My Boy Will Be Home This Year

In December, we marked the one-year mark since Kamiko left for his mission in Chile. Paperwork indicates he'll be home before Thanksgiving. He's working hard and making good friends. I'm so happy he's serving. I think he is, too. When he left, a bunch of boys his age left at the same time. He has mentioned that some have come home already and he's glad he's sticking it out. He's helping others and becoming a better person himself. I love this kid and look forward to his return to the nest. I'm sure it will be temporary, but I'll take what I can get.

The following, written home this week, illustrates why I love this kid and how he's changing:

"SET YOUR NEW YEARS GOALS AND WRITE THEM DOWN!!! hahahahah if i had a dollar for every time i've started doing something that my dad has always told me to do during my mission i swear i'd have millions of dollars...i'm starting to realize that maybe we should listen to our parents hahahaha, like i feel so dumb for never realizing that before, but our parents always know what's best for us :)."

At baptism of youth he had taught with Elder Porter

Christmas present...a ukulele...maybe this will get him transferred to Easter Island

An early baptism. Eli. With Elder Call in Quilicura

Meant to meet each other. BFF's. Elder Porter

Runs into Elder Tornow, friend from MTC, serving in Santiago South

First area with Elder Call and ward mission leader

With Sebastian Leal. A family that Kamiko really loved and they loved him.

Elder Ellis, in same district in Quilicura

Another run-in with Tornow

With youth of Estralla Sur ward. Fena, in front, heads on his mission to Concepcion soon.

Lovely's baptism with Elder Tibbitts

Service project with Tibbitts

Where it all began...MTC with Melander, Tornow and Richards and others

He plays soccer pretty well for a Gringo. Alas, soccer was banned by the president. Too many injuries. So, they play American football instead.

Porter, Fena and Adcock

During his fat days in Pudahuel. They called him Elder BBQ. He ate all the time and gained about 25 lbs.