Goodbye's and Hello's

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 Our week started off with a hike with some of our very favorite people.  It was our District P-Day and we started off with a picnic lunch (some of us) at the top of Pixley Falls. Once everyone arrived we started down to the falls.  We took some pictures along the way.
Front L_R Sister Jacie Erickson, Sister Sarah Baker, Sister Elizabeth Carey
Back L_R Elder Colin Goddard, Elder Joshua Martindale, Elder Austin Alvi, Elder Bruce Mortensen,
Sister Neah DePoe, Us, Sister Monica Park, Elder John Park

We all loved being down by the water on a hot day.  Like the "kids" that they are, they had rock skipping contests and threw big rocks into the water.  They took selfies and just enjoyed being together.  We were loving every minute because we knew that there would be, at least, a couple leaving us at the end of the week.



After we had our fill of the river, falls, and hiking, what else would we do but head to Stewart's for ice cream?  In fact, Have I told you that we don't know what we will do without Stewart's Ice Cream in Utah! Sad!!!
The goodbyes for Sister Erickson started on Tuesday night at her last astronomy class.  Now we knew that she would be leaving us because she has been with us her entire mission-almost half of it.  We and our ward and friends have grown to love her beyond belief.  She has the most darling personality and we will miss her.  We had a little surprise party with treats afterward.  A few people who don't normally come, came to celebrate and say goodbye.
Transfer news came on Wednesday morning.  Wednesdays used to be our transfer days but the MTC has changed when they send missionaries into the mission field.  So now we get word on Wednesdays and transfers are on Fridays.  Sister Erickson would be going to Lyons and would be with Sister Hafen who was also trained her in Rome.  We love Sister Hafen.  Elder Alvi would also be going to Fayette to be back with Elder Zimbaur.  They are all pretty excited-except Sister Erickson.  She doesn't love change and would have stayed right here for her entire mission-but The Lord has a different plan!

Thursday evening was our Book of Mormon class and was another goodbye for Sister Erickson.  We taught 2 Nephi 32 about feasting on the words of Christ.  We have started over on some of the lessons we've taught because we have new converts who come and need to hear so many of the wonderful basic doctrines of Christ.  The Atwood's brought a big cake and we all enjoyed it.  There were some tears shed as some will not see Sister Erickson again.

Friday dawned and we headed to Liverpool for transfers.  We had two of our Rome girls going home and we knew we would have more there to see.  As it was, we had 6 of our Rome girls and that just does not happen very often-if ever??? What a wonderful day to be with these wonderful missionaries!
L_R Sister Paige Hafen, Sister Teli Okusi, Sister Allison Aston, Sister Gracey Curzon, 
Us, Sister Jacie Erickson, Sister Sarah Baker

Transfers is a beautiful chaos.  So many missionaries coming together, seeing old companions, hugging and laughing, and trying to figure out how to meet up with their new companions.  There is a big sandwich bar for the new missionaries who just arrived and their companions, the missionaries who are leaving for home and the office missionaries.  They had enough that they offered us some as well.  We helped out where we could and then we headed to Costco (because it's far enough away from us that we have to take advantage when we are closer) and then we headed for home. 

Saturday was moving day for the Jones family.  We helped load and clean and got them moved.  Luckily they are staying in our ward.  Once we got home we worked on potato salad for the ward potluck and made a jello salad as well.  We dropped into bed, tired from a long day and week.  But happy!  Always happy!

Sunday was ward council and church which is always good.  We love that we can feel of the Spirit and partake of the Sacrament.  Potluck is always FUN!  and the people enjoyed the food.  My salads were gone and that's quite okay with me.  The fourth Sunday is always a Single Adult potluck and fireside so we headed there and enjoyed it.  The rain came pelting down during the fireside and the parking lot was completely flooded.  Mike ran for the car and was soaked (we had left our umbrellas in the car)

It was good to be home.  We sure love you all.  Have a most beautiful week.














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