First Meal Back in the US

He traveled for days. Beginning early on Wednesday the 16th: A tro tro from Praso to Cape Coast. A shuttle van from Cape Coast to Accra. A flight from Accra to London. Another flight from London to Los Angeles. A small plane from Los Angeles to Salt Lake City. Mom and Dad's minivan from the airport to a nearby suburb for dinner at 8 pm. We sit down at an all you can eat buffet. A smorgasbord of American food. What does he put on his plate? 

Chicken and hot sauce:

He then proceeded to eat the bones.

Labels and Instructions

We've heard that it can be difficult for missionaries returning from West Africa to acclimate to their new surroundings. Dale is taking his fatherly duties quite seriously, offering much practical advice and guidance to Rain.

First Day Home

It was a busy first day home. Dale and I weren't even up and about when we heard Rain kicking the ball around. So of course I ran out for pics! Then he joined me for a run and a long list of other activities. It's quite amazing to have him back and begin to see the man he has become.

He calls it football now

Back in the saddle

Learning to drive again

Does the suit still fit? Checking out the clothes he left behind, in preparation for church the next morning.

Well traveled and read scriptures

He's Back! Welcome Home Elder Price!

After two years overseas, Rain has returned to the USA! He served as an LDS Missionary in Liberia for one year, then in Ghana for the second year. Missionary rules are state that he can only email us only once a week (typically on Mondays), and phone calls were allowed only on Christmas and Mother's Day. 

Rain arrived home from West Africa on Friday evening, September 18th. It was joyous and emotional. I asked Dale what three words he would use to describe it. We came up with Joy, Relief, and Euphoria. It's indescribable.

Moms get the first hug

The men welcomed the returning missionaries with the haka

Dad hug

Brother hugs

Cousins

More cousins - ready for RAIN!

Dale made name tags for each of us "so Rain will remember who we are!"

  

Dale went the entire two years without a hair cut. He took it out of its usual ponytail to show Rain the growth.

We had a jacket waiting in the car for him. The cool weather here was a shock on his system.

*you may notice we're missing a family member in all of these photos. Rain's older sister, Rikki, recently had a baby and won't be able to visit from Alaska until Christmas time.

The Countdown - 3 Hours To Go!

Flags are out. Banner is up. Elder Makani Rain Price is on US soil! Switching planes at LAX!

Dale decorated:

The Countdown - One Week Left

One week to go!! #RainCountdown

The Countdown - Two Weeks Left

TWO. Two. two. 2. II

TWO WEEKS from now Elder Price will be HOME!!