Loading up the wagon, hitching up the team, saying our goodbys!

      That's kind of what it feels like this week. The trunk of the car is crammed full, won't take another item. Next the back seats will get folded down and that area gets filled up! If that doesn't hold it all then I strap Sherrie onto the top of the car so I can put things in her seat. We've been saying our goodbys all this week and then the big farewell party in the Marshallese Branch for us will be on Friday night. Amy, Alph and family will be here for the party also. The members of the branch are doing a lot of whispering amongst themselves, so it should be fun! We've heard that they may be making a matching dress for Sherrie and a shirt for me. Perfect for the Hawaii trip!
      As with most similar situations, when someone has been living somewhere for a while and then decides to leave, you don't realize how many friendships you've established until people come up to you as you are going out the door. We've had some sweet experiences these last few days as we prepare to leave. Memories that we will remember forever. We've given out a lot of cards with our email and home address as well as phone numbers. Sounds like a lot of people will be coming our way in the future. Plus, we will be coming back at times when we visit with Amy and family and drive an hour to come up here and say hi.
      One of the three young women that we have helped get ready for their missions, has all of her paperwork done and just needs a final interview with the Stake President. We will be anxious to hear in a few weeks where she will be called to serve. The second young woman will follow soon and the third one will submit her paperwork when she is done with her semester of college in June. Helping these three has truly been one of the biggest highlights of our mission.
     I've said this earlier at the beginning of our mission, but this time together as a couple has been a great experience for us both. Our mission has drawn us even closer together. And of course it goes without saying that our love for our Savior has grown by leaps and bounds.
     To our family and friends outside of California we are anxious to see you soon, yet at the same time not so anxious to leave Amy and family, but that's part of life, and our family will all be together later this summer for a reunion in Missouri.
     My feelings in a nutshell about our mission can be best expressed in a quote by David S. Baxter

"I have found that service [serving a mission] does something to you. It changes perspective; it stretches the soul; it refreshes and uplifts; it elevates our thinking and our feelings; it draws us closer to the Savior, who spends all of his time in selfless service to Heavenly Father and all of his children".

Love ya,

John and Sherrie