Monday, January 26, 2015

         Yesterday was a national holiday called “Women’s Day” and the people at church were exchanging greetings wishing the sisters a Happy Woman’s Day.  Sometimes they pass out flower like Mother’s Day, but yesterday it was Hershey’s chocolate kisses!  What a treat—and they are soooo expensive here.

         Our day was packed full haircuts, hair color—only one left now—laundry, exercise, and a myriad of other preparation-day activities.  The FHE schedule said there would be a farewell dinner for Pres. and Sister Amado and we expected it would be at the regular time which is 6:00 p.m.  When Glade was in the laundry room, Sister Casceras told him—no, it is a luncheon that starts at noon!  Well, this was about ten minutes before noon!  Glade hurried to get ready, but I was not even close!!  Long story short—Latin time ruled and that gave me enough time to shower and get ready.  The luncheon actually started about 1:45!   Somehow there was a break-down in communication since we didn’t get the message—again!

         It’s a good thing we made the effort to get ready and attend because they included us in the farewell, too since we only have six weeks left. There were nearly twenty people there since the four engineers and one temple recorder also were invited.  Everyone took a turn sharing his or her sentiments and kindly expressed love and appreciation and it was all very, very nice.  The meal was prepared by someone outside the group and we were served potato salad, green salad, rice, grilled chicken breast, shish-kabobs with beef and veggies, drinks of blender-pureed watermelon and cantaloupe, Sprite, and a bowl of fruit.  Sister Ocampo wrote words to a special song, gave copies to everyone, and they all sang for us.  They also sang "Auld Lang Syne" in harmony in Spanish.    

         Of course it is bitter-sweet as we have begun making early preparations for leaving this beautiful experience.  The Christensen’s, the couple replacing us, will buy our printer and cell phone; and today we gave our Christmas tree, lights, and ornaments to Brother and Sister Gomez who don’t have a tree and actually want to take it home with them when they leave next year.  (We didn’t actually physically give it to them yet since it is still all lit up in our apartment, but the plans have been made.)  I gave a temple dress and lots of music to Gina (I probably posted that already—sorry) and we are clearing out the bookcase—at least making decisions.  But—tomorrow it is back to the temple and we are ready for another week and happy to be on the afternoon/evening shift!

         Two of the bookcase/TV stands in two of the lounges have “sprouted” termites!  One of the engineers came to our apartment this morning and asked if we had noticed any signs in our own furniture.  We have not, but we are right through the wall from the lounge where they were found.  The smell of bug spray was prevalent the rest of the day and I really hope it eradicated every last one of the little critters!

           Good Night with Love--

(I took a video on my phone of our group singing and tried to insert it here, but it wouldn't show and wouldn't play.  I guess more lessons are needed!!)  Sorry.  Any suggestions?