Raindrops on roses and:
Amazingly, the journey of 650 miles today didn't seem as long as we feared. Nebraska and Iowa have state-of-the-art rest stops with walking trails, wireless, and clean and modern necessities. We visited quite a few along the way to take breaks and switch drivers. Tomorrow, we may have to assign shifts to the Sisters. We are staying with the girls in Iowa City. We had a wonderful Italian dinner at Monica's. We didn't even bring the Sisters any leftovers.
Ready or not, here we come. We would never have made it without the help of our family and friends. It has been a marathon service project. True to form, we didn't get away as early as we planned. We think we have all the essentials, including the String Sisters. Some things had to be left behind, including our "precious"--the grand kids. We pray we can BE instruments, not just transport them. We love the Savior and desire to sing and share the song of His Redeeming love.
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| Whew, off we go! |
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| Elder H with the sisters in Sidney, Nebraska |
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We were set apart last night by President Robert McDaniel. It was a tender and spiritual experience and we were so happy to have all of our family join us. There were many tears, but a sweet closeness prevailed. The kids took care of dinner and Heidi and Eric hosted so that was a bonus. Bishop Derek and Lisa Olschewski and Scott and Sheree Hartley also came.
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| Grand kids with more smiles than tears |
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| World's best children |
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| Sister Echols handing off Violett |
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| Elder H with his official tag |
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| Our MTC district: Peads, us, Packers, Boyles |
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| The have to have map photo |
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| Our new friends, the Littles, whom we see every time we turn around |
We stayed up way too late packing and then met Sister Amanda Echols in Orem and picked up the final string sister: Violet the Violin. Next we checked in at the MTC.
We managed to leave all of Elder H's ties home. At lunch, we discovered the Burbidge's did the same. We met many wonderful missionaries already and know its going to be a great week. We are staying in a nice room at the Provo Marriott.
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| Violet, with her violet ribbon, settling down on her own bed for the night |
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| Surprise special delivery from Elder Burbidge-- a generous loan |
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| Elder and Sister Burbidge went to SLC and shared. Thanks! |
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| Sam, Mike, Gracie with jumpers in the background |
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| Dallin, Ella, Gracie |
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| Look what Mason found! |
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| Neve and part of Sam |
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| Smiley Kylee |
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| Halle Jean |
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| Everyone gathering for the Easter story with the 12 eggs (Mason & Noah were there, but not in this photo) |
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Here's Noah! |
We met Clyde's brothers for dinner today. Luckily we got a photo because we didn't get any of them in the ones we took on Easter. They and their wives were there, with one exception. Scott's wife, Susan, was ill. Brothers (and sisters-in-law) don't come any better than these. They are friends and mentors and examples to us.
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| Shirlee, Roger, Norma, Clyde, GilBerta, Lynn, Scott (Susan in spirit). |
So long, farewell! We had a wonderful Easter with many friends and family joining us as we spoke in church. We were so grateful for many who found a way to share the day with us on this sacred holiday. Afterwards, we had good food and great visits with cherished friends and families.
So sorry that we didn't get pictures of more friends who joined us at home and those who could only attend church with us. We enjoyed your company so much, that we didn't remember to keep the camera going. We appreciate every one of you who shared our day.
We were doubly blessed because we were having a special fast for beloved friends and ward members who are facing extreme challenges right now. Norma spoke on serve and loving those we serve and Clyde spoke on the Savior. We also got to participate with our small but mighty ward choir in "He Sent His Son."
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| Theron Rose, Bus Pettersson, Sam Delis, Maurine Hill |
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| Norma's brother Don, Caden, Luke in the food line (Liz managed to avoid the camera) |
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| Elder Hend (Clyde), Theron Rose, Bus Pettersson, Sam Delis, Farron Hill |
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| Helping hands: Heidi, Janet Muramoto, Julie Pettersson, April, Neve |
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| Mike & Eric sampling the fare |
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| With Norma's family: Jeff, Natalie, Cambri, Don |
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| Noah, Gracie, Landon |
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| Adam enjoying the day of rest |
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| Luke adding some mood music |
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Sis. Hend (Norma), Marilyn Rose, Tracy Rose, Laura Delis
 Norma with Adam Pettersson, cousin Lowell Lyon
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| Brad Muramoto, Christy Rogers, Heidi, Norma |
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| Kathy Stimpson, Christy Rogers |
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| Gracie |
Wondering if there is a bug in the post I'm working on and can't publish, so I'm trying something short and sweet.
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