Monday July 6th to Sunday July 12th, 2015 farewell parties and flight home

 

I thought this week would drag by, boy was I wrong, it has been a whirlwind! Everyday has been busy ad full of things to do and remember and learn, I am not sure my brain is going to hold all the information, well, I am sure it won't. I came across a quote that I like ----

“Paper is to write things down that we need to remember. Our brains are used to think.” -Albert Einstein

This last while I am so grateful for paper, now if I can think where I put the paper I need!

Monday our week started with an 8:00 am cooking class at the Norman's house. Brother Norman makes killer cinnamon rolls (among other delicious food items). Several of us have been bugging him for the recipe and we finally got a tutorial AND the recipe. As soon as these were done we made a quick trip to the Barro Negro store in San Bartolo Cayotopec to pick up the last few items we had on order there. We then came home cleaned shopped did laundry and prepped for the big despidida (going away party) for the Normans. they wanted to hold it while we were still here. We held the party at the Madsen's in the back yard, Laura Perez surprised everyone with a Mariachi band, it was a lot of fun and will be a great memory for all of us. the cinnamon rolls were a great dessert!

Sister Peña, Jan, and John working on the rolls 

Ready for the oven

 

Mariachi Band

John and sister Peña working on the cinnamon rolls.

Tuesday and Wednesday were normal days, or as normal as it has been lately, Presidency meeting, Missionary Meeting, working in the office, we actually got to take a session and even go on one. Thursday the excursion canceled and so it was a bit of a slow day but also nice as we got to go on another session and got a lot accomplished in the office, Friday and Saturday we had excursions with Saturday being the busiest, some days I really wonder how  we fit so many people in this small temple and where they all are, I see them come in, I know they are there and yet the reverence and peace and spirit of cooperation are just amazing. You would never know that there are bus loads of people inside.

Friday evening we went with the Normans and Peñas to the Roesberrys or dinner, it was so nice not to have to worry about fixing dinner, we have been trying to pack and clean out the fridge and we didn't really have anything to eat, they made us a wonderful dinner and the company was fantastic!

Saturday after the temple we had a secretaries party at the Normans, these amazing ladies have gotten so close to the Normans over the time they have been here and wanted to get together to show them their appreciation. Normans also wanted to let the secretaries know how much they love and appreciate them. Normans fixed dinner (yummy Café Rio Salads), it was a huge hit! Most of the  secretaries wore traditional Oaxacano clothing. We had games, sang a traditional song, testimonials, gifts, and photos. What a fun and memorable evening. It started at 5:00, we thought it would end by about 7:00 and we could play cards with the Roesberrys, the last people left about 9:00! These ladies are going to be such a blessing to get to know and work with for the next 9 months in the office, they are all so different and so great. Each one has so much to offer and is so willing to give and share their talents, time , friendship, and love.

Martha, Teresia, Claudia, Anita, Sister Canteras, Nayeli, Sister Peña

Graciela and Anita

Sister Lauara Perez making a presentation

John and Chris (Lupita)

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John and Chris (standing) Laura and Sister Cobe (sitting) We are not going to say goodbye to John and Chris, because we know we are going to keep in touch and be eternal friends.

    Tonight we have a Temple workers devotional, the main speaker is our Area Authority Seventy Elder Miron. We also have some guest musicians, the Normans have been their hosts and we were lucky enough to be invited to lunch with them. We think it was out of pity as we had nothing in our house to eat, but we could contribute a little fruit, rice and soy sauce! We are excited to hear them play and sing. It was fun to hear about their histories in the church over lunch.

I better close and finish packing, so we can head back to Ut. for a visit in the morning. It will be so good to see everyone! We love you all and can't wait to see you!