HELLO CANADA!

Sunday, November 1, 2015
I had a nice 5 day stay in Toronto. But, I was anxious to go home to see my sons and grandchildren. I left for the airport bright and early. Man when the door opened in the Edmonton Airport and I saw my family  - well, it was the best feeling. I grabbed those grand kids and gave them all a big hug. So wonderful to see Andrew and Timothy! Of course, it wasn't that long ago that I was with Jeffrey and Hyrum, but it was wonderful to see them all together. And then a nice surprise to see Jo Ellis and Fran there as well. That was cool!
At 4:30 I went to the Stake Center to be released by President Batchelder, President Garside was away.
Jo-anne and Gerald had us over for dinner and saw all the extended family. After dinner, many friends came to say hello and welcome me back.
I'll be staying with Jo-anne and Gerald until I figure out what I want to do. Very kind of them. Oh, it's just so good to back home!!!

ARIVARDECI ROMA

Leonardo Da Vinci Airport, Rome, IT

October 27, 2015

The Shinney's, the Andersen's and I left very early this morning to the airport. I had the latest flight so I waited a long time for my flight. Elders Bordon and Pingree and Elders Calvagna and Gavaz assisted us. I thought I would cry when I said good bye, but I guess I was just so excited to go home.

I had a direct flight to Toronto. I was so happy when the doors opened at Pearson International Airport to see my father, mother and Robert waiting for me. I thought I would feel strange being back in Canada, but I didn't. No snow, and a bit cool.

Daniela and kids came for dinner. Good to see them too of course.

Hit the bed early as I was tired.
I'm home!!
I stayed in Toronto for five days. Terniedens came to visit me on Halloween night. They are such good friends.

Pearson International Airport, Toronto, CA

LAST OUTING - JEWISH QUARTERS

October 26, 2015

Sorelle Roberts and Fuller, eating a kosher meal

Inside the Synagogue

Marker on one of the buildings, the year the Jewish people were removed from the quarters

Outside the Synagogue, in front of the giant Menorah

My last gelato, peporoncino and basil

October 26
Spent the day doing last clean up, packed my bags and took them downstairs to the sisters. Then I went with Sisters Fuller and Roberts to the Jewish Quarters. That was something I had been meaning to do. The Sisters were so accommodating, they just did anything I wanted for the day. It was the Pday after all and they choose to spend it with me, how cool!
Upon returning back to the sister's apartment, I changed my clothes and met the President for my last interview. I was then dropped off to the hotel where I would spend the night. This was my last night in Italy.

JEFFREY IN ROME

Friday, October 23

The Sears took me to pick up Jeffrey at the airport. It was so good to see him, despite his beard. We dropped his back pack at the apartment, had a quick bite to eat and then we were off to see the sites. I called this whirl wind tour of Rome, my farewell tour. I had seen many of the sites we would see over and over again, but I still loved it and discovered new areas. The weather was perfect for the long, long walk we would do. The last thing we did that first day was a night tour of the Vatican. 

Saturday, October 24

This is Julieta. She is an artist I met early in my mission. I could always find herat the bridge of three faces. I bought a few of her oil paintings and brought many to her as well. Jeffrey also bought a painting from her. 

When I was in Assisi, I found these really neat spoons made from olive wood. I only bough two and immediately regretted not buying more. I searched everywhere for them. I was told I could find them in Calabria. But, nope. None there. Then, when Jeffrey came out of St. Peter's, I looked across the street and saw a small market. We decided to check it out, and there I found this man whose father makes spoons and bowls out of olive wood. Yeah, finally found them. Book Club ladies, these are for you!

Statue of Joan of Arc. 

Statue of St. Sicilia. Her eyes were plucked out when she wouldn't deny her faith. 

Jeffrey in front of San Giovanni Basilica door.

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THE GOOD BYES HAVE STARTED

October 13, 2015

Started saying my good byes. These missionaries come to Rome 2/6 wards for the DDM every Tuesday.

We gave Fratello Calabrese a statue of the Savior. He has been volunteering in the Mission Office for 17 years. What a wonderful, faithful man.

I met Chiara shortly after I got here. We became friends. She later moved back to Milano, but we skyped after she started the Pathway program.

Carolyn Fenn designed this beautiful plate and then artisans in Deruta painted it. This is an original and it's mine. Will find a special place in my home for it.

I've been training the new Office Elders. They'll be just fine. I've been doing the activities for the YA Family Home Evening. I taught the lesson and then did the game. Great turn out. Such good kids.

10 SENIORS DEPARTING

October 17, 2015

These are the departing missionaries who went home around my departing day.Elder and Sister Anderson, Elder and Sister Millet, Sister Day, Elder and Sister Clark and Elder and Sister Shinny.

We went to a nice restaurant. Then back to the Villa for testimonies, mission hymn, pictures and some good byes. 

It's slowly coming to an end. I'm worried about my suitcases, that I won't be able to fit everything in. Might have to buy another one.

My last pot luck dinner at the villa with all the Senior missionaries.

SAN FILI DAY 2

Chiesa Santo Spirito. Same young man took us to this other church. He rolled back the carpet to reveal a glass floor. Bones of people who lived centuries ago are buried down there.

Thursday, October 15

Federico gave me these pictures of when he was in the military police. I think this may be in Afghanistan. A bomb went off just yards from where there jeep was. Luckily no one was hurt, but he was hurdled in the air.

My great grandfather Federico.

Federico has a passion for mountain biking.

I promised Federico and Lucia that I would be back to say good bye to them, and I kept my word. It was good to see them again and to see San Fili. They picked me up from the train station in Paola. It was raining all the way down, but stopped once I arrived. I visited with Maria Louisa again. We went out for dinner that night; Federico and Lucia and I. Lucia's sister came as well. She was very curious about the church and asked a lot of questions. I gave her a temple card and told her to go on the church website for more clarification. My Italian isn't good enought to explain things clearly, I'm afraid.