Elder and Sister Calloway rode to church with us today. They have just finished up their missionary service in Iceland and are here for the weekend before departing to their home in St. George. It is ironic that they arrived in the middle of a dark and obviously very cold winter and will be returning home to St. George in the summer.
They have become acclimated, like us, and think a day in the high 50's is paradise. St. George will feel like an oven to them.
They arrived in Copenhagen tired and emotionally tired from their good-byes. They were there 18 months and have come to love the people more than can be expressed. They have come to love the beauty of Iceland, its pristine air and water and the variety of the landscape.
I was wondering aloud the other day to SK about how difficult it will be to leave here, the dear young adults we love so much, and the incredible people in our little branch. That had never occurred to me as we were preparing to leave. I didn't fully realize that when you come to know individuals and love them....there will be a price to pay.....part of your heart.
Best not to even think about it.
Church was wonderful with messages about gratitude and Family History...so inspiring! In the evening we went to dinner at the Thornes apartment with Sister Hamblin, Sister Swena and the Calloways. It was a great evening.
SK spoke with our temple president today. Two couples finished up their service this week as temple missionaries, and are leaving the temple a bit short-handed. SK would like to serve one shift a week and I think I could do one every other week, depending on what is going on at the center. President Williams seemed to be happy to have our help and will work on getting it cleared through all the proper channels. It could take awhile, but SK is so excited about it....and I would love to work in that beautiful temple.
Our calendar for June is filling up fast....like every month has done so far. It is all good stuff...really great things to keep us occupied. This week will be a busy one.
I hope we can get our little patio garden in!!!!
After hearing about the Calloways going back to St. George, I was talking to Diana Ferrin today from our stake who just got home from her mission to Alaska. She said that she had a physical just weeks after she got to Alaska and as the Dr. took her blood, he mentioned that she must have just gotten up to Alaska because her blood was so thin. It's not just a figure of speech I guess, it really happens. I hope the Calloways don't suffer too much! Or you either when you make it back here to the Oven of Hades! :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so funny! The Oven of Hades....well....I hope we can become acclimated gracefully. I know it will be somewhat of a shock....but then when the temperature hits 115 degrees, it is always somewhat of a shock.
DeleteSis. Ferrin was the coordinator on Sat. in the temple. Can't believe she has already returned. She came home to HOT weather.
ReplyDeleteAs for leaving part of your heart when you return home- it WILL happen. We cried all day the last Sunday we were in Council Bluffs - and a good deal on the way home. The nice part is - we have been able to keep in touch with a good number of the people we worked with. The sad part is - most of those who don't keep in touch - have gone back to their old ways. On the bright side - the first part of May - I got a call from a sister who had come to SLC to go to the temple & was planning a mission. Then she returned to CB & fell away. Later she moved in with a guy - became with child - moved in with another guy (whom she is still with after 12 years). He daughter is preparing to get baptized and she has come back to church & LOVES it. It was SOOO good to visit with her. We had sent birthday & Christmas cards all those years - and she never responded until I sent her a note after Bill's death. I continued to write - and gave her my phone number each time - and also kept her in my prayers (along with many others). Persistence paid off.
It would be wonderful if you & Stan could serve in the temple. I still see you returning - and can understand why you love it so much. L&P
It is wonderful that you have been able to keep in touch with so many. I know you have been a sweet presence in your friend's life...as you are to so many. L&P
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