Matthew's Return

When a missionary leaves, he goes as a boy and returns a man.  My nephew Matthew was called to serve in the Cincinnati Ohio mission.  That is where he found pure love.  He learned to love the people of that area like no one he has ever loved before.  He learned to be a servant of Christ simply by serving those whom he came in contact with.

I kept remembering when this little baby boy was born.  He cried, and cried, and cried.  I'm pretty sure he cried until he was 3!  I remember thinking "I don't know how my sister does it".  Some how, she did.  And when I saw this wonderful "boy" come home after serving for 2 years, my only thought was, "What a transformation!"  To listen to him speak, with such confidence and such knowledge of what our purpose is, it's, well, simply amazing. 

He is such a good man.  He has a lot to do and will undoubtedly have a very full life ahead of him.  He plans on medical school which will be a long road, but I have no doubt, he will make it.  He will rely on his mission lessons that taught him hard work, sacrifice, prayer, and of course service, to get him through.  Well done and welcome home Matthew Ricci!

Elder Ricci returns.  Sorry the photos are blurry, I was shaking!

Mother and son, finally

More than a few tears fell that day

Father and son

Brother Spencer, he leaves for Paraguay in Feb!!

Family photo.  It was a good day!

Me and Matt!!  Love that kid!!