Piura

Sunday night we traveled to Lima. We missed the Leadership Meeting because we were worried about catching our flight. We met Elder Beserra and Elder Pacheco, a member of the Area Presidency and an Area 70. They were flying back to Lima on the same flight we were flying out on. Super nice. I apologized for missing the meeting because we didn’t know we would have time to catch the flight. They were kind and told us not to worry. 

They split one stake and called a new Stake President for the newly established stake. Craig pointed out that they had two days to find a new stake president, and how in tune they would have to be to do that so quickly. We do understand they have done a lot of preparation. They have a list of possible names that have been recommended along with biographies on each man. But still, it is a lot to do in one weekend. 

We met up with two more elders from Iquitos, Elder Mumford from Idaho and Elder Martinez from Utah. They are awesome elders and we were glad to have traveling companions. We met up with three additional elders in Lima from our mission. We ate dinner and excused ourselves for our family call. 

We got up to have breakfast at 4 and then head to the airport for our flight to Piura. An hour and a half flight or so and we were met by the office elders in Piura. We had an appointment at Interpol to register, fill out paperwork, have someone make a record of our teeth - in case they need to identify our bodies (?) . Comforting thought. 

Part of the paperwork was not there. We were supposed to pick it up at the hotel, but it was confusing. We were blessed that the lady who helped us walked passed and knew the Piura elders. She facilitated our appointment without the paperwork while other elders went into the office on their pday to print out the necessary paperwork. It took hours. The two lady police officers were charmed by the young elders. We got processed along with them. 

I hope we don’t have to do that again. The young elders were saying it should happen every year. We will be in country for 14 months. So I hope we can skip it. 

Once again my feet swelled up as I traveled. I am hoping that will be the last time as well. I try and elevate my feet throughout the day and walk around a bit. Hard to do when you are traveling. Today they are getting back to normal. 

We took a recovery day today. We washed two loads of laundry. It’s a hang dry system here and we have limited space to dry. So maybe we will do another load tomorrow. We feel blessed we have a washer in our apartment. 

Tonight we googled where the closest market was so we could walk to get water. The closest market ended up being a liquor store. They did have water. We will look at the next closest market next time. But we have our two 2 liters of water and Craig got some Coka Cola. 

We found a library in the afternoon where we could get some wifi. I downloaded the Follow Him podcast and the Talking Scripture podcast. We listened to the Follow Him today. I’m so glad we can still listen and use that as part of our study. I so enjoy the experts as they talk about the assigned chapters. 

Before I Forget

We have been in Peru almost a week. Currently we are traveling to Piura for our visit with interpol. 

I wanted to tell about some of our experiences we had while traveling from SLC. 

At the airport in Salt Lake City, we were at the kiosk. It had been a while since we had traveled, and we have never traveled to Peru, so we were fumbling our way through the check in process. We were half way complete, we checked in Craig and were getting ready to check me in, when a lady came up right next to Craig - opposite of where I was standing next to him - and said, “Me next.”  

I was astounded and somewhat perturbed. I don’t remember what I said, but I was conscious of the badge I was wearing. She said she needed to check in, but couldn’t do it on her one. Craig continued checking me in and I asked her where she was going. I can’t remember what she said and she wandered off. Craig just shrugged. 

Later in security I brought it up again. I thought she was really bold trying to hit on him with me being right there - obviously still perturbed. He laughed a bit and said he thought she was thinking he worked there. He was in a suit and was wearing a badge. She didn’t take time to read the badge or notice everything and was just focused on getting help checking in. 

Traveling now days is a bit like self- checkout at Walmart. And it is not exactly intuitive. 

The same thing happened twice in stores in Peru. He had the shopping bags and I was in the store looking for items. He was approached by people showing him their receipts. The actual security guys were laughing at the misunderstanding. 

I guess he looks like he is there to help people, and he has a friendly face and is approachable. 

The thing is, he does have something that will help them. They just aren’t looking for what he (we) have. 

Travel annoyances

When I travel now, my feet swell. I’m sitting for long periods of time. It takes a few days for that to fade away. 

My feet have been swollen since the big travel day. Today they are getting back to normal. I wish I knew how to prevent it. 

I am glad my feet get back to normal. 

Today is the day

We are sitting in an airplane leaving Salt Lake City behind.  We are with 9 young missionaries going to Australia. 

I’m not sure I can describe how I feel. 

I see the snow capped mountains the I loved as a child. I am leaving them again. 

The new chapter is in front of me. I can’t imagine it. 

I know it will be hot. I know it will be an adventure. But right now, I am sad to leave all that I know. 

I am also crazily excited for the Amazon Jungle. I can’t imagine the flora and fauna that I have read about that I will see and live in. 

I have taken my last shower in the United States. I don’t know what will await me. I hope I will have a shower. 

I am responsible for knowing the language. I have practiced in the Discovery Zone. But now we are relying on what I know. Craig believes in me. It’s a bit scary. 

This is the first time I will be in the Southern Hemisphere. We will be under different stars. Josh will be the only one on the Continental States. He is surrounded by family. I hope he reaches out. 

I have said again and again that I can do this. Now I am doing this and I’m nervous. But we are doing this together. I can be brave. 

I am going on an adventure! For reals. 

Our Visa Waiter’s Club is becoming the Visa Receiver’s Club. The Beals received their visas today to Pakistan. The Davies will head out one week from now to Lima East. The Thurstons are up in the air. We pray for them, and know that God is their travel agent. They will be taken care of. We feel a bit guilty for leaving before they did. The Laure’s are still waiting for their Visas. And the Goodwin’s are waiting for Japan. 

These are the Thurstons and the Davies. They were home as we were leaving. Actually, the Thurstons were our ride. 

We have meet so many lovely people here in Salt Lake City. 

I have a few pictures of just a few. 

Our dear friend Jennifer Robinson. She is from South Africa. She is lovely beyond words. 

On the Discovery Floor. 

Our dear friend, Sister Bauer. She is so talented on the piano. She is in the training new missionaries zone - I don’t remember what it is callled. She as fabulous. 

This is Sister Maddsen. She works in the Visa department and always reminded us that she was looking out for us and wishing us well. 

President and Sister Faerber. They have been so amazing. We got a picture with President and Sister Holmes. But I didn’t get a copy. 😟

With all we are taking with us. 

Through security. Ready or not - we are on our way

Utah Symphony

We got free tickets to the Symphony. Craig came along, not too excited. But I was happy to go. 

The first half of the program features female composers. The first was had Peruvian influence, along with Chinese, Lithuanian, and Jewish heritage. The price showed her Peruvian side very well. We were fascinated and could head woodpeckers and buzzing insects in the piece. 

The second piece was an African American composer from the early 1900s. Her music was lost and forgotten for a time. But it is being rediscovered. The pianist is also African American and was a revelation. She played with sincerity, authority, and passion. Her feet and fingers flew over the keys and pedals. We felt blessed to witness her performance. 

The second half of the program featured a Russian composer. He debuted his work after Stalin died. His work was passionate and I remembered the amazing history and pain of that country. 

Craig was converted to the Utah Symphony. They were fabulous. 

In the lobby is the fabulous glass sculpture. It shows best as night lit up and reflecting the fire it evokes. I love it. 

Momentos of our night for our boys and the instruments they have played, at least the brass ones. 

Temple trip

The Visa Waiters attended the temple and did sealings. We have turned into a tight knit group. I had 15 children sealed to parents that night - Tuesday. It was snowing that night and our car got lost, but we made it. That is the important thing. 

We took pictures to remember. 

The Lauer’s (Knut and Edna), the Beals (David and Claudia), us, the Thurstons ( Bob and Lori), and the Krewsons. I can’t remember first name s 

I thought the fountain in the snow was so pretty. 

I love the lights in the fountain. 

The jacket

Tonight we had our Easter Concert Devotional. We sang four songs. They were beautiful. Some challenging music for me. We had a final run through/practice two and a half hours before. I know I was super focused on remembering the music and reaching my notes in the rafters. 

At the break, I went down to gather my purse and sweater. Craig went to gather his suit coat. His coat was missing.  We looked all around, under, over, through - all the prepositions. It was no where to be found. We started asking around and others were doing the preposition thing with us. 

On sweet elder offered his coat, so Craig would not be the only white shirt up there. We said thank you and went to sit down. We had delayed too long really. 

A sweet sister came over and showed us a text. One of our friends took it home by mistake. We will pick it up tomorrow at the Family Search Library. 

Now I feel bad involving other people. Our sweet friend I imagine is mortified. Elder Bea from Korea.  

Now it is a funny memory that our visa waiter group shares. (Most of us are in the choir). 

A picture from tonight. The group that sang in Sacrament Meeting Sunday. 

He already gave the coat back. 

With the sweet accompanist, Sister Winder. 

Elder Winder, David Beal, Craig, Bob Thurston, Elder Saber. 

Meeting old (young) friends

Yesterday at General Conference we met up with a friend we hadn’t seen in four years. We’ve been keeping up with him through Josh. 

He and Josh went through high school together in California. 

Yesterday he and his wife met up with us for a brief minute. 

I was aware again of how tall he is. We love you Drew. 

And I thought after everyone left how horrible that I didn’t ask for a photo of Josh and Anna. 

Racing

I was heading home and met a couple at the elevators. They are in our complex and waiting for visas to go to Australia. 

They asked which way I was heading home. I was planning to go through the tunnels. They said that going through Temple Square was faster. So I proposed a race. 

I met a sweet couple under North Temple who were plodding alone. I slowed down for just a bit. And then hurried on my way after saying I was in a race. 

I took a picture on my phone as I arrived. Because I won. 

It’s time stamped at 5:00. 

They came in five minutes later. She said she had stopped to talk to someone. 

I know I am ridiculous. I shouldn’t be so competitive in everything. 

But finding ways to have fun. 

The calendar keeps time

Birthday are not as fun as they used to be. I am happy to let them slip by. It is nice to have a little attention from a small number of people. But not really big parties or crowd knowing it is my birthday. 

The best part about my birthday this year - calls and visits with the kids. 

He loos so happy and relaxed here. His mind is free from reflection and self-evaluation that his P-days seem to bring.  He called when it was my birthday where he was, a day before it was my birthday where I was. I love seeing his smile reach his eyes and light his whole face. 

 


Josh brought me these lovely tulips. His friend said that he debated over the color and if it was my favorite. It was my favorite, but now for sure my favorite flowers of all time. 

He also gave me this lovely book. 

I have been loving what I have been reading. I am thinking more deeply about the temple and the scriptures. It is fabulous. 

I don’t know what I was thinking. I didn’t get a picture. They came and helped us on our puzzle. 

It’s all blues and that makes it hard. But it will be beautiful when we get it done. 

Thea called and chatted a while also. She is happy and doing well. It was fun to hear about her day. 

We are so blessed to have our family. 

It was a happy birthday. 

My project

I have been working on publishing a book. Forever. More than a decade. I gave up on a publishing company. I was I overwhelmed at the idea of self-publishing, but that was the only way to go. 

I edited the pictures, formatted the pages and built the pdf file. I had to redo it over and over and over. I didn’t know how to edit the file without starting again. I created the cover, front and back. I thought I had it done before we left, but Amazon told me I had to fix a few things. 

So I’ve worked on it a bit on the mission. I have felt bad about that, but I was so close. 

Here we are almost a month into the mission, but my little book is live on Amazon. 

I found Bobbi at the Lemhi County Fair. I went looking for artists. She has been so fabulous. It’s taken me probably two years since she created her amazing illustrations, and I’m finally getting to the end of the project. This is the proof. I had to change a few things. But now I think we are good. 

Here I am live on Amazon. The easiest way to find it is to search by name or author. The keywords haven’t really kicked in yet. I’ve been told I need at least 25 reviews to get Amazon to promote it, or whatever it is called. 

So today I texted family and friends. I don’t feel I can put it in Facebook, original plan, because now it is a missionary platform for me. So I’m networking. I hope I can get the 25 reviews. 

But I am so excited. I have a book out for sell. One I have worked on for over a decade. It has finally happened. Yippee!!!!

Dinner with Uncle Gary

It was so fun to meet together and catch up. I don’t think I’ve seen Uncle Gary since Aunt Renee’s funeral. That is too long. 

All the siblings in Salt Lake came. 

I love times like that. 

Craig was behind the camera. 

A happy evening. 

Happy birthday to Deb

We made dinner and chatted and laughed and puzzled. Not a super exciting birthday, but we were so glad to spend it with Deb, the birthday girl. 

We should have gotten a picture of her. Instead we got a picture of Agatha. 

She’s going to frame it. Some of the pieces were almost identical. We thought we had the right piece and had to re-evaluate again and again. 

She brought the puzzle over half way done. She had a great tool, a piece of felt rolled over a blow up cylinder to transport the work in progress. 

We read all about Agatha Christie and her amazing career. There were over 70 (I think) clues about her life and the books she wrote. A fascinating evening. 

418 years ago

Today I found myself indexing records that were four hundred and seventeen and four hundred and eighteen years old. 

The style of writing was very different. Some e’s were backwards. The h’s went below the line. The s’s at the end of the word looped up line a footnote. 

It took me all morning to do a record of 51 names. I took frequent breaks. I was distracted a lot. I found it hard to stay motivated. 

But when I think that I was reading records that were older than the United States, I was flabbergasted and amazed. 

It is still a miracle that I could decipher as much as I could. 

Visa Waiters

We had a break the fast with the rest of the Visa Waiters. We are all in the same building. 

We are so happy to be part of such a group. Sweet people. 

What is what

Our dear friend told us this. 

If you work for the Church and get get paid, you’re an employee. 

If you work for the Church and you don’t get paid, you’re a volunteer. 

If you pay to work for the Church, you’re a missionary. 

Sorting Hat Day

This week was geared up for this day, where we got our assignment. It reminded me of Harry Potter and the Sorting Hat. 

Another sister said it felt like Draft Day for football. 

I told Craig that this day was probably way different for him than it was for me. He was an athlete. He was picked first and they were thrilled to have him on their team. 

I was always picked last, and they were not thrilled to have me on the team. 

Craig was the pitcher, and they wanted to keep me on the bench. 

I thought it is so important to own our gifts. We, at least I, are so good at seeing the strengths of others and compare them to our weaknesses. I know I am so worried about being humble and meek, I don’t want to be conceited. But we need to be sure that we own and are grateful for the gifts that we have been given. 

Tunnels

We have meandered the tunnels under Temple Square. It's an adventure. Be sure to have a guide. A perk of being a missionary.

Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

We are less than 10 minutes from the Tabernacle. So we have the opportunity to attend. We attended this past Sunday. The Sunday broadcast is from the Tabernacle, unless it is Summer (busy season) or December (the lights). So we found ourselves in the Tabernacle to listen to and be a part of the Sunday broadcast.

I took a picture of the program. We attended with the rest of the visa-waiters. A sweet couple is waiting  to get to India. He had a time of inactivity. He was deciding to get back to church. One of his favorite songs is "Climb Every Mountain" and he was thinking if the choir sang that song it would be a sign. The choir sang that song. Sunday they sang the song again, and it reminded him of his personal tender mercy. I love that.

A sweet reminder to us of the important things.

The official picture of the Choir.

My picture of the organ. We were pretty close, but the picture is always a bit farther away.

I was fascinated by the different colored lights. The lighting was dramatic and gorgeous. I love the pipes, they are so beautiful.

I love Mac Wilburg. He is a musical genius. I am intrigued by his directing style. It is flowing and artistic. I think it is hard to find the downbeat, but I am sure it is there. Practice would be helpful. I fell in love with Ryan Murphy a bit. He is more athletic in his directing. He reminded me of a sweet  sister in California that said she would dance for us as we sang in a choir. She was coaxing out of us what she wanted, a more lyrical feel. Brother Murphy danced a bit for the Choir. The music lives in him and flows from his body.

A fabulous day, I had to put it here to remember.

Diet

Craig and I are eating to loose weight. That means protein and vegetables. 

We are trying to cut the carbs. 

This morning I woke up remembering my dream of a beautiful golden loaf of bread. 

Sunday Meeting

Today was fast Sunday at our new branch. We meet in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building or the JSMB. We feel blessed to be able to be part of this part of town that we have just visited before. 

The first two people that got up were from Korea. I had to pay attention to understand their testimonies that they had written out. I looked over at Craig and asked if he was a bit home sick for Korea. 

This sister spoke about the temple in Seoul and when it was built. Craig was there when they announced that temple. She also spoke of the new temple announced in Pusan. Craig served there. 

He got up and bore a short Korean testimony. The words came back to him and he was able to once again testify in his first mission language of his love for Jesus Christ. 

The sweet couple were so happy to hear their language. 

We count this experience as a tender mercy from the Lord, and perhaps one reason for our visa delay. 

Singing in the MTC

We both sang in the devotionals on both Tuesdays. It was an amazing experience to sing with so many others. Our director was fabulous. He was so knowledgeable and fun to sing for. 

A surprising thing for me was how hard it was to not watch the screen while we were singing. It was right there bigger than life. The director told us multiple times to keep our eyes on him. If we looked other places, other than the music, it would distract the audience and call attention to us instead of the message. 

It was difficult to not look at the screen. 

The second week, we were told by multiple people that the camera showed Craig sitting in the middle of young elders a lot. Like he was the star. I wish I had a picture. That would be fun to see. But we missed it, because we were being good and following directions. 

Our new home

This is us in our new apartment. 

We were greeted by a sweet sister who took us shopping so we would have food. We unpacked and put things away. 

Now we can smile. 

Hmmmm

Today was moving day. We are relieved. It was a bit of an anxious day. We had to pack up, meet deadlines (really not hard ones, but important ones.)

In out last class I told Craig he had a bad attitude. He retaliated by taking this picture. 

My sister, Willa, texted me, “No one likes a frowny face. Haha”

I look totally irritated. I don’t think I was. 

Hydration

The week we were packing up the house and cleaning I didn't drink enough water. We were working hard and I was super stressed. I didn't fill my water bottle and make sure I was drinking, like when I went to work. Basically my schedule was disrupted.

The result was the first week of the MTC I noticed my feet and ankles were swollen. I had forgotten my water bottle at Debbie's. So I focused on drinking water at meals and at breaks getting a drink from the fountain.

This past weekend, we met with my family and my sister brought my water bottle. I have an unnatural affection for this thing.

When our office went to  Sun Valley we got these flasks, water bottles, camel thermos thing. So with multiple identical items, we found stickers to mark our individual bottles. Because, yuck if we mixed them up. When I was in Challis, I found this cool wolf paw. Defiantly marked as mine.

Because we were working at an eye doctor's office, we put eyeball tattoos also.

This second week at the MTC, my bottle has traveled with me around during the day.

The extra effort of keeping hydrated, along with more effort at walking during the breaks has given me the desired results. My feet and ankles are back to their normal size.

Moral of the story, drink water. Even if it means more trips to the restroom.

Tender mercy

We dropped off our ministering licenses to be laminated. We headed to pick them up just as we were going to dinner. I wanted to say hi to a sweet elder who is there as a service missionary. I knew he was having a hard day. As I was saying hi to him and thank you.

We heard a loud gasp, and turned to look and saw a beautiful, tall sister missionary. She looked familiar, but I couldn't place her. She asked if we remembered her. I looked at her tag, and it took me a minute and then it all fell into place. 

She is Ashley Donaldson, part of Boaz's friend group, BANJO, from California. It was her and four boys while they were in middle school. She is the last one of the group to go on a mission.

I gave her a huge hug. She was in Craig's seminary class, and he gave her a huge hug also. She whispered in his ear that she really needed that today.

The timing for that to occur was spectacular. We were lounging in our room doing really nothing. Decided to head to dinner, but just as we got off the elevator decided to see if our laminating job was done. And there she was.

She towers over us. We were left with a definite glow that has lasted hours.

How do I explain this?

 Such a crazy, full, fun week. It will be impossible to tell all of what we have done.

So I think I will focus on impressions.

This mission thing is no joke. Craig and I have been very tired all week. Our experience started Monday. Ronda drove us down to Provo and we stopped by Josh's work to say hi and see where he works. I have to say I think he is so handsome. He looked so official and happy to be where he was. We love him and are so glad we get him.

Our chauffeur 

Being part of a huge group of missionaries is awesome. There were so many faces and names and stories to remember. I have constantly had to ask questions to remember what we were told the first day. They asked me to say the prayer in the first meeting. I choked up as I expressed gratitude to be numbered among such a company. After all the work and waiting and worrying, we had made it.

Waiting for out ten minute window to enter. 

Still hoping for Iquitos

We were divided up into districts. Our district has four couples. Our teacher is new. This is her third week. We have fallen in love with her. Her smile is infectious. She is so supportive of all of our weirdness, and the weirdness can be strong for sure. She is kind as she teaches people three times her age. She is patient as she shows some of us how to use Facebook and other technology. She is joyful as she testifies of Christ. She is knowledgeable as she teaches us from Preach My Gospel. I have come to adore her. We love Sister Nevarez.

The Nance’s, the Moon’s, the Miller’s and us. This is our district with Sister Nevárez. 

Our morning teacher is Brother Karras. He is kind as he deals with us as we wander into class a little late after breaks. He is watchful to make sure we can walk the distance to the field trips to view the amazing murals in the new building. He notices small little hurt feelings and focuses direction away to give space to recover. He laughs at our dumb jokes. He is patient as he teaches us how to use the Gospel Library Ap. He is knowledgeable as he teaches us from Preach My Gospel. He is a good sport as we show interest in his dating life. I have come to adore him.

The Large Group Meetings bring us all together where the Spirit is a consistent companion. We have loved the devotional with Steven J Lund. He brought his lovely wife and Brad Wilcox, his counselor in the Young Men's Presidency. 

Today we had a meeting about the Character of Christ. Elder Bednar gave a talk that we reviewed and discussed. I love his definition of the character of Christ. Christ turns outward in love, compassion and empathy when the natural man turns inward in self-absorption, self-concern and selfishness. He said the natural man is like Cookie Monster, he wants what he wants right now.

Craig and I have enjoyed spending so much time together. We have loved focusing on the weightier matters. On day in class we were supposed to share with each other a Book of Mormon scripture. He decided to make it more interesting. He chose my scripture at random. It was a verse that I have never marked, and really had just read over as part of the narrative, not looking at it for insight. I read it and looked for something to say about it and found something that touched me.

The phrase that stood out to me was, "if ye had known me." How many times do we not take the time to know people. To make snap judgments and not appreciate what they are trying to do for us.

These are random memories and thoughts. All of them filled with light and love. We are so lucky to be able to be here and do what we are doing. We are loving this time.

Packing up our life

 We now have a storage unit and no house. It's an odd feeling. Craig worked a bit at a time for a month moving the garage and shop over to the unit. After our farewell, I began to help with the house.

The front room was without seating for two days. 

Still had things in the shelves. 

What was left in Josh’s room. 

I would get distracted by something in another room and had a hard time finishing a room off. 

The mess in Boaz’s room. Once we got it clear this room became a staging area  

We thought we were in good shape. We moved all the big items. Craig's golfing buddies helped move the couches and the piano. (We have a dear friend that will house our piano so it doesn't have to weather the storage unit.)

We didn't take into account all the small things. What was in the drawers and closets.

By small and simple things, great things are brought to pass. Also by small and simple things are great plans messed up.

Deb and Willa decided to save Avisha. They got Ivan to decide to take her. Craig's sister was going to take us down to Utah, but she is allergic to dogs. So Deb and Willa decided to drive up and meet us at LuRose's house. They wanted to meet us at noon and then get back before dark.

After working for two days -- all day long, there was no way that we were ready to go on time to meet them at noon. We tried for 3:00, which meant we had to leave by noon. That didn't work either.

There was just too much stuff. And all the cleaning.

We finally left at 3:00. We were hours late. We knew Deb and Willa would beat us to LuRose's house.

When we got in the car, I asked Craig if he still loved me. He grabbed my hand and said yes! Moving is stressful.

The dog wanted to be in my seat, and she pouted that she had to take the middle.

Craig and I looked at each other and smiled. We were off on our adventure. For thirty minutes.

And then the truck broke down. We were between Salmon and Leadore. The middle of nowhere really. As soon as we pulled over, a truck stopped, and a nice man looked under our hood. I stayed in the truck with Avisha. In the gap between the window and the raised hood, I saw him start to pull something out of the engine block. We had almost made it.

The bearing in the pulley that ran the fan belt froze up and ripped the belt to shreds. He told Craig what part to get and what we needed to do. Craig called a good friend, the owner of Les Schwab and a member of the Stake Presidency, and we sat in the cab to wait. It took a good hour for the technician to get to us. After a bit we were back on the road. Now really nervous about the state of the truck.

We stopped at Leadore to potty, and got back on the road. Only for the truck to overheat. 

We love anti-freeze. We filled the reservoir, and got back on the road. Now it was getting dark, we were worried about the animals in the road, the possibility of the truck overheating, and being so late to meet my sisters.

They had gotten to LuRose's before we even got back on the road.

After a few unanswered texts, I called Willa and interrupted a game of cards. Rude on my part for sure.

We drug in to Shelley at 8. Craig had started at 5 that morning.

We were exhausted.

Proof of life after the day (week) we had had.

We inhaled a delicious dinner and decided to spend the night and take off in the morning. Avisha was kenneled in the garage. I'm sure she thought she was being punished. But it was the best solution for where we were at. 

That night was the second or third night that I didn't sleep well. I don't sleep well at the beginning of adventures. Too excited I guess.

Saturday morning before the sun, we set off for Salt Lake City. Deb's little car was packed to the gills.

Avisha was a very good traveler. As long as she wasn't being left behind, she was happy. She was underfoot, making sure we didn't leave her though.

Ivan met us at Deb's and we took a good 30 minutes or so for the transfer. I showed him one of her tricks. We loaded all of her stuff into his truck and they were off. Deb, Willa, Pete, Craig, and I were all a bit teary saying good bye. But we all knew she was in the best place. Ivan will be so good for her. He sent me a picture of her napping later that day. She will be good for him too.

This picture made me feel so much better.

Pete and Willa took us to Ronda's in Erda. We will spend time with my family next weekend for mom's birthday.

The rest of Saturday and Sunday, we decompressed. I finally got a good night sleep Saturday night.

The end of a chapter.