Dear Richardson Family...

Today I got the email I have been waiting for. It was the email with Brian's flight information. I know he is coming home next week but I just wanted to see in black and white, in writing, the details.
Here they are...
Leaves Belem August 24th at 940am, arrives in Sao Paulo at 350pm
Leaves Sao Paulo at 855pm and arrives in Atlanta, Georgia at 550am (Aug. 25th)
Leaves Atlanta at 935am and arrives in Seattle, Wa at 1203pm
Leaves Seattle at 430pm and arrives in Wenatchee at 510pm
5:15 (ish) surrounded by family with lots of smiles, hugs and maybe a few tears ;)

I have to say I am surprised at myself. It has been a very weird time. I can hardly wait for him to be home but every so often, at random times like walking or driving somewhere, always when I'm by myself I get a little emotional and even a little tearful. I don't know why, are they tears of joy, or tears of relief, or tears of sadness as I know that this experience is almost over for him. Am I crazy?
Well anyway, I am super excited, don't get me wrong but it is confusing thinking about the fact that when he left I had so many emotions (happy, sad, anxious, stressed etc) and now he is almost home and I just can't put into words the way I feel. I guess I feel he has been protected and watched over as he served Heavenly Father's children each and every day for 2 years and now he has to come home to the real world. You know, the real world that can kinda stink sometimes!
Along with his flight info I got this message from his mission president. Now I know it is probably some form letter that they write to every departing missionaries family but I am just going to believe that his MP is writing a little note that is specifically for us.
I will share that too and again I couldn't help myself, got a little teary when I read it as well...
it says:
Dear Richardson family,
Elder Richardson is about to complete a very successful mission in the Brazil Belem Mission. He will be leaving the mission on August 24th, 2010. He will be leaving a country and a people with whom he has developed a strong love.
Brian has been instrumental in bringing the gospel to many people while serving here. He has strong testimony of the gospel of JC and a deep conviction of the atonement of the Savior. He was blessed with an outstanding command of the Portuguese Language. He has served in many areas of the mission and has had an impact on the lives of fellow missionaries, members, and investigators. He has served as Senior companion, Trainer, and Zone Leader. He has demonstrated strong leadership qualities throughout the mission and has been an excellent example of the Christ-like attributes necessary to be a leader. We will certainly miss Elder Richardson. he has learned many things here that will help him throughout his life. Thank you for helping to prepare such a wonderful young man to serve this very successful mission.
Sincerely,
Mission president-