Departures

I think the most difficult thing for me on this mission is the departure of our friends as they leave us here at FM (facilities management).

Lee Noe retired in December and promptly went on vacation so we didn't get to say good-bye and have a party for him until mid-January.  Lee has a great sense of humor.  His comedic timing is great!  When I worked as the FM Secretary, he would come downstairs and visit  with me occasionally.  I grew to really love this guy.  He came back to receive his flag, which I knew he didn't want, but more importantly to say his good-byes.  He also played his guitar for us which was amazing!

The Pinettes were scheduled to leave the first week of March but due to Elder Pinette's mother's health, they needed to leave us in January.  They worked the grounds at the Nauvoo Visitor's Center as well as the taking care of the lawns around Widow's Row and the President's home.  They were the hardest working missionaries in the mission.  When it was 1pm and other missionaries were calling it quits, they were still hard at work.  They will be missed.  And, it was only fitting the Richard was able to give them their flag.

Allan and Colleen Schmidt left us on January 31st.  He is amazing with his skills in the carpentry shop.  He expressed how much he learned while serving here for the last 23 months.  We bought a Nativity scene that he made with a scroll saw.  It really is quite beautiful and I'm amazed at the workmanship.  Sister Schmidt was in charge of Conservation.  She kept that place running so smoothly.  She has such a fun sense of humor and writes some pretty silly poetry at times.  I came to love her tremendously.  These two fine people have left a hole that will be difficult to fill.