Counting Down

We have had quite a week starting with a wonderful FHE Pot Luck.  We always have fun and this time we enjoyed good food, good jokes, much love and laughter with our dear friends.  I was gifted a stuffed monkey with the top cut off to expose the "monkey brains"and DuWayne became the proud owner of sandals made from rope and steel belted tires.  This was just some of the fun our friends are having with our going to the Philippines.  Saturday DuWayne's brother Gary and his wife, Joyce came to visit and a very nice visit we had, never long enough.  Sunday we spoke in church and besides many friends, my sisters Karen, Ellen, MaryAnne, her husband Duane, my niece Jeri, DuWayne's brother Gary and his wife Joyce were all in attendance.  It is wonderful to have family support and we love them all.  Our talks were  well received, followed by many well wishes.  Our Elders sang a duet that touched everyone, especially DuWayne, who had a difficult time recovering to give his talk.  We bid one and all an "until we meet again"and left our meetinghouse for the last time for two years.  Our family joined us for one last dinner and relaxing visit before another "until we meet again".  Just days of packing and last minute list items, then we are on our way.  DuWayne is very excited, I am just not sure yet about how I feel, we just know we are embarking on a wonderful adventure for the Lord and He will be with us every step of the way.  TTFN, G&GP

Only 12 days 'til Departure

Hi Family and Friends,  This week has been an increase in "no steps forward and several steps backward", but we are confident that we will soon be reversing things.  I had a wonderful break today with my friends, we spent 2 1/2 hours chatting, laughing and more laughing.  A few of us get together at least once a month and have breakfast, or lunch, or dinner, or even combine it all with a movie.  Sometimes we don't do anything except just be together and laugh until we hurt, in a good way.  I will miss all of them terribly but we will Skype, occasionally, on our "P-day".  Even though it won't be the same as being there in person, it will be something we can do to stay in touch and watch each other grow "old, fat and happier".  Our weather has cooled off a bit here in Arizona, so the transition to the heat and humidity in the Philippines will be more extreme than we thought.  This weekend is our last Stake Conference for two years, here at home in Arizona.  The weekend of the 21st we will be speaking in our Sacrament Meeting and I will be speaking in YW and Primary also that day.  Busy times right now and challenges galore, but we are on track and trying to move forward.  TTFN from DuMay

We're on our way!

Finally!!! This is my first post, can you tell? We are down to the last two weeks before embarking on our first mission. Now that I know what I am doing, sort of, I will post frequently so you can keep track of us. TTFN ya'll