The Sunday after Claire got back, she gave her homecoming talk in church. And had this crew to support her:
As well as so many lovely ward members.
I know I’m biased but I loved Claire’s homecoming talk, confidently spilling out vulnerabilities and just enough stories and love. Let’s see if this recording works for anyone who would like to listen to what she said:
Dang, I can’t figure out how to attach the recording. If I figure it out I’ll come back. But she referenced this talk:
She talked about how she worked to feel the love of God on her mission. She was “doing the dance” but she couldn’t “hear the music” at times. And she talked about how she realized, thanks to her Mission Leader, that it was all about love. When we love others, we can feel more love as well.
She talked about Grandpa Dean and his quote we love so much that my dad had sent her:
Love your fellow men and be tolerant of them.
Never belittle anyone. Most everyone is better than you in some way.
Be kind.
The greatest thought that Christ left on earth is Love.
It surpasses everything else. If a person practices love, then everything else takes care of itself.
Grandpa Dean to his son, my dad, the week before he passed away
She talked about how love changes everything. When we practice love, everything else does take care of itself.
She shared a great quote from The Law of Love as well, when I get it from her I’ll come back and add it. We love that book so much.
I just really loved all she shared.
So fun to have this crew all together to hear in person.
And Max, Abby and Murph were able to watch from home:
Loved having dinner with my parents and enjoying the “golden hour” together.
“Hot Seat” to hear more about the mission
THEN, the house filled up with the Pothiers for the “Hot Seat.” This is where Claire shared a selection of pictures from her mission and people asked questions.
After that the kitchen was abuzz filled up with everyone sharing dessert and talking.
Goodbye to all the visitors
The big kids all left bright and early the next morning.
Grammie and Grandfather stayed for the next morning and we sorted through so many of Claire’s mission treasures.
Went to breakfast:
And then they were off too.
Oh, this is not the end. Perhaps it’s just the beginning. There is much to unravel and work through with all the logistics and spring break and school starting and switching from missionary mode to “real life mode.”
But as I looked up through these windows, the initial celebrations and gatherings complete, I couldn’t help but offer up a special, silent prayer to Father Sky for holding us all together.
Welcome home Claire! You are just beaming. How blessed the people of Australia were to have you serve as a missionary. You helped create eternal families and change the lives of their ancestors. I envision some day in heaven they will all be singing your praises for your missionary service.
I look forward to being able to hear your homecoming talk. I am sure you did an amazing job!
Where’s Grace’s boyfriend?
Guessing they broke up. Pics are gone.
I understand the curiosity, but I can’t imagine being in my early 20s and seeing people speculating about my personal life on my mothers blog. Everything we see here is something that’s been graciously shared, but her adult children may have stricter boundaries about what can be published (and rightfully so) if the readers can’t respect that her kids are adults who deserve privacy.
I find it fascinating when people judge the readers for asking questions versus the person who is actually posting about the personal lives of their entire family on the internet. 🙃
Her talk was so lovely!! You could see the joy in her yet, but I love that she also talked about the hard things too, it wasn’t always rainbows and butterflies. What are her plans now she’s home?
Is the “hot seat” required? I know your family is all about doing hard things etc., and maybe all your kids are genuinely cool with it, but are they able to decline if they wish?
For sure not required, especially if someone didn’t want to do it. It’s just a fun way to gather and share a little more about the experience of a mission and Claire was so happy to share.
xoxo
Totally get that! And makes sense with such a large family so you don’t have to retell your stories a hundred times. I would be interested to hear some of the highs and lows from her mission if she had some time to do a guest post before heading back to work/school/etc!
Yes it’s better to tell it once to many than several times.
So fun to see Claire home after her time of service. I’m sure your house feels so full of love and gratitude right now! I always enjoyed reading Claire’s mission letters, so even though I couldn’t watch her homecoming, I have an idea about the kind of things she shared. She’s an amazing soul who surely made a marvelous impact in God’s hands.
Thanks Christine! Thanks so much to YOU for being such a great support to Claire.
xoxo
I was able to watch Claire’s talk on Youtube, (Thank you for the links on Instagram Shawni &Abby) & really enjoyed it. Well done to Claire. I especially enjoyed her testimony.
I hadn’t realised that she’d had such a hard time on her mission. So glad it all turned out ok in the end tho.
Just curious, as it would’ve been fast Sunday did your ward have fast & testimony meeting last week instead?