Sunday, August 1, 2010

Grandma's Legacy

On our recent vacation to Twin Lakes, Washington we had the chance to have family night with Nick's Dad's side of the family.  There were 64 family members there and at least 25 more that weren't able to make it this year.  It was quite a group (click for a larger picture).
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It was a great time to gather together as one huge family and remember how God has blessed us.  The highlight of the night was my grandmother, Joan, sharing her experience of how she came to meet my grandfather, join the LDS church, and learn for herself that God knows and loves her personally.
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It was a beautiful witness of what she knows to be true

Close to 60 years ago she enrolled at the University of Idaho. She had grown up on a small family farm outside of Moscow, Idaho and didn't really know anyone at the University when she arrived. She eventually made friends with a group of young people that were members of the LDS church, including a young man named Bill. Sixty years later he's not so young anymore, but they are still an item.
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I don't think she had any idea back then where her choices would lead, but 60 years later she has 9 children, 50 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and a slew of children- and grandchildren-in-law.  Because of her choices her posterity have served missions on 5 continents, earned 36 college degrees, and served as bishops for over 19 years.  They speak 6 languages, play 11 instruments, and live in 12 states.  In short, Grandma has had a profound impact on the world that grows every year.

Thank you Grandma for making it all possible.

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