Time for Transitions

Transition #1

Two weeks ago on September 9, 2012, Tracy was released as the president of the Kaiserslautern Military Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Germany. It is a one-of-a-kind stake here in Germany that is made up mostly of soldiers and civilians that work for the Armed Forces that are stationed in this area. He served for 8 1/2 years as president, and 3 1/2 years as a counselor in the stake presidency prior to being called as president. My youngest children (CLB and maybe E) cannot remember Tracy ever being able to sit with us in church, except during General Conference or if we were on vacation. It's been so long that I can barely remember myself!  Before he served in the stake presidency for 12 years, Tracy was the bishop of the Heidelberg Military Ward for 2 1/2 years, and a counselor in the bishopric for many years before being called as the bishop.  No wonder we cannot remember! But last week, we had Tracy on the bench with us in church. He is, in fact, "calling free" right now.  He seems to be adjusting to his free time quite easily.  He did tell me that he's "not going to miss getting up at 4:30 a.m. to drive to Bitburg anymore!"  But we are happy for the time that Tracy was able to serve as the stake president; he served with and got to know so many wonderful and faithful people in the stake and that has been a blessing. And now we are happy to have him home with us more often, and "on the bench" with us too.  I think we can get used to that!

Transition #2:

I finally finished my bachelor's degree in general studies from BYU in July, and my official diploma arrived just last week.  I don't think I will display it or anything, especially since it is a general degree, but also because I didn't have my name printed the way I should have.  It reads Lisa Marie Allred, and I wish I had included my maiden name, Hermes. It took me seven years to complete that degree and I should have at least remembered to honor some of my Hermes heritage. . . (I'm sending a heartfelt "sorry" up to heaven to my Grandma and Grandpa and Dad -- I know how much you all valued education).  But on to the transition explanation: After I finished the last final of my last class (back in July) I experienced at least two weeks of feeling lost. I did not know what to do with myself.  I actually was disappointed that I wasn't needed to drive girls up to camp, I finished a quilt for one of the YW that was moving, I considered calling the RS president to tell her that I could make some visits for her, and I volunteered to teach seminary if I was ever needed (and I HATE getting up early)!  But I have found somewhat of a routine now with being on call for the nurse's office at the school, and completing volunteer requirements for the Red Cross, and walking with friends, and trying new, more healthy, recipes.  Oh, I also get an occasional nap!  It feels good to have school behind me and more opportunities out front.

Transition #3

Basically, this is the beginning of our Empty Nest phase.  Christian just left us (for college), Lissie will leave next year (probably in June), and then Bryant will leave the next year.  I keep telling Tracy that I am going to fall apart when they all leave.  I actually told him this (on his birthday, no less) that he just is not enough.  I need to be around my children (it must be a mother instinct) which will mean more visits to the states, or a move to the states, or something!  It is hard for me to imagine life without some daily kid interaction.  Obviously, I don't have this transition resolved yet, but I'm sure that Tracy and I will figure it out . . . we have two more short years!

Transition #4

One more exciting transition:  Christian will become our first missionary in February! He just received his mission call last Wednesday to the California Roseville Mission.  He will report on February 6, 2012.  We are so happy for him.  This should be a very rewarding transition for us to have a missionary out in the field.  We have been looking forward to this time for a long time!