Parker's Home!

Parker is HOME!  He was supposed to get in on Friday, July 14th, but he and Elder Romney missed their connection in London.  It was a little crazy too because they did not have a phone or a way to contact their families.  Parker borrowed someone's phone to let us know, but it was 5:30 a.m. our time, and Bri didn't have his ringer on.  Somewhere around 10:00, Brian realized he had a missed call from London and listened to Park's message.  Eventually we received a call and an email from the church as well.  Crazy!

We relayed the message to friends and family and were so excited to pick him up at the Midland airport on Saturday evening.  Then we invited everyone over the house for a light dinner, visiting and Parker's release.  President Vore, otherwise known as Uncle Chris, was out of town.  President Greg Young was kind enough to meet in our home so we could enjoy gathering together uninterrupted that evening. 

Here are a few, okay a lot, of pictures from the night.

It felt soooooo good to hug my boy.

Brinley made this adorable sign, and Tanner had him in his colorful Ghana shirt Parker had sent home.  

Best picture we have of Bryn greeting Parker.  That is her, I promise.

No pictures with Aubrey because she was living her best life in Denver at the Taylor Swift concert, with her friend Parker Huse.  She was home the next evening and wa able to give Park a big hug.

Grandpa Vore was the most faithful email writer throughout his mission.  He sent a letter and pictures every Monday.  I had made these Ghana shirts for our family and Grandpa to greet Parker at the airport.  Grandpa paid for all the family coming to have a shirt.  So fun.

I love that the Bird group made a sign.  Charlotte, Hudson, Lincoln (Vore) & Ella  Also, the littles held up this sign faithfully for a good 10-15 minutes before Parker's plane landed!  Sweet cousins!

Adam Vore (first cousin of Park's) with his three boys: Christian, Noah and Lincoln

Luke Bland, Cole Brannan, Austin Jacobo, Bethani Fiero

So grateful for Parker's awesome friends.  They wrote him often, and some even weekly.  They saw him off and welcomed him home.  Several more were coming on Friday, but were not able to make it on Saturday.

Sweet Bethani.  She quietly asked me before his plane landed if she could hug him or not.  I said I wasn't sure.  (Technically no, but he was getting released 30 minutes later so....)  I just said to let Parker lead out.  He did with a handshake.  Good thinking Elder Gwilliam.  He gave her a side hug later at the house.

My favorite picture of the night!  Parker just cracking up with his friends.  It made my momma heart happy. 

Lft-rt (back row) Bri w/ Kaide, Brinley, Park, me, Tanner, Hudson, Braddock, Sister Danielle King (currently serving a service mission!), Char, Ella, Adam w/ Noah, Quetta, Kerry, Grandpa, Megan (baby Grace in the stroller), Adam, Britney, Christian and Noah

We had to take two pictures because there was no one outside of our group left to take the picture.  So we did a family one and then Brit and Adam stepped out and took one for us with the friends.

Everyone headed back to the house, and I was a little stressed because President Young was going to meet us there from Andrews.  We were already a little late with everyone greeting Parker and the pictures.  I wanted to be considerate of Pres Young's time.  Then, Park realized his luggage was broken, and of course, the airline was understaffed.  It took FOREVER for them to address the issue.  I just wanted to leave and buy another suitcase later.  Parker was super chill and kept quietly saying, "Let's just wait small."  It felt like an hour and a half, but it was probably 30 minutes.  

Brit got the food (Chick-Fil-A nuggets and sides) going at our house and we arrived eventually.

Parker visited with President Young and was released, and then bore a beautiful testimony.  Here is the link.

Friends and family stayed for quite awhile...especially friends.  We have always had to share Parker with friends if we want to be with him.

Parker pulled out the unicycle and was pleased to see he still could do it.  He purchased the unicycle and learned how to ride during Covid.

Parker pulling out his Ghana gear and got a picture with Bethani.  His friend Ashton came by too.

Sadly, Erin Flores had to work.  She had asked to have Friday off for Parker's homecoming, but when he missed his flight, she wasn't able to find coverage for Saturday.  She missed the airport fun but came as soon as she got off work.

He had these beautiful dresses made for the girls in the family.

He was so tired due to the time change and traveling for almost 48 hours, but none of us wanted to call it a night.  He showed us lots of cool souvenirs he brought home including two beautiful carved nativities and hand beaded bracelets.  We had a wonderful night being together.  

I'm so glad Parker was willing to serve a mission.  I have seen him learn and grow and love so much over the past two years.  I'm so glad he's home.