"I'm sorry I upset you for calling you stupid. I thought you already knew."
"Those who think they are perfect are a nuisance to those of us who are."
Yes, we are finally on our way home! We said our final goodbyes Friday morning after eating breakfast at the Terry's. We couldn't resist having apple pancakes one last time. The Terry's have been great friends to us and have made his famous pancakes many times for us. They leave Nauvoo in May and live in St. George so I'm sure we'll see them again.
Just as we were locking the door to our cottage Sister Dalling came running up to give us a finally hug. I'm so exhausted from the emotional feelings you have in saying goodbye. I needed to just get in the car and go before the flood gate of tears started all over again. I love her so much and will miss her as my backdoor neighbor. Her and her husband are moving into our cottage next week.
I best back track to Monday night. We had a wonderful FHE with all the missionaries. Bro. and Sis. Marriott told us about their trip to Israel. He's a professional photographer so he took over 4,000 pictures and condensed them into a 45 minute video and narration. It was so interesting and brought back many memories of our trip to the Holy Lands.
After the presentation Pres. McArthur called Rudi and I up to say a few words before we depart our mission. It was so hard to look at all those dear missionaries who have become such close friends and say goodbye. Of course I sobbed and Rudi even choked up at the end of his remarks. He really is a softy inside. Then they all sang our mission song, 'Go Now In Peace', that's when the water works really broke. It was tortuous, but special. That was just the start of a week of goodbyes with the local missionaries. They're the ones that we hate to say farewell to because we probably won't see them again. I told Rudi I felt a road trip coming on to return in a year or so to see them.
Tuesday was a wonderful day in the temple. I followed the 10:00 session. It was amazing to have 56 in the session and 20 more were asked to do sealings or initiatory. Our endowment rooms only hold 48, so it was crowded but special to see so many patrons on a session before I go home. It felt like summer!
On Wednesday Rudi and I got to officiate and follow two sessions that day. It was so special to serve with Rudi one day a week. All the shift coordinators wanted us to have one last chance to serve together.
Thursday was our final day in the temple. Everyone was hugging us and wishing us a safe trip home. As we left the temple for the last time I turned around and thought I hope I get to serve in another temple very soon. I'll miss this special experience of serving in Joseph's Temple.
In between our morning and afternoon shifts on Wednesday Rudi and I had pictures taken of us around Nauvoo. We decided to wear pioneer clothes to remind us of our pioneer heritage. Tom Simpson, a local temple worker, and owner of a photo studio took our pictures. If I send another email I will include some of the pictures. They turned out pretty good!
Thursday we spent most of the afternoon packing the car. Rudi really did a great job getting all our stuff into the back of the car. Thanks to our new car top carrier we got all our clothes inside it and gave us enough room in back to get our other stuff in.
We couldn't fit a piece a paper inside after we closed the doors.
So many of our friends dropped by on Thursday afternoon and evening to bring us goodies to eat on the way. I swear we're going to roll home if we don't stop eating. Pres. and Sister McArthur came by and wished us well on our journey. They said when we get feeling lonely for Nauvoo just think of our grandkids who are so excited to have us home.
Pres. McArthur gave us our exit interview on Wednesday night. He was so complementary of us and all we accomplished while serving in Nauvoo. He asked us to tell him what made our mission so special. He literally took notes and seemed so interested in all we said. He finally closed the interview with a wonderful prayer. He truly is an inspired man doing his very best to meet the needs of the Nauvoo Temple. We will miss him and hope to see more of him in St. George when he gets home in 18 months.
We drove all the way from Nauvoo to Wall, South Dakota on Friday. About 12 hours! We were really tired when we arrived there. The next morning we got up early and had breakfast at the Wall Drug Store. It was great to check out the store, but excited to get on the road and get to Tami's in Gillette, Wyoming.
We arrived about 11:30 in Gillette on Saturday morning. It was so great to see Tami's family and give them big hugs and kisses.
After lunch with them at Old Chicago Pizza we went to the store and bought all the makings for a roast beef dinner on Sunday. Tami and the kids wanted some of their favorites. That night Tami, Callie and I went to the Women's Conference. We so enjoyed the meeting and then went to get frozen yogurt after. Love being with my girls again.
Sunday morning we meet them to go to church. They have a beautiful new building. We meet the bishop and found out his parents are Del and Francis Anderson. They were temple president in the Mount Timpanogoes Temple. What a small world! We attended all three meetings, which were very well prepared and then came home to fix our dinner. It turned out pretty good.
Rudi and I are staying in the Arbuckle Lodge Hotel. It's beautiful and it has a big bathtub. I think I've died and gone to heaven! I haven't had a soak in a tub for 18 months. It felt so good, can't wait to get back to my tub at home.
I almost feel sad that this is my last missionary email. I hope I haven't bored you too much with my rambling, but I'm glad I've saved some of my mission experiences. I hope our grandchildren will remember our service and want to serve also someday.
Thank you for all your love and support throughout our mission. We are so blessed to have such a great family and friends. We love you all and look forward to seeing you soon.
Many of you have asked when we will be speaking in sacrament. It's on April 26th at 9:00 a.m. We'd love to see you all. Sorry I haven't responded to your latest emails. We've been very busy and we returned our modem to Mediacom on Tuesday. Thanks for all your sweet comments. I'll miss getting them also. Remember I love to talk on the phone, so call me often when we return.
With mixed emotions but a happy hearts we sign off. We have no regrets, just a lot of wonderful memories of our experience in Nauvoo.
Rudi and Kathy (forever in love with Nauvoo)
Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota.
All the murals on the walls are made of corn cobs and husks. Really interesting, too bad it was closed for repairs so we couldn't go inside.
Rudi with his new girlfriend at Wall's Drug Store. Remember you're still a missionary Rudi!
Kathy's new love. What's that hanging from his mouth? Opps, I'm still a missionary too!
So much fun taking pictures in Wall's Drug Store. It's the largest drug store in the world.
Hang on, the ride is a little bumpy. Crazy people who wear those badges.
Finally with some of my grandkids. We've waited a long time to see Callie and Brody, Tami's kids. They've grown up so much!
So great to see Tami and Dan's apartment. Really nice, but the people inside are the best thing.
Grandma needs lots of hugs from her family. I've missed them so much!
At Sweet Frog's eating yogurt after the Women's Conference Saturday night. Love being with the girls. Great conference!
In front of Wall's Drug Store in Wall, South Dakota. We spent the night there after traveling from Nauvoo that morning.
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