Grandpa Tingey

We are having a party for my Grandpa Tingey's 80th birthday--there should be a post to follow with fun pictures of that event.  But it hasn't happened quite yet.  We are putting together a memory book for him with stories and such.  And I have thought and thought about what I want to contribute.  And I decided to share it here too--so that down the road it is here for my children as well as in his book.
My Grandpa Tingey didn't get to serve a mission.  He really wanted to--but there was a war going on.  Each ward was only allowed to send so many missionaries.  When it came Grandpa's turn--he was already engaged to Grandma.  They told him to go get married and they sent someone else.  Grandpa wanted to serve.  7 of his 8 children ended up serving missions.  My mom and Uncle Kevin going at the same time being the first of them to serve.  My mom served in Thailand during another war.  I have a couple of stories from her mission that are very dear to my heart.  When I was 10ish Grandma and Grandpa started giving up money for our mission fund on birthdays and Christmases.  I knew that missionary work was important to them.  And I did all I could to be prepared for the time when I could serve.  As they prepared and served two missions--it has only strengthened my commitment and testimony of missionary service.
Looking at my life--it may be hard to see I have a testimony of missionary work.  I had planned on going.  I had prepared. I was shocked when I felt the impression that the Lord had other plans for me.  It has been the only time I attempted arguing with the Lord. I do not suggest it.  I still wish I had been given the opportunity to serve.  But I know the path the Lord has for me is better than the one I'd pick for myself.  Todd and I wanted to be done having kids at 30, so we would have the opportunity to serve a couple of senior missions.  Again--the Lord has had different mission for us.  But Grandpa's legacy of missionary work has stayed with me through my youth and adulthood.  I'm grateful for such a legacy and example.