After going through 12 twice a week physical therapy appointments and getting rid of crutches and the boot and then walking "normal" again,
Peter was ready to go back to the mission.
But those elusive "walking 6 miles a day without swelling or pain" just weren't happening.
Tuxtla Gutierrez Mexico is a physically demanding mission. President George had told us through email that missionaries were often getting hurt just because of the hard terrain. Peter began to worry that even if he worked hard to go back, the possibility of hurting his ankle again was likely and he would have to come home for good.
All through October and early November the pressure of what to do
weighed heavily upon his shoulders.
He knew he could request a new mission assignment.
We could see him struggle with the decision.
He loved Tuxtla and the people there.
He had members from Tuxtla calling him every week or so checking up on him.
There were relationships already in place.
He adored President George, his mission President.
The second Sunday of November, he met with our Stake President, President Thies, and told him that he wanted to be a missionary and that he wanted to request a new assignment.
We could see the pressure lift from him.
The doctor wrote a letter, Peter wrote a letter and President Thies wrote a letter.
All three letters were sent to the missionary department on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
We had no idea of the time frame.
Would he received a new mission call by mail?
Would it take three weeks as usual?
Would he be able to go right away, or would there be a waiting period?
We waited impatiently for a little over a week.
On Monday, December 5th, we contacted President Thies to see if he had heard anything.
He hadn't.
The next day, Tuesday, he called back to let us know that he had been informed that Peter had been medically cleared for missionary service and would be assigned a new mission on
Wednesday or Thursday.
Wednesday evening, Peter received a call from President Thies.
He had been assigned to the Utah Salt Lake City East mission, Spanish speaking!!
We were thrilled!
But no return date ...
The missionary department needed to contact the mission president for that mission to see when the next available report date would be.
Friday morning, Peter received another call from President Thies.
"They want to know if you can leave on Monday"
"Mom, can I leave Monday?"
"Monday", I thought. "Three days"
"Sure!"
"President, Monday works great!"
We had his flight itinerary by the days end on Friday.
We went shopping in our closet for another suit and a heavy over coat with a liner.
We bought a hat with ear flaps, gloves, thermal pants, and more long sleeved white shirts.
This mission would be completely opposite of Tuxtla weather wise.
Elder Wilkes, ready to serve...
Colin giving big brother a hug.
He will be missed for sure.
But the smiles make everything so right.
Sunday, December 11th after church, Elder Wilkes was once again set apart as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
President Thies says the caption should read "An Elder again"
Very true...
Monday morning was spent packing the suitcases.
Lunch at Eegees, a Tucson favorite!
A last cuddle from newborn niece Claire.
We had happy smiles as we said our farewells.
Brothers surprised themselves with tears they didn't think they had.
Elder Wilkes is loved.
And he's off!
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