Monday, October 01, 2007

Chad and service

Every once in a while Chad will post new pictures for me to see and I steal (borrow with intent to keep) them from his site. In the top picture he is the one on the far right up on the wing of the plane. I find that when I miss him so much, I'll just sit and look at pictures of him. It's helps a little bit. Not quite like having the real boy here, but it's something. He's been busy in Afghanistan. Here is a little piece of what he wrote to me...
" I am good...i am now certified on the 20,000 lb. skytrak :) which is a military version of a huge forklift that downloads planes:) and prt.farahs newest loadmaster !!! i scored the highest they've ever had on the hands on test with the skytrak :) i like it allot and i now can operate forklifts in the civilian world when i get home and not have to get licensed for 3 more years :)
well i love and miss you all and i really am at the begging point for some home cooked meals!!!:) the food here is gettin old to the point where i have to force myself to eat it :) lol cant wait to be back in the arizona sun !!! :)
love chad :)"
Chad...if you read this, just know I love and miss you so much!
We've been on the go none stop for days and I don't see an end in sight. Yesterday we had a pretty neat experience and we took the young men and young women to a facility that takes care of handicapped people. All of them are over the age and 40 and have been there most of their lives. Each Sunday different ward youth groups and their leaders are assigned to go serve there. In reality, each ward only gets to do it once every 4 years because there are so many, but since we moved from Mesa and since our new ward split, this was Kyle's 3rd time and Mark and Cody's second time, so we feel fortunate to have been able to participate more than normal. We were all given instructions before we started then were assigned to pick up the people from their cottages and bring them to the main hall for their church service. Most all of them are in wheelchairs. There are a few who walk. Because of their wide variety of disabilities, the service was mainly just singing to them. They all enjoy it so much and it really is the highlight of their week. The sweet lady I had was named Diane. She couldn't talk, but loved to be sang to. Mark had a man named Vincent that really liked the girls. Kyle has a woman named Mary who slept a lot but he still visited with her, sang to her and made her feel loved. Cody and Cole were in charge of fast Larry. He has that name for a reason. He IS fast. It took the both of them to keep tabs on him the whole time. A lot of them love to hug, so we did just that. Some of them don't know their own strength, so I was head butted by Larry, Had my hair messed up and pulled hard by Charlie and poked by Pilar and another woman who was good on her feet. Even will all of that it was a great experience. I was so impressed by the youth of our ward who showed these sweet spirits such genuine love and companionship. I know they were all a little bit nervous at first, because it can be a scary thing to them, but they did a wonderful job. I could see their testimonies grow as they got to know the ones their were taking care of and they all know there is a special place in heaven for these people. For privacy reasons we could not take pictures there, but I know they will never forget this experience. There is nothing better than service from your heart.
Today's plans are to attempt to clean my messy house, help Mark with an errand and go buy Cole his birthday presents. Speaking of birthday's, today is my friend Amy Mowbray's birthday, so stop by her blog and wish her the best! :o)

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Where does Chad post his pictures?
How's Sandy doing?

Jacquie said...

What a great update on Chad, thanks for sharing.

That is one thing I miss about working. Before I became a fulltime SAHM I worked in a nursing home as a personal care aide. I loved the interaction with these people and over the years developed some nice bonds.

Andi said...

Wonderful pictures of Chad! He looks as handsome as ever. I'm so glad you shared them and his email with us. It's so nice that you can be in contact with him.

Your Church does such nice service work Jolene. I love how everyone takes part.

Chickenbells said...

What great pictures...and how nice it is to do service work! It's usually so fun and rewarding on so many levels isn't it?

Valerie said...

wonderful timing! Chad has really been on my mind lately...

Anonymous said...

Jolene,
Thanks so much for sharing Chad and your sweet life with us. You are such a great encouragement to me.
Love you,
Gina

Carol Dunton said...

Gosh, Jolene,
As soon as the top picture loaded up was was saying 'Gosh, what a PICTURE!' You boy is a man...and he is looking wonderful! I can totally relate to looking at his pictures when you miss him... It will be soon, dear Mom, then you can hug your boy and not have to let go!

I think the visit to the center was awesome, and thank you for sharing it! A senior citizen home is being built a block from my neighborhood. Snooty neighbors got their panties in a wad over having it in our community. I say 'Build it!' I may have to live there some day! And why should those who are 'perfect' and young be shunned by society and put away 'somewhere'..? Thank you for sharing your spirit with those who need it! Love to you and your family!
VB

Carol Dunton said...

ok...so I made some typos...

I was saying...

why should those who aren't....

sorry

Anonymous said...

It's good to see Chad and know that he's doing okay... glad you posted what you did. I'll be even happier when he's home......

Diana said...

Oh how nice that Chad is learning as well as serving. You are a proud Mom and you can tell with every breath and letter you make.
Soon, Jolene, very soon he'll be back home and this will all have been like one very bad dream!
On another note though, I am very proud of you and your family. I work with individuals very much like the ones you described. I work in a group home for adults with disabilities. I am so happy to hear that your church does such fine things like this too!'What people don't realize is that these types of people arn't like you and I. They are usually starved for attention, support , and time from someone individually. To be part of a community, to feel "wanted". When the people they are around is staff, paid people. We ( the staff)are so different than everyday folks. I am so proud, and greatful that you took such a positive approach to it and that you are teaching your children such great values. You are an all around great person!
And on behalf of those "people", Thanks so much for making them feel important, for giving them and opportunity to be part of something, and for making them feel as normal as they could for just a moment!
Things like this that form us as people, are what makes us human, not our money, cars or posessions. It's the things we learn the lessons we teach and the experiences we share. It's from each other we learn.
thank you again!

Pam said...

Wow, those photos are amazing. It is good to see Chad and hear he is doing so well, what an amazing son you have there! I can say he's handsome without sounding bad right? Cause he is! :)

I have done something very similar to what you all did when I was a freshman in High School and it was a very enlighening experience for me. You all are very special people!

Monogram Queen said...

Such a handsome wonderful boy you've got there Mamma!

I really enjoyed your post. When I was in HS I worked with the developmentally handicapped kids and volunteered in Special Olympics. It really does make a difference in how you view them and the world. Blessings to all of you! You inspire!

Anonymous said...

JOLENE, THANKS FOR SHARING. MAKES ALL OF US HAVE A BETTER DAY. GREAT POST. WE LOVE HEARING FROM CHAD, AND THE PICTURES HE SENT TO YOU WERE FABULOUS. GIRL, YOU JUST KEEP HANGING IN THERE, KNOWING THAT CHAD IS IN OUR LORDS HANDS. AND LIKE DIANA SAID, BEFORE YOU KNOW IT THIS WILL ALL BE BEHIND Y'ALL.

TK Angels said...

Thanks for sharing the pics. We are all so proud of Chad.

Take care,
Love,
Terri

Sandi @the WhistleStop Cafe said...

Thanks for the update! I know you are so proud of that young man.
and he loves his mom =D
What more is there in life?