The Christmas Phone Call

Talking to Grady on Christmas Eve!!

December 24, 2009 We got to call Grady today! It was truly the most exciting, sweet experience that I have ever had. Gus had to work today, Christmas Eve, so we were so worried about him getting home in time to talk to Grady. He's been getting home so late, but I should have known that it would all work out!! It did and we actually all ended up waiting around a little. We had told Grady that we would call around 1PM his time on Christmas, 9pm our time Christmas Eve. Around 8:30 our time we couldn't wait any longer so I dialed the number. A voicemail answered and it was a Japanese woman, speaking in very fast Japanese! I thought I must have had the wrong number, so I dialed again and this time Grady answered! He said that every cell phone in Japan has that same voicemail! He sounded sooooo good! Exactly like himself. Each of us had an extension except Lenzi and Jon, and they shared one. It was so fun to all sit around together and talk to him. We asked lots of questions and he answered them all. He spoke some Japanese to Olivia and it sounded good to us! He had his companion say hello to us (he doesn't speak English!) and the other two Elders in the apartment said hello, too. No one had invited them over for Christmas dinner, but they were planning a dinner for their investigators which was even better! Not once did he sound sad, homesick or even a little discouraged. He was completely upbeat and happy--and much to our relief--he was still so funny! We told him we were a little worried that he had become so serious and maybe wasn't as funny and he was so hurt!! Throughout the conversation he kept saying, "I can't believe you guys thought I wasn't still funny! I am sooo funny!!" He was just the same, only better!! (Like that is even possible!) He was polite and considerate, so interested in us. He expressed his deep love for the people of Japan and he told us how his truly loved his mission. I asked him if he was even a bit homesick (I probably shouldn't have asked this) and he said no. He said that he loved us, and of course missed us, but that he was so happy on his mission and he just didn't have time to feel homesick. I am so thankful for this and even though I know he must feel discouraged at times, it is such a comfort to know that he is working his heart out to be positive and full of faith! All of us ended the conversation crying, but he sounded strong, happy and content. I didn't hear even the smallest sniffle or break in his voice. And for that I am so grateful! He truly seems to understand his purpose and he is taking his responsibility so seriously. He isn't letting himself get down or think negatively about anything! What a great example he is to all of us!