Easter has passed - He has risen! Alleluia!

     Well, Tom has spent his first Easter in Malaysia. We have continued to receive weekly emails from our Elder Aikens, along with an occasional surprise envelope in the mail that contains a photo card with videos and pictures. We love to receive his videos and recently Tim, Katie, Liam and I compiled our own videos and sent them back. I have started carrying a small video camera with me so that I can record any encouraging words if I run into Tommy's friends.  By far, my favorite video is the one of Tommy and the durian fruit. I'm told durian smells awful - either like rotting meat or dirty socks, take your pick. I'm trying to post it on the blog, but it may be a little too big.  I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do.

     He surprised his Dad on his birthday with a video of him and his companions singing Happy Birthday. They sang it in a couple different languages, and Tim thought it was pretty cool. Tim, Katie and I all celebrated birthdays in March, and Tommy managed to send us some handmade gifts from Malaysia. Tommy says his Chinese is coming along much better, and he can understand people much easier than he could when he first arrived. At the end of March his bike was run over by a lorry (truck) - while he was on it. It's a miracle that he walked away with only a scrape and a bruise. Unfortunately, his bike was trashed, and he will need to get a new one. We later spoke to Elder Smith from the Malaysian Mission and he told us how it is a testament of how God watches over his missionaries!
     On April 14, we had to deliver some sad news. Tommy's Nana (Marian Aikens) passed away with family members by her side. While it was very difficult not having Tom with us during the funeral mass, it was even more difficult not really knowing how he was feeling or what he was going through. Elder Smith delivered our message and assured us he was checking with Tom daily to see how he was doing. When we finally got our weekly email from him, he had these words to share with us, "I was sad when I heard, but she is in a better place and I know she is happy. We will all see her again one day.", His faith was carrying him through, he was worried more about us than himself, and wished he could help. Easter was the following week, the Malaysian Elders would have Easter dinner with Elder Smith and his wife. Elder Smith also asked for some of our Easter recipes. From the picture below it looks like they had a full table.
      Our next big milestone is Mother's Day. That is when we will be able to Skype with Tommy - we can hardly wait. We did a practice session this week to confirm that we will be able to add additional people to the call. This will be important as our call will most likely come at 6 am, and Katie will be up in Oshkosh. I will let folks know how it goes!  That's it for now.  Take it easy all and keep sending your letters and comments to Tommy - he loves to hear from us!

Tommy Delivers Eagle Challenge to Casey Skalbeck

On Saturday, January 8, Casey Reed Skalbeck was honored by friends, family and local dignitaries, for achieving scouting's highest honor, the rank of Eagle Scout. Many scouts from Kenosha's Troop 505 participated in the ceremony, and I know Tommy wanted to be there. There were many special moments during the ceremony - the candle lighting, the "pinning" of Casey by Lucy (his Mom) and the time spent by John (his Dad) putting the Eagle scarf around his neck. But anyone who attended the ceremony, will know my favorite part. It was the highlight of my entire week. It was the point in the ceremony where Tommy delivered the Eagle Challenge to Casey via recorded video. It was once again an incredible feeling for me, I'm not sure whose idea it was, or even where the video was recorded. All I know is that it was great to see something planned and organized by a group of fine young men for a truly momentous occasion. In my last email from Tommy, he wanted me to make sure to pass on his congratulations, so Casey, on behalf of Tommy, "Congratz!!"

Some highlights from Tommy's last notes include the fact that Malaysia is hot, but fortunately they do have air conditioning. He only got to spend two days in Singapore, but he said it was such a cool city, he can't wait to go back, and of course, the food is very different (he misses Taco Bell). He is enjoying himself, and trying not to be discouraged by comments from the locals that they do not want to hear what he has to say. The Chinese is very difficult even when people are asking him simple questions like "How old are you?", and "Where are you from?" Church services are done in Chinese. Finally, he wanted to know how dinner with Katelyn and Emily went. Tim served up our traditional Christmas Eve feast of ravioli. We talked for hours over dinner and dessert of cheese, grapes and Christmas cookies. We had a great time, as evident by this picture, I really can't wait for him to see it. Thanks to all of you who commented on his wall! We'll be sending your comments in our next package!!!