24 June 2010 – Thursday
I have not been keeping up a full journal for over a week. I have written notes to help me remember what we did but basically we have just been doing what we have done for the days and months before. I wish I could say that I have not had the time to write but that is not so – I just do not have much desire to do it.
The highlight of the past 9 – 10 days were two trips to Durban for a last meeting with all the couples and the Manns and then our last Zone Conference. I was remarking to Mary that we are once again in our ‘last period’ like the we experienced in Indonesia. We also talked about how leaving this mission is different from Indonesia because we have become much closer to more members and non-members than we did there. I think this is going to be harder in someways because of how well we know the area, the people, the homes, and the branches. We are also closer to the missionaries and it is going to be strange not to meet with them regularly. Trunky? Probably some but only because each day we are shutting down parts of our lives where we have lived for almost 15 months.
Will we miss South Africa in general and Richards Bay in particular? Sure we will. Will they miss us – certainly for a while but then time will pass and other couples will come, serve and be loved. We will become pictures on their walls to be remembered from time to time – hopefully with a smile on their faces.
I think I am getting a little morbid … the main thing is that We are Winning!
We have missed the journal – saw Sister Mann’s picture at Roma’s – made us wish that we were there. It is being harder to adjust being back in civilian life this time but we are working at it. Is Mary doing ok?
At least this time we got served in less than 3 hours – more like 2 which is usual for this large group.
We found out that we know elder Allen’s brother fairly well. I think they are starting to adjust but find Durban quite different from Joburg.
Mary is doing fine but is once again wandering around with a pump sucking out her incision. I think one of the reasons I am finding it hard to write is that we have just spent too much time at hospitals.
There is good news about couples. Not only is there a couple coming to replace us early in August but there is another couple coming later in August who will probably go to Ladysmith which will take some pressure off the Wards. Also there is a couple scheduled to come to Durban in October who will hopefully be sent to the Bay so there will be two here. But of course everything depends on the new mission president.
Sorry to hear you have are having some trouble adjusting…it must be that you are driving on the wrong side of the road and not seeing any zebras, elephants or lions.
See you all soon.