An Emotional Day -Sunday, December 5, 2010

When we woke up this morning we had no idea what was in store for us, nor the amount of tears that would be shed today by us and others.

It was a gorgeous day with a breeze, but on the warm side. We walked to church with the Schoenys and were excited to introduce them to the Virreyes branch not really knowing if the President was going to have them attend there or not. It is nice having Sister Schoeny speak Spanish so she can respond to the greetings she received.

Relief Society was good, but my thoughts were on testimony meeting as Rich and I were planning on bearing our testimonies since this is our last Sunday. I was thinking what I would say and how to say it. Then, when the meeting was over and some ladies started coming up to give me a hug and say goodbye, the tears came. And it was down hill from there.

All members of our Sunday School class were in attendance along with the Schoenys, and Rich gave the lesson on parents teaching by example and seeking the spirit in teaching their children. The class members have expressed how much they have enjoyed the class and how much they have learned. We gave brief farewell thoughts and expressed our love for each of them. More hugs and tears came even from the men in the class.

Walking through the hall towards the chapel was an effort because we would see people from the San Fernando ward who would stop us and wish us well and more hugs and kisses exchanged -- and more tears. Sister Mansilla asked us to remain after our sacrament meeting was over until their church ended a half hour later so she could get her family together for a picture.

The Schoenys got lost in all the hub bub, and went on without us to the chapel. When we finally got there they were on the back row, but moved up front with us when I motioned for them to come.

Rich and I decided we would bear our testimonies right at the first of the meeting, so when the time came we both stood up to go to the microphone. I must have done okay because a lot of people commented afterwards that they could understand me and that my pronunciation was good. Whew!

The meeting ended and more people came up to us to bid us farewell. It was hard getting out of the chapel, and in looking at the clock, there was only ten more minutes to wait until the San Fernando ward ended. One of our chica friends gave me a journal to write a note to her and wanted it in English. Good thing!

As I was focused on my writing someone came up to me, and when I looked up I practically screamed. It was ex-Elder Flavio Valente!! What a surprise!! I gave him a big hug and asked what in the world was he doing here in San Fernando. He said he came back (from Cordoba, Arg) to tell us goodbye. Yeah, right! He came to Buenos Aires to get his passport and paperwork in order to go to the U.S., as he is planning to marry one of our former sister missionaries, Sister Shaffer. They got together on Facebook and she came back to Argentina to see if their relationship would go anywhere. It indeed did and they are now engaged. Wow! It was great to see him again.

We met Sister Mansilla after her church was out for the requested pictures with her family and we thought we would be telling her goodbye at that time. Then she asked us if we could come to her house tomorrow night at 7:30 for dinner. Hating to decline, we gladly accepted the invitation with faith that I'll find the time to get everything done at home.

Before we left the church, we were asked by a few people if we could come back to the church at 6:00 this evening as a group of them wanted to get together to tell us goodbye. Oh golly, I thought we had been doing that all day. . . and now another goodbye to the same people. Well, of course, we said we would be there.

At 1:30 today we had a lunch appointment with the Romero family. The Saracho family was invited, along with the same elders we had lunch with yesterday at the Ailáns. Ana, Joey, and Guissela Romero have recently moved to a larger home and on their covered outside area tables were set up to accommodate all of us. We brought eight folding chairs from the church.

Since the family is from Perú, it was a Peruana meal of chicken, seasoned rice, boiled potatoes, and Seviche which is chunks of fish marinated in lemon juice which actually cooks the fish. It was all delicious, especially the fish.

Dessert was to die for!!!! It was cut up fresh fruit which consisted of peaches, mandarinas, bananas, strawberries, plums, and apples with a little sugar added and tang poured over it. Then, it was topped with a couple scoops of ice cream, any flavor. Oh my gosh, it was SOOOO good. I am definitely going to try this at home.

Gabriel and Blanca Saracho have become good friends and we will miss them so much. Two of their three daughters pictured are Luz and Aracelli. We are old enough to be parents or grandparents of most of our friends. Crazy!

We enjoy being with the elders and sisters whenever possible. We have spent the weekend eating with Elders Paz, Hansen, Magaña, and Peterson. I wanted to lose weight before coming home, and it's not happening.

Joey, Ana, and Guissela Romero hosted the dinner and the group wrote farewell messages on a homemade card. So thoughtful and cute! Then they gave us a beautiful cloth from Perú. It could be a table cloth, or something to drape over a piece of furniture. I love it!

After bidding everyone farewell, we were dropped off at home with enough time to take a nap before going to the church at 6:00. When we arrived, there were a few people in the hall and we stood around visiting. Nothing was really explained to us so we didn't know the agenda. Someone just said that maybe it would be held in the Primary Room because the chapel and cultural hall was tied up with a choir practice for Stake Conference next Sunday.

When we made our way to the Primary room there were tables of snack type foods set up. It was what one usually finds at baptisms - cheese puffs, potato chips, cookies, pop, and a variety of homemade treats. The food looked so tempting. Then there were chairs set up all around the room -- a lot of chairs.

Still perplexed, we noticed they handed out hymn books. What kind of a party is this? The elders came, but thought they were going to be meeting with one of the families that attended. When they found out the family was at the farewell get-together, they sat down to add their support. Then Elder Peterson was asked to lead the music.

Marco, the 18 year old Branch Mission Leader, conducted the gathering which opened with a song and prayer. Then he directed his kind remarks to us and said that we would go around the room and give everyone a chance to bear their testimony or say something to the Kroffs. There were 40-45 people in attendance and they were not just from our Virreyes branch. There were friends from the San Fernando ward and also a few from the Tigre branch. How the word spread, we have no clue.

Rich was having a hard time listening and then translating for me, so Elder Peterson came to sit by me and did a wonderful job keeping me informed of what people were saying. It was a blessing for me that the elders came and decided to stay.

No one took more than two or three minutes, but we were overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and gratitude expressed in our behalf. Everyone in the room took a turn and thanked us for leaving our family and all we had at home to come to Argentina and bless their lives. Many expressed appreciation for the example we set of a strong LDS marriage and they could feel the love we had for them. There were also comments on our positive attitude and smiling faces. It was truly a humbling experience and one that we will never forget.

We were the last two to respond and we told them that WE should be the ones thanking them for all that they have taught us and for the example they have all set in being such faithful members of the church. It was our privilege to be numbered among them.

After the meeting, pictures were taken, all the food was consumed, and tears dried up, but some resumed when the final parting hug was given. Elder Kroff said it was a good thing he was going home because if President Gulbrandsen found out he was hugging all the women and girls that he would probably be sent home anyway. He contained himself for 21 months, but just couldn't help himself these last couple of days.

Blanca and Rocio are good friends, and such sweet young mothers. We have become good friends with them through our Sunday School class.

The chicas were there in full force lending love and support and the most tears. Some were not just crying, they were bawling. They are trying to figure out how to get into each of our six suitcases. Elder Paz is keeping an eye on them.

We will miss the familia Vega, plus friend Natalia. What a beautiful family they are inside and out. Great friends!

The Lempke family from the San Fernando ward came and we hardly know them. They have just become active and we did attend the baptism of their two children a couple months ago. How nice of them to spend the evening with us.

We walked home reflecting on what had just taken place. What an incredible day we have had! Our lives will never be the same after serving this mission!