Linnell (Norlund) Mikkelson

After our return from Israel, I attended BYU for another two years, taking more Hebrew, archaeology, and history classes. I met a certain Craig Mikkelsen just as he was graduating, and we were married in August 1974 in Oakland. He began law school at the University of Chicago a few weeks later. I worked for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine in its children's hospital coordinating care for children with birth defects and victims of child abuse. Upon graduation from law school, we moved to Milwaukie, Wisconsin, then a few years later to Portland, Oregon.

We have ten children, five boys and five girls (David, Miriam, Anna, Bethany, Elizabeth, Rivka, Pietr, Adam, Andrew, and Matthrew). Six are married. Four are established, three are in college, and three are still at home. Our youngest is ten. They are the joy of my life, my best friends, and the most fun and interesting people I know. They're a wild bunch. We're now getting into the next generation (nine grandchildren and two on the way -- can this be?).

We have, since school, always lived in the country so that the children would have lots of room to run around and lots of hard work to do. We've had every conceivable kind of pet from hedgehogs to tarantulas, but we've specialized in gaited horses (Tennessee Walkers, Paso Finos, Foxtrotters, Spanish Barbs, Icelandics, and Peruvian Pasos).

I'm curious how many of us have ended up teaching seminary. I had about two weeks notice when I was called, but -- ah-ha! -- it was New Testament year! I've had many occasions to share my experiences in the Middle East: art history classes in the elementary schools, humanities classes in the high schools, and of course, at Church.

I'm sure our time in the Middle East has had a huge impact on all our lives. The entire world is more real to us. People who lived thousands of years ago are more real to us. The Savior is more real to us. The things that are happening now are more real to us. My heart breaks as I see our old haunts being torn to shreds. Our comfort is that now, as in times past, the hand of the Lord is over all His children, despite what we may do.

I'm anxious to see you all. Even after all these years, on hearing each of your names, a familiar and dear face comes to mind along with memories simple and profound. See you soon.

Linnell