Well the week has really gone by fast.  Kathy and I have had lots of things to do in order to be ready by Saturday.  We finally got the garage ready and all of our stuff placed in it.  I finished the fireplace mantel and found places for my tools so they would be out of the way, so the girls can use the garage as a garage on Friday.

Saturday morning Kathy and I cleaned, packed and moved more items to the garage.  I thought we would be able to get going about noon or so.  It was well after 3 when Kathy and I stood at the front door for over a minute just thinking about the old house. Was it going to be ok and if we could lock the door and drive away.  With tears and hug from each other…. the key was turned and we started the truck. Our thoughts were about the saints in Nauvoo in 1846 when they left the temple, farms and sometimes family, to follow the Prophet to unknown.   We really have a better knowledge of the things the Saints had to go though.

Today, we went to church with the Blackham’s. Sacrament meeting a Sister missionary had her home coming.  She talked about her mission. She really had a great time and she told us that her mission was for her.  In Sunday school we had a lesson on Jonah and his missionary experience. The last video she showed was Called to Serve. Lots of tears there.  Then Priesthood and Relief Society were combined.  The new full time missionary couple talked about how to get the full time Elders, people to teach.  All of the meeting had something to do with missionary work. It looks like the Lord is ready for us.  First thing in the morning we are going to the M.T.C.  Not sure we are ready but ready or not here we go.

Good Evening

 Well it has final happened we were set apart as full time missionaries tonight, what a wonderful event.

So is there anyone out there wanting to know where you have come from, why you are here and where you are going  J

We may need to catch everyone one up with what is happening.  Yesterday we talked in Church.  It was so good to see family, friends, old students, and both our old bosses were there.  It was so amazing to look out and see those wonderful people who have meant so much in our lives.  We hope that something we said would touch their lives. . 

Last Thursday we Skyped with our Zone Leaders, he happens to be the 2^nd Councilor in the Mission Presidency, and his wife.  They will be picking us up at the airport on Saturday evening September 6^th in Puerto Rico.  We will be staying the weekend there and then on Monday, fly to St Thomas where our new apartment awaits us.  He told us that our apartment has a beautiful view of the bay. He explained our duties and responsibilities.  We will be the only missionaries on the island and so we will be doing everything.  Not tracking, but teaching, training, and supporting the branch.  They have about 170 members, with about 70 attending every Sunday, unless there is a cruise ship in port and then we may have 150.  

We are so excited to get started.  In 14 days we will be in the MTC.

Today we are starting the packing.  We still need one more large suitcase.  We are allowed to have  2 large suitcases each, as well as a carry on and personal case.  Steve is getting the garage ready for us to move our things out so that Victoria can move her things in.   We have lived here 23 years, it is amazing what we have accumulated!!  After the kids got what they wanted, we have made several runs to the DI and the dump!!! There might be room for a car once we are done! (It is an oversized 2 car garage! and some things will be staying inside the house) :)