Rick and I went to the Institute for his Seminary and
Institute inservice leaving the kids in charge of cleaning the house. We
listened to the broadcast and then had a nice lunch. Jase had called right
before the broadcast to say that his first flight was delayed and that he might
miss his second flight (which would put him 3 or 4 hours behind). Needless to
say we had a difficult time focusing on the broadcast since we knew we would be
seeing him soon! After the lunch we hurried home to pick up the kids. We were
wondering whether or not we should head to the airport when he called and said
that he had barely made it on the second flight and hurriedly borrowed
someone's phone to let us know. So we headed out to the airport!
Rick was
embarrassing us all by telling everyone to "practice" jumping up and
down while chanting "Jase, Jase, finish the race!" (It is an inside
joke.) When Jase was in intermediate school and participating in his school
triathlon the course went right by the Seminary building where Rick was
teaching. So Rick took his entire class outside to cheer him on chanting,
"Jase, Jase, win the race!!" Then years later Jase sang "
"I Can Go the Distance" for our family Disney CD and in the end of
the song Rick had all of the kids chant, "Jase, Jase, win the race!"
Anyway, Jared started jumping up and down which popped one of the balloons and
so he had to stop. Thus the goofy picture of him holding Josh's scribbled sign
with a popped balloon around his neck. He figured that Jase would appreciate
his humor.
It was
great to see Jase! We took some pictures and headed home. We still had an hour
or so before he was to be released and so for his last assignment Rick had
asked him to teach our family. He explained the three most important
things that he had learned on his mission. He was really humble and emotional
and it was a neat, spiritual experience for our family. We then went to
the Stake President's house for his release. Jase had an easy time adjusting to
being home. He even had a job interview set up for the day after he arrived
home! It has been wonderful having him home! We are grateful for the
dedicated service Jase gave on his mission and have seen numerous blessings as
a result. We love you, Jase!!!