Sora Watson

Writing this post makes me choke up as emotions still over come me although I am writing it six months late (!!!).

This is August 21, 2022. Katya Watson and the whole family were invited to the Stake President's office for a special deal--setting Katya apart as a missionary. This was our first time doing it so we had no idea what to expect. Let me tell you, I can hardly remember any words spoken or questions asked but what I remember is how strong of a spirit we all felt during this meeting. It was one of the most powerfully bonding experience for our family and one of those things I will remember forever. 

Here is Katya's first time as a missionary exiting the church building. 

And her first time wearing the tag in Romanian. 

And her first picture by the temple. 

And the first picture as a missionary at our house! 

Somehow we managed to put up this door sign on our front door before we left for the meeting with the stake president. So then when we got home, we made Katya enter through the front door to see it properly. It worked out amazingly! 

For the next two weeks Katya was in her Home MTC mode. All day. With small breaks in between to go outside or somewhere out with me. 

Here is Katya going to church for the first time as a missionary. 

And I really wanted to get a picture of the three kids before they all fly different directions again. 

And Katya, Sora Watson officially now, by the temple. 

And with mama. 

And with tato. 

Katya documented her daily outfits for the MTC. 

Katya had to spend many hours in our playroom at her computer. She had a fantastic district of 7 (I believe?) missionaries. 

As you can see, she had some missionary trousers she bought as they are allowed to wear trousers instead of skirts--thank goodness. 

Life for two weeks. 

On August 28th, Katya gave a talk at church, which was absolutely fantastic and moving. In the afternoon, we had an open house for people to come over and say bye to Katya. So many of our friends came! 

We had a full open house with teenagers and little kids and “old" friends alike! 

Katya and Emily Blodgett--grateful for her beautiful friendship (Katya used to babysit her kids).

Katya was leaving September 6th, in the evening. So we went out to eat the night before to one of her favorite spots--The Scratch Kitchen. 

It was Katya's P-Day, so she was allowed to wear "civilian clothes". 

Last time that Mark was sort of shorter than Katya. 

Katya and Alex. 

Mark and Katya. 

We spent some quality time with Katya the day she left for Provo MTC. It's hard to even write this right now as I miss her very much, BUT it's exactly where I hoped she would be these days! For real. 

This is Katya on the roof of the parking garage at our RDU airport. Look at that cloud! 

And here is our family picture at the airport, on Sept 6th, 2022. 

I am not crying, you are crying. 

We love you, Katya, and couldn't be more proud! 

Hope to see you very soon and be all together again! You are such a great example to your brothers, you have no idea! 

And that is how Katys'a adventures started! She spent the next 4 weeks at the MTC in Provo, learning more and more Romanian. And then left for Romania on Oct 6th, 2022 (just for the record:)). That will be another story though. 

Lyana.