A Week of Farewells, May 6th - May 13

Tell we meet again to our dear friends, Lorraine & Dave Barlow

 Monday, May 6th

Farewell lunch at Noonans  It was sweet to be with everyone but so sad to consider our days are numbered.  This became the week of constant goodbyes.

We had scheduled outside couple and group photos with Brent Walton for this evening but have been worried about the rainy weather.  The Lord was good to us.  It was the most perfect day.  Sunny and cool with a slight cloud cover.  Since I'm writing this in retrospect, I will tell you that Tuesday morning it started raining again.  A small miracle for a few of God's faithful servants.

It was such a beautiful evening that we made a trip to Chill and Grill with Tanners for our last NY ice cream cone.  What a delight to visit with them and feel strengthened by their faith and goodness.  Brother Tanner reminds me so much of my nephew, Thane Davidson that it natural and easy to feel close.  We tried to see if we were related but discovered that he related to Ray -- funny.

Magnolia Resale, our front door neighbor

Tuesday, May 7th

We filled our day with packing, distributing farewell notes, and saying goodbye to our sweet neighbors.
The Bond's invited us for lunch and we had a pleasant visit reminiscing about lessons learned in life and on our mission.   President and Sister Miller had to miss our lunch yesterday so invited us for dinner tonight at their home.  Another wonderful meal, pleasant conversation, and the sense that we have developed many eternal friends.

Wednesday, May 8th

2 shifts at the temple kept us busy followed by dinner with Ashbys.  Elder Ashby is a second cousin to Ray.  We learned that his family love Lake Powell so maybe we will join them there when we get back

Thursday, May 9th

Between shifts at the temple I cleaned the apartment.  As time gets close, I feel grateful that I had started some deep cleaning a few weeks ago

Cute Gift from Sister Cusolito

Dinner with the Osbornes (think red sports car convertible)

Friday, May 10th

We had breakfast with Cusolitos at Muddy Waters.  Another goodbye.  Agh.  This is hard.  We packed more moxes before heading to our shift at the temple at 12:30pm.

Then dinner in Canadiagua with the Osborns. They are local workers at the temple and kindly invited us to have dinner with them.  It was delicious and we enjoyed our time together.  I do wish these dinners were at the beginning of our mission so we could get to know the marvelous people we work with sooner.  Brother Osborne is 75 or so, his wife in her 60s I think.  A second marriage for both of them.  He bought her a red sports convertible that we tease them about a lot.  They look pretty cute as they drive around, especially when the sun is out.

Last Picture of the temple

Saturday, May 11th

The day was dry so we worked at packing the care.  Still a few things to go but feeling confident it will all fit nicely.  We worked at the temple in the afternoon for our last shift.  It was a bit strange to leave knowing that we had finished. 

Leaving the temple after our last shift

 Another farewell meal with the temple Presidency.

Mother's Day Flowers

Sunday, May 12th

Somehow we found a few minutes during the week to prepare for Sunday.  We spoke in church today and I lead the music in Primary.  I gave some framed temple pictures to the primary children who were there.  
Harveys were not there and forgot to let Helen know so she missed church.  I knew she would just be devastated.  We stopped by on our way home.  We were pleasantly surprised that Len came outside and down the stairs to say goodbye.  We will surely miss Helen and Len.  We have grown to love them so much and hope for their growth and perhaps the chance to go to the temple. 
After church, President and Sister Petraitis served ice cream and cupcakes.  This was especially sweet because their family has been sick for a few weeks and I know it took an extra effort, not to mention that it was Mother’s Day

The Hornell Branch Primary Gang

With the Sheesley's

We were home just a short time before heading for dinner at Miners with 12 month missionaries.  It was a potluck for Mother’s Day and so delicious  The Gilletts prepared a brisket that was so good and all the sides were just perfect.  Yet another “final” meal with eternal friends.  One more day to go.

With President Petraitis and Julia; Sister Petraitis and Scotty

Miracle: Len came out of the house to say goodbye

Monday, May 13th

Packing in the rain had its challenges but we managed to get everything in. 

We conducted our last FHE.  Bob Parrot spoke on the regeneration and preservation of the Sacred Grove.  It was a fantastic presentation, full of the spirit and eternal principles.  Amazing.  

Final cleaning and wipe down then to be. We are ready to leave in the morning. 

Elder D. Todd Christofferson

“While we strive to be diligent in building up Zion, 

Including our part in the gathering of the Lord’s elect and the redemption of the dead.  

We should pause to remember that it is the Lord’s work and He is doing it.”

Bishop W. Christopher Waddell

“In modeling our ministering after Jesus Christ, it is important to remember

 that His efforts to love, lift, serve, and bless 

had a higher goal than meeting the immediate need."