We have had many final dinner appointments our last two weeks here. We have been able to spend some time with some very dear lifelong friends. Andy Mazon said, you folks came here and jumped in with both feet. I replied, yes, our feet are soaking wet but we don't want to get out and dry them off.
Our final Sacrament meetings at both Huntington 1st and 2nd wards were tough today. Our hearts are heavy as we said our goodbyes to these folks that we might seldom, if ever, see again. We bore or testimonies and our emotions were spilling all over.
Some folks said some very nice things. Randi said, You drew a circle and pulled us in. You made us all feel very welcome and loved".
Lynne said, You didn't just serve in our ward, we saw you serving all over the stake".
Many many folks said they don't want us to leave. We made offers for people to come and visit. Lots of folks promised to come.
Cookie said we are her favorite missionaries.
Arlene thanked us for coming. She thanked us for teaching she and Michael to read and write. I had taught some ladies in the ward how to sew and make a baby quilt. She thanked me again for teaching her a new skill that she gets so much enjoyment out of. She now makes many baby blankets and gives them to her own family, the new babies in the ward, as well as to " Lily's Place', a newborn addiction recovery half way house. She said, folks are now calling her the blanket lady, and she loves it.
Well, people are just very kind and we will remember them and beautiful West Virginia with great fondness forever.
Now as we face the very long drive home, we look forward to our reunion with family and friends in Arizona. The calendar is already starting to fill up with responsibilities and activities and we will be jumping back into life there. But we will always be grateful for our consecrated time to serve the Lord and the people of West Virginia. We have loved it.
Almost Heaven, West Virginia
Blue Ridge Mountains, Shenandoah River
Life is old there, older than the trees
Younger than the mountains, blowing in a breeze
Country roads, take me home
To the place I belong
West Virginia, mountain mama
Take me home, country roads.
Elder and Sister Traynor
PS, yes, I am bawling!
