Coming to an End - Sunday, November 28, 2010

Our morning preparations for the Sabbath went smoothly. As always, the big question each morning from me is, "How hot is it going to be today?" Surprisingly Rich said it was only going to reach 72 degrees. Okay then, I can wear an outfit with a jacket -- maybe my "missionary suit" one last time. Ohhhh, the "last times" for everything is getting to me!!!! This going home thing is getting serious. We feel it's the right time now, however, as in September and October, it didn't feel like it was suppose to happen then.

We had separated the copies of the photos we made into individual envelopes with names on them to be taken to church and passed out. The members love to get pictures of themselves and with us, and we love giving them. To the Gerez family I wanted to write a thank you note for the dinner they invited us to last week, so I wrote it out and had Rich translate it, then I wrote it on a thank you card.

Rich left about a half hour before me to go to the office and run some things off for his lesson. In my haste to get to church, I spaced out picking up the envelopes and it didn't cross my mind until I was sitting in Relief Society. I debated about going back home for them, but this was the perfect day to give them out. Next Sunday might be too hectic to do it with telling everyone goodbye, so I slipped out during the closing song, found Rich, and told him I was going back home for them.

Then after class, in my best Spanish voice, I told the four couples that we meet with how much we loved them and thanked them for being our friends. We told them we had some photos to give them for memories sake and as they looked at them, some became emotional, as did we. Putting all missionary rules aside, meaningful hugs were exchanged and this isn't the last Sunday. Think how next week will be!

The neatest thing about Sacrament meeting today was to look at the Sacrament table and see two close friends, Ezequiel and Gabriel, sitting there to bless the sacrament - each having been new converts and righteously exercising their priesthood. It brought a tear to my eye. They and their wives are in our Sunday School class and are growing in the gospel. They have the potential to be strong leaders in the church someday. We wish we could be here to see it!

Unbeknownst to us, Elder Peterson was one of the speakers today. The missionaries never get called on to speak in church very often, at least while we have been attending this branch, so it was fun to have him up front. The theme of the meeting was on temple marriage, and family activity in the church. Elder Peterson comes from a large family that has been active in the church led by righteous parents, so they had him speak concerning that. He did a good job!

We are trying to eat up most of our food without buying more. So today, for Sunday dinner, we just had hot dogs. Nothing special, but it got rid of some food in the freezer. That's what I love about my husband - he is so easy to please and never expects wonderful meals every day. Thankgoodness!!

Being somewhat sleepy after starting this journal entry, I tried to take a nap. But, as soon as I laid down, my mind started going over all that I had to do, or should do, and I woke right up. So I came back to the computer to finish this entry.

Friday was the last day of school, but we are not sure if it is just until after Christmas, or if it is their summer break. Anyway, the kids do silly things like they do in the states. Some were getting paint thrown on them, but most were getting squirted with water and then flour thrown on them. Whatever!! Sofia, on the left, and Marco are youth from our Virreyes branch.

This school is right across the street from the chapel and it takes up a city block. The students go in three shifts. Grade school goes in the morning, and junior high and high school go in the afternoon and evening. Not exactly sure how it is divided up for them. The students only go to school about four hours a day around here.

It is a beautiful sunny afternoon and we can see for miles over our balcony. We are going to miss the view.