Elder Isaac - Day Three, Part One.

If you know Isaac, you know Ammon, if you know Ammon, you know Isaac. 

You don't get one without the other, and that's just the way it is. 

These two boys share one of the most golden bonds I have ever seen, and I don't just say that because I am their big sister. They have a connection that is truly divine, and I would even go as far as saying that they each have a little piece of each others hearts in them. I am just one of the lucky souls that gets to have them in my life.

November 19, 2009

Sending Isaac on his mission, I cried like a baby during this moment.

Late last night, and after multiple conversations, we were given permission to call Isaac who is on his LDS mission in Frankfurt, Germany. There are very few moments when a missionary can talk on the phone to his family, aside from Mother's Day and Christmas, but after explaining the situation to his Mission President, he gave us the green light to get in touch with him.

 Mom talked with Isaac late last night, which was about 8am his time. She explained what was happening and told him to read over the blog to see what has been going on, and then asked him if he'd like to call and talk to Ammon before surgery this morning.

We were able to get in touch with him around 6:30am this morning. Ammon had a rough night and didn't get very much, if any sleep. There was some issue with his blood, and they had to change an IV so the nurses were in and out of the room all night. After what little sleep he did get he woke up in pain and finally decided to give himself some medicine. [He has a morphine IV and a button that allows him to give himself morphine whenever he is in pain, but he hates the way it makes him feel so he hardly pushes it.] He pushed the button one or two times right before we talked to Isaac so he was a little out of it.

Hopefully I can remember at least some of what he said so he can read this later and know what to do.

Isaac is the quiet voice of reason in our family. He thinks before he speaks and when he does speak, you better listen. He doesn't raise his voice, ever. I think he does that on purpose. You have to quiet yourself before you can actually hear and understand what he is saying.

So through Ammon telling him the events of the accident and the past two days in the hospital, and trying to joke with him about being stuck in bed, this is what Isaac explained to him,

"Now that you are physically restricted, it is time to focus on your mental, emotional, and spiritual growth. The worst is over and now it is time to do the work to stay positive and patient. Even though there is a long road ahead, if you truly believe that you will have full use of your leg when you heal, then it will happen."

[From my experience, Isaac is usually right.]

Ammon also gave Isaac some good advice, like to watch out for boats, even the ones on trailers driving around the streets. They might get him. ....
At least he still has a sense of humor.

Isaac sounds great, he was with his companion and two other missionaries when he got the call from mom, so they are all praying for him, and apparently so are the rest of the missionaries in Germany.

It was an amazing phone call and we are lucky that the two of them go to speak to each other, Isaac lifted everyones spirits.

Ammon and Isaac on Skype

Ammon is currently in surgery, they are trying to repair the tendons above his knee, which involves stapling them down. They are cleaning out his leg and will be putting new wound vacs on it. We will know more in the next couple of hours, but I think we do know that this is not the last surgery.

Mom, Rakai, and Hamilton are driving down to Flagstaff right now, which means I can give up my motherly duties and settle back into sister mode, hopefully.
Being mom is exhausting.

OH! Just to make sure he was in the right mood for surgery, we played him some Bob.

Fingers crossed, blessings out into the universe, and prayers up to God, Buddha, Allah or whomever.

- Karamea

ELDER ISAAC REPORTS TO THE MTC

Isaac reported to the MTC on November 18, 2009.  Grandpa Scoville gave him a shoe shine lesson just before he packed his bags.  As he was backing his shoe shine kit he pulled out the brown shoe polish.  I told him he probably could leave that behind since he didn't have any brown shoes.  He thought for a second then said, "but my companion might have brown shoes...I'm taking it."  That's Isaac always thinking of someone besides himself.

We left for Provo and hit a traffic accident along the way.  Ammon called a friend to see if they had dropped of his brother yet.  Jordan was in the MTC and Isaac said, "I wanna be in the MTC."  He was so anxious to be there.  We got there and turned right to go to a parking lot and take some pictures before dropping him off curbside.  "No, we have enough pictures, just turn left."  Despite his opinion, we did take a few pictures in the field across from the MTC. 

Then we headed to the curb and the tears began to flow.  Now Isaac is in the MTC.  We haven't heard from him yet but I'm sure he is filled with joy to be in the place he was so ready to be. 

ISAAC'S MISSIONARY FAREWELL

Isaac reports for his mission on Wednesday. We celebrated this weekend. We enjoyed a family gathering on Saturday night - good food and good conversation. Today he gave his talk in the Bloomington 7th Ward. He is so excited to serve his mission.

The focus of his talk was his love for the Book of Mormon. He quoted scriptures and told stories and said that he feels addicted to the words. He just can't get through the day without reading it.

Isaac has experienced complete conviction of the heart and is ready to serve. We are happy for him but will miss him very much.

Not far from our minds throughout this weekend is the fact that Rakai will be leaving for New Zealand on November 30. His one way ticket is scheduled and he is ready for new adventure.

Everything changes.

I LOVE TO SEE THE TEMPLE

I love to see the temple.
I'll go inside one day
To feel the holy spirit,
To listen and to pray.

For the temple is a house of God,
A place of love and beauty.
I'll prepare myself while I am young;
This is my sacred duty.

I love to see the temple.
I'll go inside one day.
I'll cov'nant with my Father;
I'll listen and obey.

For the temple is a holy place
Where we are sealed together.
As a child of God,
I've learned this truth;
A family is forever.

Isaac's been singing this song since he was little and now he's accomplished this goal. We are thrilled at his success and looking forward with mixed emotions to November. We love you Isaac.

MISSION CALL

Isaac received his mission call! He is excited to be returning to Germany and to Berlin. He loved it when he visited during his exchange and he already knows the language. This will benefit him greatly as his focus will be on the spirit of the mission right from the start. We all feel direction from the spirit in this call and know that our Father in Heaven guides this process. Isaac will go with angels by his side.

SUMMER GAMES 2009

OH WHAT FUN!!!

BUSY SUNDAY

While we were home taking care of religion, Rakai was in Texas playing rugby with the Las Vegas Blackjacks. They won both games and are on to the Semi Finals in Denver. I think my boys will be headed to Colorado in a couple of weeks to support their brother.

usarugby.org tells it like this...

DIVISION I
Pearl City is the only 2008 semifinalist that will make a return trip to Glendale’s Infinity Park in 2009. Last year, the Iowa-based team met a disappointing semifinal loss at the hands of the Glendale Raptors, but with its 41-11 Round of 8 victory over Atlanta Old White, the squad gets a chance to redeem itself this time around.

Pearl City took control of its match versus Atlanta early on and led 17-3 before the end of the first half. They steadily built their lead in the second half and defended aggressively, only allowing Atlanta to score in the last five minutes of the game.

The Iowa team now looks ahead to the semifinals where it meets Las Vegas – and getting past the Blackjacks should prove a trying task, as they roll into Colorado on the heels of a thrilling playoff finish versus Glendale. Down by as much as 22 points in their Round of 8 meeting against the Raptors, Las Vegas refused to back down and try-by-try, the team muscled its way back to a 22-20 game as the second half wound down.

It seemed time was running out for the Blackjacks, who missed two late penalty kick opportunities that would have put them up top, but at the death, No. 7 Tom Carter powered in for a huge try. The successful conversion ushered in the final whistle, with the score stuck at 27-22 in Las Vegas’ favor.

HEY NINETEEN!

Okay so I had the camera ready when Isaac woke up. He came in the room and I started clicking. Then he said, "mom do not put that on the blog." I said I wouldn't...I lied.

April 23 Isaac turned 19. He is set on a mission and in the process of filling out those papers. James (center picture) is his favorite friend and just an extra brother around the house.

Happy birthday Isaac and WELCOME TO NINETEEN!

AND THEN ISAAC CUT HIS HAIR

After growing his hair for more than a year it was time to get it cut. Lots of reasons - he was tired of it always on his face and neck, he's getting ready to send in the missionary papers, the soccer coach wanted him to cut it. So there we go, Isaac's got a new doo!

Homecoming/Ammon's first date!!

Both him and Issac looked pretty slick tonight!


I made them get these flowers to impress their dates. :) hope it worked!!

Isaac in Germany

Isaac is required to update the Rotary District every month. He sent a long epistle to them but I've condensed it to just a few paragraphs for the blog. Isaac is enjoying his experience but is definitely anxious to get back to the St. George Sunshine. Here's what Isaac has to say...

I've been playing on club soccer team here since I think the 3rd week I was here, and its going way good. I get along really good with all the boys and its lots of fun. I feel like I'm getting better too which is always a plus. The last game we played I scored the first goal and it was awesome. It was a sweet because it was the first goal I scored for this team, and in Germany. The team was excited too and so was our coach ha. I'm really glad I was able to find a team to play on over here. and hopefully there will be more goals to follow that one. The weather here is pretty lame, we haven't been in the 50s since who knows and it just barely came up in the 40s. But its always rainy, cloudy, and gray. The last week was also way windy to add to that so the weathers not the best. But I now have a sweet new jacket! that helps out with all that haha. At soccer its way different because I play in like jogging full leg spandex, then my shorts and socks over those, a long sleeve jersey, and like gloves haha. Instead of the normal st. george stuff where your trying to wear the least amount of clothes allowed while playing. I went snowboarding with my host family last weekend and it was amazing. It was my first time every snowboarding and it was so cool. I think I'm kinda addicted to it now because its all I want to do and luckily were going again this wednesday! I can't wait. I decided snowboarding is the only thing cold weather is good for. And I will have to figure something out when I'm back in st. george where it doesn't snow, because I definitely want to continue snowboarding after this. I guess there is Brian Head that isn't too far away.

Chapter 3 - Isaac Olsen Ahmu

Born - April 23, 1990

Namesake - Olsen Ahmu

Isaac's eyes are crystal blue and sometimes you can see right through them as if you are looking into eternity. Isaac loves to long board and hike, play soccer, eat, sleep and read the Book of Mormon. Isaac is serving a mission for the LDS church in the Germany Berlin Mission. He has a steadfast and true testimony of the gospel. He is kind to everyone and has a gentle soul. Isaac brings me peace.