Going home

December 15, 2014

Well folks, this is it. My last letter as a missionary. You could say this is trippy. It was suggested to me last night that I should write one last letter next week, about my first week back. I may just do that.

Anyway, this week has been CRAZY.

Everyone decided they wanted to feed me before I left, so we not only had booked dinner appointments, we had a lot of booked lunch appointments. Just roll me off the plane why don'tch ya.

Monday I got my toenails painted all sparkly red. For my birthday Sister D gave me a "gift certificate" for a pedicure at her in-home salon. So I got sparkly red. Then I was informed I couldn't put socks or shoes on for several hours. Oops. Luckily we had emailed already, but we didn't get any grocery shopping done. Turned out for the better though because of all the meal appointments.

Wednesday I got to go to the temple! It was a really neat day. All 26 of us missionaries going home soon got to go to a session together with the Van Cotts. Afterwards we all went to a Chinese Buffet together. We chatted up the people there. We chatted amongst ourselves. It was neat to get to know some of the other sisters I'll be going home with. I like them! Oh yeah, and I had squid tentacle with the suckers and everything. Very chewy. After lunch we went back to the Mission Office and had a little going home thingy because we didn't get one on Sunday. (They did not do a departing missionary fireside because there were 26 missionaries going home.) We wrote letters to ourselves that will be mailed to us three or so months from now. President Van Cott gave a little spiritual message. We had a question and answer session with the Van Cotts for post-mission stuff. Most of it revolved around dating (of course...). Then an ice cream and fudge break, followed by a devotional where we could share an experience from the mission and share our testimonies. It was really nice.

When I got back to Sister Davidson it was right to a dinner appointment (see?!) then over to see Carl one last time, and then to a returning to activity member and his new wife. They surprised us with dinner.... But we ended up having a great lesson with them and picking up the wife as a new investigator. As I talked with them, I was reminded of why I love being a missionary, and I was getting all excited to see their progress. Then as we set up the return appointment I was reminded I won't be there....

But it had to come some time, and I'll be glad to be home.

Friday I went on an exchange! It was nice to be out of the area and not thinking about going home. And it rained! And it was cold! There were trucks coming down from the mountains with snow on them. I think I'll be in for a bit of a shock when I leave California.

Saturday we had a lunch appointment with some members. Then they "abducted" us and were like, "we're going to the parade!" So we got to see the Yucaipa Christmas parade, but I was kind of uncomfortable being stuck there. But what can you do sometimes...

That night we also had dinner with the family we had Thanksgiving dinner with. Their neighbor also came over and joined us. I was glad I was able to talk with them some more and say goodbye. Maybe one day they'll listen to the missionary discussions.

Sunday was crazy busy. During Sacrament Meeting I got to give a talk. Normally I like to write out my talk, read over it, rehearse it a bit, time it, etc. Ain't no missionary got time fo dat. So I made a little outline, got up there, rambled, and sat down. I think it did make sense though, because people said they liked it. Phew.

Lots of goodbyes were said Sunday afternoon. I packed as well. Sunday evening I got the wonderful and unique opportunity to have dinner with my Aunt and cousins! We got special permission, and I think because I'm leaving so soon, and so is Sister Davidson, President Van Cott figured it might do more help than harm. It was a really fun visit, and the Palmer family was very gracious and let us take over their dining room table.

Right afterwards we ran over to some members to play the piano for their older singles' activity. We arrived and they were like "good! We need you to play piano to bring the Spirit back from us arguing over our white elephant gifts." Oh dear. It was kind of weird to see older singles, because they acted like 20 year olds...but they weren't. Like when they all piled on the same couch. They each also received a "mistletoe preparation kit" with mints and things. I was given one too...

That night it was time to pack some more.

Same thing this morning. Because guess what? This time tomorrow I'll be on an airplane heading home. I still don't know if I believe it.

It's been amazing to be a missionary. I feel so blessed to have been able to do this. Wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I know Christ is our Savior. It has been my privilege to represent him these past 18 months.

Love ya!

Sister Tanner