Weirdest Mission EVER!

December 19, 2010. I was going through my normal morning routine. I was getting ready for the day, and my phone rang. I was in the middle of straightening my hair, and my Mom was calling. I thought “Its pretty early where she lives, I wonder who is dead” ….. The conversation went like this:
Kari: “Hello”
Mom: “Robert’s in Lancaster” (notice she didn’t even say hello)
Kari: totally shocked and speechless. I couldn’t believe it. It was totally unreal. “What’s his address?”
Mom...gave me the address
Kari: “THAT’S MY WARD!”
I don’t know how to describe the hundreds of different emotions running through my head. I got off the phone, tears streaming down my face, with the envelope I had written the address on. I knew that transfers were that week, because he had told us that he was getting transferred, and everyone teased me saying he was going to come here, but of course, I didn’t believe it. I got to the bottom of the stairs and Ryan was sitting on the couch, he looked at me like “what the heck is your problem” (I’m not really an emotional person normally…) I showed him the envelope, he looked at the address and laughed. I thought he was going to die. Whitney walked out, and had the same reaction. We all sat on the couch, Whit was flying to Utah later that day, so she arranged to pick up anything my family was sending to him for Christmas. She got right on the phone with the lady in the ward who coordinates the meals for the Elders, and got them scheduled to come to our house Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. I think it all became real, when he showed up on my porch that night.
Like, I opened the door, and my brother was there. Yes, the one who is supposed to be on a mission, that I am not supposed to see for 2 years. I seriously didn’t know how to comprehend all this. He’s my brother, how do I treat him like my brother, and a missionary at the same time?

I think it all became real, when I walked into church that first Sunday. There were MASSES of people standing outside the chapel. Robert was up there, talking to people, explaining that yes, he was my brother. It was obvious when I saw him in a public setting, that he didn't know how to handle this either. I mean, the white book says that you don't make any physical contact with a girl, or whatever...so I make a point every time I see him to give him a hug (In front of his companion who I don't think has broken a rule in his entire life. ) mostly to watch his companion squirm, hoping that no one sees it, but also because he's my brother and I love him.

I had Elder Garner (His companion) Take this picture the first Sunday that he was in my ward. He has been here for 6 weeks now and just made it through transfers and is staying for another 6 weeks. I have to admit, my appreciation for missionaries has grown a TON. We have the missionaries over a lot, and I have gotten pretty comfortable with them all. They are all just dorks....but sometimes they are pretty hilarious.

Ryan took this picture a couple nights ago when we had them all over for dinner. He took it mostly for his own hilarious satisfaction... All 4 Elders went to the outlets and found 4 of the exact same jackets that they all loved, and bought them. So they all run around in matching jackets. Ryan thinks that's just the funniest thing ever, and it kind of is...but whatever. Back row: L-R Elder Jex, Elder Jones, Elder Garner. Front: Elder Jimmenez, Elder Allsop. Elder Jones was transferred here the day before this was taken, straight out of the MTC. (So he doesn't have a matching coat...) Elder Allsop is HILARIOUS...in a funny way.

Somethings kind of wrong with this picture..........Needles to say, we have made it work, and it has been really cool to see my brother (yes, the kid I used to want to kill as a teenager) spreading the Gospel. He is an amazing missionary, and I am proud to be "Elder Jex's Sister." P.S. I don't think you'll hear his companions ever complain about having him in the same mission as his sister...its come with some pretty awesome benefits for them all.