15 February 2008 – Friday

Our last day on Bali and to be with the other couples. We again sleep in until after 6:30. Of course if we were in Jakarta that would only be 5:30 which is about right. When we went for breakfast, it was still raining hard or at least raining again. Since they have moved the food court outside, some of the tables were too exposed to use.

While we were eating, the Hashs, Roberts, Barnards and Kanes also came. It turned out that the Kanes were once again out walking on the beach when the storm started and got soaked. It seems that they attract rain when they try to walk in the morning. Anyway we had a good time eating and talking to our friends.

Back in our room we finished packing and then read from the Kitab Mormon. This was the first time we read from it since we got to Bali. We did not have time in the morning and by the time we got back to the room at night we were too tired. Anyway that was our excuses.

We went out and saw off the first group of missionaries that were leaving for Eastern Java at 10. We will probably not see them again as a group before we go home. I also took the time to check out so I could beat any later rush.

Our second group of the Davises, Kanes, Walkers and ourselves left for the airport at about 11 and everything went well. We found the first group still at the airport – their plane was late. Unfortunately the Hashs flight was cancelled so they will not get off the island until after 3. Our flight left right on time – our experience with the budget Lion Air has been great.

We had the very front seats but moved back a row before we took off so we could have more room. This was the first time I could remember not having a full flight here in Indonesia. There were actually 10 or 12 empty seats and all of them were right up front.

The flight was a little bumpy at times but it was fine and we arrived right on time. We did have a chuckle at the fact it took the ground crew three tries to get the stairs to line up with the door. I was the first one off the front of the flight – at least from the front. I am sure this was the first time for this experience.

We had one of those luggage experiences where one piece came off almost at once and the second came off almost last. Everyone in the group had their luggage before we got ours. Same was waiting for us and other than stopping to grab some food, the trip back to our apartment was fast for Friday afternoon.

We immediately turned on all the air conditioners and then started unpacking. For once all the souvenirs made it home safely. Then we had to find a place to put all of them.

The evening went quickly. Since we had not been online for almost 5 days there was a load of e-mail to sort through. I left most of that to Mary. We read from the Kitab Mormon until Mary was so tired she could not read or think so she went to bed very early. For some reason I was still wide awake and did not go to bed until sometime later. It was a good day, but it is also good to be back in our mission area and we are thankful that tomorrow will be a busy day at the office and teaching English.