Dragging Our Feet Just to Slow Down the Time

I guess I can post this since this is
a private blog.

Whew!  Primary Program is over and it went very well with a lot of extra help from above.  It was a little scary using my iphone and Bluetooth speaker for the accompaniment to the songs.  Lol, just as the kids were going up to the stand to begin, one of the Chinese elders came in and said he could play the piano!  NOW he tells me!!  I appreciated the offer but decided it was too late to change.  It went off with nary a hitch and the kids were super!  They even watched me instead of looking at the words!  They were oh so sweet and I got a little teary as they were singing, thinking that soon I would be leaving and may not ever see them again.  

It was challenging (for me) because we sang some songs in English and some in Spanish with many verses in sign language.  We have one little deaf girl.  She was all smiles.  They were all troopers.  Once again, I felt the many tender mercies of the Lord helping us through the whole program.  I KNOW He helps His servants—especially His missionaries.

The post-program party.  This Branch is big on parties.

 

We heard from our replacements, the Palmers, this week.  They are from Louisville, Kentucky and things worked out right to move their arrival up a couple of weeks (1 week instead of 2 in the MTC, then fly home and drive to NYC on Monday).  They will get here January 22nd.  We will stay for a week to train them, then hit the road (with more than a few tears shed).

Elder Williams had his hands full all week dealing with 6 accidents - a new record for a week.  He handled them with much compassion and patience (mostly).  I was proud of him.

We are at the point now where I am counting down how many meals I have (get) to serve missionaries.  This week is the Mission Leadership council so I get to feed about 40.  Then Sister Postma and I are feeding about 25 missionaries (and Jay and Marc) for Thanksgiving.  The next morning I am flying home to meet the new granddaughter, Sydney (who had just better be here by then if she knows what’s good for her.  I will get back just in time for four Christmas mega-zones (ham, potatoes and the whole meal deal).

We can’t believe we have so little time left.  There are so many people here who have found places in our hearts and who we will never forget.

In the office.

Dinner with friends, the Congers, at 5 Guys.   Great people.