Auburn is beautiful. And my home. If my family could move there it would be perfect, but I know I must leave them. Matt is my everything. My world revolves around him. I feel like I was spoiled to be with him all week and I took as much as I could get. Maybe I was a little greedy. Okay, I was a lot greedy (: I fell in love with it there. I understand why Matt loves WA.
I flew in on Saturday and surprised him. He thought I was flying out on Monday, but I wanted those extra days with him (see, greedy!). When I walked downstairs the look on his face was priceless. It was complete disbelief. I was kind of hoping for a super happy expression, but that's definitely not what I got. Haha he just stared. At first I was worried he was upset that I hadn't told him I was coming, but that quickly diminished once I sat down next to him and he wrapped his arms around me. At that moment, I knew I was home.
He took me around Auburn those first couple days. I went to his home ward and met some really awesome people. We registered, watched Dru (his 15 month old nephew) twice, went on two date nights, registered for gifts, and tried to spend as much time together as possible. His family is awesome and I'm so glad I got along with them so well! Just in that week I felt us grow as a couple. We learned together and made commitments that would bring us closer together and to our Savior. The love that was between us was almost tangible.
In this one trip I have travelled more than I have ever travelled in my whole life! I went to Washington (and whatever other states I flew over), Oregon, Idaho, and Utah where my trip ended. 13 hours in the car is a long time, but I'm grateful for the time I had with him. We went to his mission reunion Friday night and I met several of his mission companions. I have never met so many young men with such strong testimonies and visible light. That was an experience I will never forget. President Sonne (his first mission president) gave one of the best talks I have ever heard. I learned so much! That night we stayed at President Winn's (his second mission president). He lives across the street from President Monson! The next morning was conference. So unbelievable! We originally didn't have tickets, but thankfully Matt is well liked and got some from some of the Elders. (: That was a memorable experience.
Afterwards we went to the house, got my stuff, and drove to the airport. Once they dropped me off and I walked inside, I almost felt like I was in a movie. Things moved in slow motion as I walked inside. That was the first moment I wanted to run out and back into Matt's awaiting arms. After I got through all of the checkpoints and was waiting by my gate, that moment hit me again. I swore I could hear that still small voice saying, "Go back to him. He'll be there waiting. He loves you. His arms are waiting." I knew it was in my head and sat there quietly staring at the floor. When the boarding started was the hardest one. It seemed like forever I stood there. My brain wanted to get on that plane. I had responsibilities to go to! But my heart was pulling me back. After almost everyone had boarded I took a deep breath and got on myself.
Now I wait 12 weeks to see him again. We both have things to do and I pray time will go quickly. If it doesn't, I may have to go back to Washington for a while. For now, oh how I love you Matthew! Stay safe and busy!
p.s. Please find my CTR ring (:
