Week 73: Firsts

Plenty of new experiences for us this week -- firsts.

It started with a trip to Seattle on Monday. 

We left the office just a little early that day so we could see Christopher. The three of us went to the Chihuly Garden and Glass Exhibit at the Seattle Center. This was the first time we’d been there. I am a real fan of Dale Chihuly’s work, and have been wanting to see this exhibit. It was a real treat. Photos don't do it justice. 

Pig Tails

All made out of glass!

From there we made our first visit to Palace Kitchen, a restaurant owned by chef Tom Douglas.  This is the restaurant where Christopher works. He treated us to a delightful and delicious dinner. We got to try several foods for the first time. The most interesting dish was pig tails. Though tasty, it will probably the last time for pig tails.

(We have had several interesting foods here in Washington – alligator on a stick, frog legs, and now pig tails.) 

The next "first" was using Uber to get from the restaurant back to Christopher's apartment.  Then we used Uber to get a ride back to Christopher’s apartment – another FIRST. Nothing "uber" exciting about that, but ... we did it! Perhaps carpooling mothers could start an Uber service in Vernal? 

One of my favorite Chihuly pieces

There were a few other "firsts" this week as well. We got an email from Church Travel with Benjamin's flight itinerary for his return from Arkansas on May 19. I am really used to seeing these itineraries for our WATAC missionaries. It was a bit surreal to get one for our own missionary son.

It also felt weird and a little awkward to prepare letters to President Caldwell and Bishop Ryan from President Blatter informing them of our upcoming release on April 7. I’ve sent hundreds of those letters out. This time it was powerfully personal.

Another highlight of the week was getting to join with the young missionaries in a special meeting on Saturday morning and be taught by Elder Richard L. Maynes of the Presidency of the Seventy. Though we've heard him speak in General Conference, this was our first time meeting and hearing him in person. We felt edified and inspired by the training he gave. 

Afterwards we invited some other missionaries to join us for lunch at the Mandolin Sushi & Steakhouse. We've been there before, but it was a first for some of the others. The young sisters really liked their sushi. We of the older generation stuck with the Japanese food we are used to: rice, egg rolls, pot stickers, stir-fry veggies, etc. I actually love their vegetable tempura. Best I've ever had.

Today's first was fixing corn muffins with ham 'n' beans. I usually fix homemade bread, but we're in "use-up-what's-on-hand" mode.

Well, it's fun to have "firsts." And it's OK if some of them are firsts and lasts. Reminds me of a scripture phrase -- "the first shall be last and the last shall be first." hmmm.  So, with "firsts" and scriptures in mind, I'll just end with a couple of my favorite scriptures about "first."

"But seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you." (3 Nephi 13:33)

"We love him, because he first loved us." (1 John 4:19)