Getting Ready for the Farewell and Transition...

Our last trip to Las Colinas church camp with the missionaries. After several hours of playing on the day before they leave the MTC, they then go to what we call the 'grove' to ponder and pray and write in their journals about the next chapter of their mission...their hopes and goals. It is reverent and beautiful to see them scattered across the amphitheater area.

Oliber and his family are in charge of the camp and live here. They have always been so helpful and delightful. Two darling little boys always kiss us and greet us like family.

Our last group foto at Las Colinas...farewell to this beautiful spot that was a place of peace and joy for us every 3 wks during our time in the MTC.

Jan 4th was the dinner and farewell for us with the Area office couples and the Area Presidency. The Masks (L), the Johnson's (R). They read an original poem about us as Papa & Mama Bear and the littel green bears at the MTC.

We were honored with Dr. & Hna Taylor, also leaving. It has been a privilege to serve with these people.

Final MTC Devotional with Elder Jim & Hna Jenny Martino of the Area Presidency. We wish we had served with them a longer time. They are delightful and inspiring.

FHE with our MTC Branch Presidency. We knew the Duran's in Chile. Both the Barrios (R standing) and the Fajardo's (L standing) served as teachers at the MTC. We have loved these couples and thank them for their service. The dinner was wonderful...the food a mixture Thanksgiving, Chilean, and Guatemalan.

Some of our friends...Dad worked with Alfonzo and his family for over a year teaching the gospel and getting the missionaries to teach them. He was able to baptize Alfonzo and Amanda (R). The rest of the family are 'en camino' (on the way). We had to say goodbye to them, so the little family took a taxi, we met Alfonzo along the way and all met at a McDonalds central to all. We hope the little family will be able to get the the states soon, where Amanda is a citizen. They are waiting for Alfredo's visa. We love this family and hope to keep in touch.

Dear friends, Hector & Paula. He did our hair every 3 wks. On this day I trusted him to highlight and help me prepare for my 60th birthday by going lighter. He did a nice job. We talked about the gospel, gave them a Book of Mormon, talked about families. Our family was always a point of fascination because we have so many children and are away from them. Their son is Kieran's age. They are a darling family and we hope the gospel will touch them one day. They are very faithful evangelical and always 'thankful the the Lord' for everything. Several of the Area office go to him for their hair. So, to be continued...thank you Hector & Paula.

The day we were to pick up the Steimle's...we had done all we could to be ready. We were a little anxious, so we decided to go to our serene place for lunch...to Antigua. It was a beautiful day, cool, yet perfect with sunshine even on January 15th. We sat on the rooftop part of the Don Rodrigos restaurant. It was the perfect ending! Savory black bean soup and shared filet mignon and watermelon juice. We will miss this beautiful get away and always remember it with delight.

Mariachi band in the courtyard.

Dad pondering the next hours and the passing of the wand.

We have been blessed and have found peace and joy here.

Doug & Dyan Steimle arrived the evening of Jan 15th. We spent a busy 16th telling them more than they wanted to know or could possibly retain. Then we just flew away...and prayed for them! Bless us both.