Sunday, October 26, 2014

WE'RE HERE!!!!

Well after a very long airplane trip and a few glitches (my luggage got lost) we finally made it.  It is awesome.  The senior couples from the island all met us at the airport (they had to wait a very long time) and then delivered us to our apartment.


This is our humble abode.


You can park wherever you want.


All the comforts of home


On a walk through our neighborhood.

One of the first signs we saw here.

The view from our balcony.


Our car and parking spot.  I don't think Bill's truck would fit.


Our little chapel.

On Saturday night we had a movie night.  This is Lucy and Arya.


Frank - he comes for the food.  From Cameroon and plays professional soccer.



Sis. Jacobsen and Sis. Chapman.

Frank & Sis. Chapman

Me with Lucy

Those at movie night:  Ayra, Bro & Sis Chapman, Lucy, me and Frank

Bill in front of our apartment building.

We are happy, loving it and LOST.  Today we attended our first branch Sunday meetings.  They were wonderful.  Most of the members here are sisters from the Philippines.  So friendly and love to hug.  We have felt the Lord's protective care here while we learn how to drive on the left side of the road and adjust to the Cypriat way of driving.  It will be a long while before I am brave enough to try.

We meet with Pres. Freestone this week to find out exactly what our duties will be.  We are excited to serve and get to know the members here.  This week will be mostly training but we are going with the sisters next Saturday to help teach.

Love to all - we miss you!


Friday, October 17, 2014

MTC


We just got dropped off and received our badges.  We are official now!



Well here we are at the famous 'map.'  

The MTC has been a fabulous experience.  We are amazed at the people in our group - so accomplished, successful, dedicated, humble and eager to serve.  We have doctors, lawyers, firemen, a dairy farmer, teachers, and one old football coach!
 -- you name it we have it in our group (including David Blunck's brother).  They are all so friendly and excited for each other and for the adventures ahead.  We are amazed at some of the places they are heading:  the Congo, Jakarta, South Africa, California, Peru, England, Spain, New Mexico and a lot are staying home as full-time missionaries.  There is a big emphasis on this new program in the church.



This is the building where we are staying.  We thought it was kind of appropriate that we would be staying in the Jacob Hamblin building.  It also houses the bookstore, post office and many other important places so it is very convenient.

The classes have gone well but boy, am I out of my comfort zone.  But I keep telling myself to be brave and bold.  Thank goodness I have such an awesome companion!!!!!  He is the best.

Tomorrow (Friday) is our last day here at the MTC and then we will fly out on Monday, the 20th.  Can't wait to get there and get started.  It is funny when we see other senior couples and they ask where we are going, when we tell them, they always respond:  oh, so you are the ones going to Greece.  Kind of funny.

Last night we went and saw Meet the Mormons.  We loved it.  To see other Mormons around the world, living and doing the same things we do.  They believe what we do and have sacrificed so much for the gospel but are happy and hopeful.

Friday, October 3, 2014

Well we had our farewell this past Sunday - talk about stressful!  We were so humbled and touched by all the friends and family who came.  It was so great to visit with so many there.  After the meeting we had a small gathering at the house.

This is my Aunt Joyce and cousin, Sunny Broadbent

Reggie was just tuckered out!



Grandma with some of  her girls:  Mia, Marcie and Meg
The boys were all fascinated with Reggie.

Bill's brother, Bart  and Brock

Bill's brother, Lloyd, and his mother,  LaVerl  &  Bill

My sister,  Marty and her husband, Bob, came.  They were lots of help this weekend.

Bill and his mother, LaVerl - age 94

Our family pic - 2014
As you can tell, Jody hasn't aged!?!?!

We will really miss these cuties!

                                                   

We are now down to about 10 days left.  Lots to do still but we are so excited to be on our way.