Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Four Generations of Service....





I have been thinking alot lately about our missionary Quinn. I have been getting in his college applications and planning his return home. We got a date of November 12th for his return. It seems like forever still but I know it will be here before I know it. It's been an honor to have another son serve a mission for The Church Of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. The knowledge and experiences he has had have been once in a lifetime and although it is so hard to send them away, its all worth it.

My grandfather (my father's father) J. Delos Jewkes served a mission to South Africa. In those days missionary went without purse or script and each night they depended upon the kindness of strangers to house and feed them. The war broke out while he was gone and for some reason he was not allowed to return. He served faithfully for four years. A few years later after his return his left the church and didn't return to full activity until he was about 79.

My father, J. Paul Jewkes also served in South Africa. He traveled on a boat to get there which took almost a month. He was drafted in the army first, served his time there and then served a mission for the church. My mother met him about a month before he left and she faithfully wrote and waited for him. He bought her diamond in the mines of South Africa and sent it home to her through the mail.

Reid served in St. Louis, Missouri, (the same mission his father Thurn J. Baker) served in. His mother died about three weeks after he had left on his mission. He faithfully served missing the letters and packages of a sweet mother.

Quinn is serving in Fiji, Suva. He has served his entire mission in the country of Vanuatu. WE anxiously look forward to November 12th.

6 comments:

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

What a very, very cool post. I love the details about them serving in the same missions, how they got there, etc. I'm so glad you wrote this down.

Stacey said...

What a great post! I had no idea Delos served a four year mission. Wow. What great examples for your sons, and now what great examples your sons are as well. I love those pictures too, it's fun to see them altogether like that.

November 12! I can't believe that. How exciting.

Tyler said...

I love the post too! I think that was awesome! I am so thankful for their sacrifice for our family.

Kathy’s Korner said...

Great post, wow It is truly inspirational. We put a world map on the wall by our family room and put pins where members of the family had served. (Every Grand parent, Uncle, parents, brother, sister, Cousin, all were used as examples.) Youth are so blessed to have a tradition of service. We only have three generations and are hoping and praying every day for those sweet grand sons to make it 4. What a blessing in thier lives.

Whidget said...

Wow, Uncle Reid looks a lot like Ivin (in the missionary photo!) Neat! I am excited for you that Quinn's almost home! YAY!

Bridget

Peggy Dee said...

Great post! Can't wait til Quinn gets home.