Leaving CVM - 6/30/17

We still got up at 6:00 but did not go walking or exercising.  On Thursday I was not able to open up the computer to print up the stewardships for the training leaders to do their exchanges.  I typed them up and emailed them to President Nakken.  We had a nice breakfast at the hotel.  We realized we still had the garage door opener for the mission home so we drove to the mission office to drop it in the mailbox slot.  We were on the freeway about 8:30.  I mentioned to Dell that I would like to drive us out of California.  

No tears today.  We enjoyed the drive.  I believe we have let the mission go.  We were on our way to see our family in St. George.

Last day ... 6/29/17

Wednesday we brought in a Nothing Bundt cake to share with the office and the Hardys.  We sat and visited for a little.

We stayed at the Marriott Residence Inn Wednesday and Thursday nights.  We still read the Book of Mormon.  We walked through the golf course both mornings.  Thursday morning was stressful as President was talking while we were walking with his IFR determining if a missionary was going to be transferred to another mission or going home.  We had things we had to do at the office before driving to Santa Barbara to pick up the Nakkens.  We said our goodbyes to the Iversons.  

As we waited for the Nakkens' flight, a woman came up to us and introduced herself as a not active member.  We had a nice visit and invited her to read the Book of Mormon; 3 Nephi 11.  We almost missed the Nakkens as they arrived from the outside rather than coming down the stairs.  We gave them hugs and welcomed them.

President Felix drove the van with President Nakken in the front seat and the wives in the back.  We had a wonderful lunch at Padara Grill and gave them a taste of California and seeing the ocean.  

We knew the Jones' were bringing dinner to them at 6:00.  We were still there but starting to leave.  It was emotional for me as we walked out the door.

We arranged to go to dinner with the Andruses and met them at Ihop for our "last" dinner in the mission.  I requested Ihop because I needed comfort food.  It was great being with them.  It has been absolutely wonderful having the Andruses in the mission.  We love them and it's been fun being together.

We had to get to Target before it closed to get help with cleaning out the mission phone.  

The assistants met the Nakkens at the mission home at 7:00.  When we were done at Target we texted the assistants to see if they were anywhere close to the office.  They met us there so we could get in to leave the phone.

Out of the mission home 6/28/17

The missionaries departed this morning at 7:00.  The cleaners were to be at the house shortly after.  I think it was more like 8:30.  We were glad to have the extra time to get things loaded into the car because we were to leave.  It was a bit stressful because Eva knew the house needed to be deep cleaned but her supervisor was thinking just a light cleaning.  Windows had not been done and the supervisor said they didn't have it in the contract to do it.  We got a hold of the FM Group and let them work it all out.

We went to Cafe Nouveau for breakfast and ate outside.  Those are beignets and so very yummy!  It was good to get away for a few moments.  We then went to the office where we were busy all day.  I was sending the emails that they sent to President and his responses to the departing missionaries.  I also sent to the August transfers their emails.  I asked them to not tell other missionaries because there was no way I could do it for everyone.  Our day was full!  We left the office and checked into the Marriott Residence Inn by the mission office before picking up the Jones' to go to the Pier for fish tacos.  Another last.

The men enjoyed their corn on the cob!

We met the Jones' the first day we arrived.  It was only fitting to see them just before leaving. They have been very good friends!  

Arroyo Verde 6/26/17

We wanted to hike this one more time before leaving California.  We got up Monday morning earlier enough to hike and get back to get ready for the new missionaries.

We would see this view of the marine layer often.

Botanical Garden 6/24/17

President Jones told us about the botanical garden behind the City Hall and towards the Cross.  We scheduled to do the hike on Saturday, June 21, before staff meeting.  We were having a breakfast meeting at the mission home to discuss the transfer.  We got up at 5:45 so we could get back in time for the Andruses to come over as they were doing German Pancakes.

 Along the trail were markers of what the plant was.

 "The sea once it casts its spell holds one in its net of wonder forever."

 We climbed steep stairs to get to the top.  Dell made the comment "stairway to heaven." I said "I hope not." 

 Rocky!

 This is overlooking the avenues.

 This is the same spot but looking to the ocean.

 This road goes to the Cross.

 It's crazy that it took almost three years to find this hike as every six weeks we would drive to the cross.

This is driving back from the gardens.