Mother's Day Skype

Today we got to Skype with Tanner.  We were so excited--we were only able to talk on the phone with Zach so we were looking forward to seeing Tanner.  Zach and Greg got everything all hooked up so we could see him on the TV and the family was gathered---along with Tanner's friend, Mariah.  We had to wait for about a half hour until his companion was done talking with his family (luckily Alfonso, in Peru, sent us a message on Facebook letting us know).  Of course, during that time, we had some wifi problems so it gave us time to get reconnected!

We decided to play a little trick--we all put on some type of Chicago Cubs gear (hat, t shirt, sweatshirt, blanket, lanyard) to see if he would notice.  Tanner is a  Cardinals fan and Kaden is a  Cubs fan--both teams are rivals and there is always some fun banter back and forth between the two of them.  This year the Cubs are tearing it up (finally).  It didn't take long for Tanner to say--what's up with all the Cubs crap!!  ha ha ha  It was so funny!

Tanner said he was so nervous to talk to us!  When he called in, he introduced us to his two companions--Elder Salazar and Elder Miller and the member who was letting them use their computer.  Everything was a little slow at first and we didn't really know what to say---then he asked if he could talk to each one of us alone for a few minutes.  It was so much easier that way.  We each took the iPad upstairs one at a time and had a nice little visit with him.  Then at the end, he got emotional and shared some things from his Patriarchal blessing with us and then from his journal.  He emphasized more than once how blessed we are here.  He said we have so much and the people there have nothing.  He has been very humbled.  It was very sweet what he shared from his journal.  He read about a little girl that he met who was four years old.  She had some problems with her lungs and was hooked up to a machine.  He said she was such a special little girl and he immediately felt the Spirit.  He said she reminded him of his mom and all of the sweet little ones she works with who are also special spirits.

We ended our visit with a family picture around the TV.  Then Tanner said a prayer in Spanish and prayed for each of us and then Tanner wanted Greg to also say a prayer.  It was hard to say goodbye, but we are so happy that he is doing well and he is happy.  He will still be emailing tomorrow!