Our Last Night

Our final night in the mission was spent at the Browns with the Carlsons.  

We had delicious Indian tacos.

Then we played Marbles and Jokers.  It was a fun evening spent with some amazing people.

The Sisters gave my husband a gift of the Weeks carpet framed.  Eloise gave us another of her children's books that she wrote.  I was grateful that so many people made our last few days in the mission memorable and they fed us.  There were many others who offered but time was short and we could only do so much. I love and appreciate all who offered. 

 

My Birthday?

On our last Monday, we finished working, gave some fantastic tours at Carthage and then went out to dinner with Kevin and Mary Ballard and Doug and Jolene Bingham.  

Somehow the workers in the restaurant got the impression that it was my birthday.  We finished eating and just sat and chatted.  Suddenly there they were putting the sombrero on my head and singing happy birthday.  The dessert they brought was delicious and I shared it with all.  I was really embarrassed as it wasn't my birthday.  Not even close.
 

FM Exit Interview

On Tuesday afternoon, we met with Jordan Bodily, the FM manager for an exit interview.  He asked us what things we thought were good and what things could use improvement.

He's a good guy and we really enjoyed working for him.  He presented us with our NRI flag.  We really didn't need it but it is an expression of thankfulness.  Our experience has been filled with a lot of emotions over the 21 months we served.  Mostly good ones.

 

Packing

We parked our trailer out in front of the house on Saturday.  Some wonderful YSMs decorated our trailer with beautiful thoughts.

The trailer was full of treasures that we purchased during the many auctions that were had.  

As we packed it was like playing Tetris.  These things fit here and those things fit there but maybe not.  We only had to pull one thing out in order to fit my mo-ped in.

I began packing totes a few weeks ahead of our departure.  That was a good idea since there was much to go through.  Next time we serve a mission, I will know just how much to pack and how much I really don't need. We got it all in!

 

Safety Meetings

Since we can no longer have daily morning meetings, the carpentry shop does one every morning.  The plumbers, HVAC and Jared all attend.  We had been doing a "safety lunch" once a month until we got shut down in January.

Sister Carlson and the other sisters from conservation/housing come in the shop and make it beautiful with table clothes and centerpieces.  

Everyone brings something delicious and we enjoy a meal together.

Interesting that all were masked prior to the meal.  Then of course, we all take our masks off to eat.  It makes no sense. 

My husband gives the training.  This month he gave a spiritual training.  He spoke about God's OSHA manual being the scriptures.  It keeps us spiritually safe when followed. 

A good time is had by all.  Interestingly, we had zero desserts this last time.

Before the day was finished I needed a photo of us with John and Eloise Carlson.

My husband officially handed off ALL of the handyman responsibilities to Elder Koop.

Even until the last moment.

I also needed a photo of the paint department.  Sisters keep Jared on his toes.

I will miss these sisters and I'm sure they will miss my abilities.  Sisters Koop, Cochran and Chestnut.  Beautiful women making Nauvoo and Carthage beautiful!

 

Out Walking

When the weather was warm enough, we went out for walks.  I love the scenes that we would find.

The temple was always a great view!

Sometimes we would run into other people whom we love.  This day it was the Bowmans.  She and I have a connection in that she babysat for Howard and Rhea Schmidt's children as a teen.  Rhea also taught her piano.  What a small world.

The ice was breaking up and there were just a few small ice shoves.  Nothing like the year before, but still very interesting.

Our last morning in Nauvoo we went for a walk.  The sky was so pretty in the west.  It was blue to gray to pink and finally white.  I never tire of the sunrises and sunsets.

 

FM Missionary Good-bye Lunch

Our last Friday in the mission was celebrated with the FM missionaries in a Good-bye potluck lunch in the break room.

Since some of our sisters are working in paint and conservation, but their husbands are teamsters, we had a few of them join us.  

Everyone made delicious food and I tried not to eat too much.  

After everyone had their fill, my husband got up to say a few words.  They wanted me to say some things as well, but I knew I would not get through it without tears so I just didn't.

These truly are some of the best people in the loveliest place.

Elder Elia didn't disappoint with making wontons.  

Since I chose not to say anything, Jared stood up to say a few things about me.  He expressed his appreciation for me and my hard work.  He like that I was a fast worker.  Best of all, he loved that I could find his lost things.  I will miss working with him.