LOTR Marathon

We proved that we could at least complete one marathon...a Lord of the Rings marathon! My roommates and I watched the entire Lord of the Rings series (extended version) today. I think it took about 12 hours and we didn't really even take any breaks in between. I actually only saw The Two Towers and The Return of the King. (I was running errands earlier in the day so missed The Fellowship of the Ring). But I'll make sure to watch that one again soon enough.

I just LOVE the entire story. It reminds me so much of setting off on a mission, being gone from my home for a year and a half and then returning home without a clue how to adjust back to "normal" life. I think that's why The Return of the King is my favorite. I watched it soon after I returned from my mission in the Philippines. I related very well to the Hobbits, especially when they return home and no one in the Shire even knows what they have been through and probably didn't even realize that they were gone (at least that's how the townspeople treat them). They truly built a fellowship and love for eachother and in many ways I feel like mission companions are like that. You are assigned to be with different companions throughout your mission and experience great miracles, enjoy fun times, and even go through difficult times as well.

Here's one of my favorite parts in The Two Towers:

Sam: I wonder if we'll ever be put into songs or tales.

Frodo: [turns around] What?

Sam: I wonder if people will ever say, 'Let's hear about Frodo and the Ring.' And they'll say 'Yes, that's one of my favorite stories. Frodo was really courageous, wasn't he, Dad?' 'Yes, my boy, the most famousest of hobbits. And that's saying a lot.'

Frodo: [continue walking] You've left out one of the chief characters - Samwise the Brave. I want to hear more about Sam. [stops and turns to Sam]

Frodo: Frodo wouldn't have got far without Sam.

Sam: Now Mr. Frodo, you shouldn't make fun; I was being serious.

Frodo: So was I.

[they continue to walk]

Sam: Samwise the Brave...

I need to find myself a Samwise Gamgee. He is loyal, optimistic, brave, kind, helpful....He is by far my favorite character.