you to say! Im so sad I missed that but thanks for blogging it!!!!!!!!

K said...

Beautiful women who gave so much time to their brothers and sisters in the world. Yes. I am sure you do love your sisters - they are very much like you.

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