Chocolate Castles as wel

Well, Happy April Fools Day to y’all.  Because we have had so much time to think of past memories that bring so much laughter to us during these last couple of weeks, this memory came quickly into our minds today because of it being April 1st.  Let me begin….

Back in 2002, we had moved to California for Randy’s job. Because Jodi was a single mom with a 1 year old, we ask her to go with us and she heartily agreed. We were all settled in our new home in Placentia, CA and enjoying the gift of being grandparents. What a joy it was to be able to see Jaden do all the “first” things but also watching Jodi grow into a loving mom. But we had noticed that she was having days when something must have been on her mind, but she continued to go to work each day, only to come straight home to care for Jaden while I made dinner and waited for Randy to come home from work. It was during these days that Jodi one day was sitting there talking to me and in the conversation she said, “Mom, I wonder how long I will be a single mom?” I assured her that the Lord had someone special for her and to just allow Him to provide who He wanted for her and Jaden.

Well, April 1st rolls around. Jodi had already left for work and Randy is telling me that we need to think of a good April Fools joke for Jodi. He left for work and called me shortly and said, “Oh I have just the perfect joke to play on her.” And as he talked, I started laughing and told him to go ahead and email her at work with the plan.  Now, remember that I always told you that Randy does have a mischievous side to him and that it really came through then.  Here is what Randy emailed to Jodi…..

“Jodi, your mom and I, as you know have prayed about your desire to be married. Well, we feel that your prayers are about to be answered.  Someone has told me about a web site that gives names of Russian Men who are wanting to come to American to be in ministry, but they need to be married.  They don’t speak very much English, but you are a patient person, who I know would gladly teach this man English and y’all could possibly go to seminary together once he becomes a citizen. So your mom and I have bought you one of these men and he will arrive in 2 weeks for you to marry. We both have put a lot of thought in this and realize that maybe this is how you are going to have your dream of finding a husband for you and a father for Jaden. So please trust us in this as we only want what is best for you and we feel that this is what is best.”

When Jodi received the email at work, all I can tell you is that she immediately called me and ask me if this was true. It was so hard to not laugh, but I assured her that Randy and I both thought that this was a great plan, plus the Russian guy would be in ministry and they could partner together possibly working in the mission field. As she listened to me explain the plan, she told me she needed time to take her Bible in the bathroom at work and pray.  It was then the I knew I had to call Randy to tell him to call her and tell her the truth. I didn’t  want my daughter to be distraught or thinking that her life would be spent with someone who might take her back to Russia.   When Randy called Jodi to talk to her and tell her the truth, he could tell that she was really upset thinking that she was going to be married in two weeks to a guy she had never met.   The conversation went like this…

Randy: Jodi what is today?

Jodi: Monday

Randy: what is the date today?

Jodi: April 1st I think

Randy: Jodi what is April 1st

Jodi: oh my gosh, it is April Fools Day…..

Fast forward to  April 1st, 2020.

Randy: via mail to Jodi this morning, (who is now divorced) “Jodi, your mom and I just heard from Valdamir and he is still available. He is the Russian preacher we purchased on option for you some years ago. The option runs through today at midnight. We still believe that he will be your soul mate and be a great influence on the boys once his English improves..maybe Caleb can help him. We love you and remember we have to know by midnight.  Love, Randy

Jodi’s response: “I may be ready to take ya’ll up on this generous offer this time”

Have a great April Fools Day and hope this day will bring some laughter as you think back over fond memories…and will leave this thought with you; Father really does know best.