WEEKS 40-48: March 26-May 21

The "Intermission" begins...

The only gift he brought back with him: Toilet paper!

Brothers are so happy to see him again!

All 6 of us at home again!!

 

Elder Hammond went on trips with our family, watched General Conference with us, got together with a few friends in the same situation, played a lot of guitar, and even got a full-time job!  He was feeling pretty good about being back until one day he heard about someone getting their reassignment AND very very soon.  A few days later, on a Friday night, he got a call from our stake president with his reassignment to the Texas Lubbock Mission.  He was so upset that he had to leave work early that night.  We sat on the couch and we talked about it.  For the next couple of days, he thought about it, but wouldn't commit to going back out.  He just barely finished a very difficult mission and now he was expected to go out again?  Some little miracles help change his heart and mind.  He called the stake president on Sunday evening and said that he would be ready to leave when he has been asked to leave again.  He quit his job and we basically had to start again with making sure he had what he needed this time in Texas, including a bike (which was very difficult to find) and a phone. I cannot overstate that this was probably THE MOST DIFFICULT decision he has ever had to make.  There were a lot of tears shed by all of us and our hearts have been broken, but we know who heals the broken hearts.  Jesus Christ lives and loves us.  He is our Savior.  God's plan for each of us is unique and made just for us for our optimal growth and eventual happiness.  (I only say "eventual" because I am still feeling a little sad and missing my boy.)  I am very proud of him.

-Jen Hammond