These last two weeks have been busy and fun. On August 29th, we went with some other senior couples to Half Moon Bay and saw the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. We went at low tide and got to look in the tide pools. We didn't see any starfish because they have been killed off by a virus, but got to see other interesting things. This is a picture of a sea anemone and you can just barely see some little crabs.
Then that Sunday we had our fireside. It was fun to reminisce about our mission and tell some of the things that have happened, and talk about the people we have met. We put together a slide show of the MSA and their activities that went over well. We had lots of positive comments after, and really felt their love. It was a great night. I got lots of pictures but for some reason they are not showing up on the link here on the blog. Wish I had a grandkid here to help me find them!
Anyway, that next week we had some great visits, did our last mission leadership council luncheon, where they sang "Called to Serve" to us (cry, cry), and on Sept. 5th we got invited to another senior couple's home to watch the BYU/Nebraska game. Wow! That was exciting (at least the last few minutes were!) Later that night a couple who's calling is to help the MSA took us out to dinner. They are Kristin and Blaine Bowman, and they have become good friends.
We also had a great night Wednesday at the institute of religion in San Jose, where we go every Wednesday to help feed the hungry young singles. Here we are with Vivik, a recent convert from India, who is a very sweet man. We now know 4 people from there who have all told us if we ever get to India, we can stay with their families, so I'm thinking we ought to go some time, right?
These are some of the Elders who come there for dinner. Two of these are twin brothers from Vietnam. Excellent missionaries and very sweet young men.
The couple in the middle here are the Nelson's who are over the dinners and other activities there and have become good friends, and the couple on the right are new to the mission and will be helping out after we leave. They are the DeGraf's and have a son who is deaf, so work with the ASL members here. Great people! They are both from Utah so we think we will be able to keep in touch in the future. Next to me is Ceidy, a young adult who suffers from depression, and we have become close.
Yesterday was the Labor Day barbeque. It was a resounding success! We had lots of new people come, and were able to get to know some of them. I have never felt more comfortable at an event with lots of people! They truly felt like family. It was great. I took lots of pictures, but of course can't find them. Dad just fiddled with my phone, so I am going to post this and then get back in and see if they show up.
No luck, but here are two Elders that we love. Elder Barbosa on the left helped us with our outreach last year, and has been such a strong example and hard worker. He had a knee injury last year and had to go home for a few months for surgery and recuperation, but came back out. Then he crashed his bike and hit his shoulder into a street post and caused a compound fracture. He had surgery again, and is on the road to recovery! Can't believe what he's been through. He is amazing.
I could go on and on about these great kids, but I'll save that for when I see you all again. I'll try to get one more blog in, about our day at Facebook, at least 2 sisters who will be receiving their endowment, and our trip to San Francisco on the 22nd to see an opera! We also have more member dinners we've been invited to, so our dance card is full! It will be a great last few weeks.
Love you all so much!
I'll try another tack. Barbeque pictures:
Volark and Rene man the grill.
Sister Call and Irma
Awesome pictures and so fun to see what you've been up to! It will be good to hear more details about stuff when you get home. It's hard to type every little thing on here…especially with your time so limited. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteWe are so excited to have you home soon! We have loved all the pictures and blogs. I know you'll miss all these people you have met along your way. Lovin' technology right now...you'll be able to look back at your mission and all the memories you have recorded. Hope your last weeks and days in Cali are good ones.
ReplyDeleteThe HoGo family is doing pretty good. Lots of blessings coming our way and making us very grateful for the family and friends we have. Dave goes in to the surgeon that worked on his back on Monday and we'll know the details of when he can go back to work and stipulations and such. He has healed so well that we are hoping the doc will send him back soon.
The kids are loving school. I was worried about Donovan and Shalee starting Jr. high and High School. But they love it!
Hope everyone is doing well! We need to plan a family party for M and D when they get here! :)
Love you all
Great pictures and news, as usual! I don't think I can quite communicate the anticipation of your arrival. We are all super excited!
ReplyDeleteThe Shipley family is hangin' in there. This has been a big year for us; graduation, new jobs, new cars, new driver, new bands, new friends who happen to be girls (at least for Nate, wink wink), plus a very important birthday coming up in November for Abby. Why, you ask? Because she gets to have pierced ears, of course! Oh ya...and something about being baptized, but did I mention the pierced ears?!?
So ya. Crazy busy, as usual. But the motto here at the Shipley house is "go big or go home!"