Unbelievably, this was the only picture I got of the four of us! Can you tell I was a little out of sorts? My brain can only do so many things at once, and for some reason personal pictures were not a high priority. I am bummed. But, alas, the memories are in my mind and I will try to write some down so that I don't forget.
As the Zwick's arrived the first thing out of their mouth was, "Thank you. Thank you for what you are doing." Very sincerely. And that's pretty much how the whole three days went! They were so kind and supportive and helpful. They have had experiences that they could tell stories about for a good, solid week. (And I could have listened to every one) Sister Zwick was very thoughtful about the house. If I had really started whining, I'm sure she would have put a bug in some one's ear, but after hearing about the house they lived in in Chile, I certainly couldn't complain! She told us, "When we got there, there was red carpet throughout the house. The last President had had a dog so there were stains all over. There was a bright pink couch on the red carpet and behind the couch hung a velvet picture like you might buy in Tijuana!" OK. She wins. Hers is worse! We were just grateful they weren't upset with the changes we had made.
From the moment they met Hailey, they treated her like she was the greatest thing since "sliced bread". They were so sweet to her, she immediately felt comfortable and happy around them. They took a 16 year old daughter with them to Chile when they served as Mission President there, actually four children accompanied them (one handicapped), so I think they really had a clue what Hailey has been feeling and going through these last four months. At their request, Hailey missed school on Friday and came to Conference with us. She sat on the stand with us and at the beginning of the meeting Elder Zwick asked her if she would come up and stand next to him, and then he asked her to tell the missionaries what "being on the mission has meant to her and her family, and how she felt about her Savior". She was really amazing when she spoke! And I think for the first time, she was really starting to feel like she believed what she was saying (about being here on the mission). I think she is always honest when bearing her testimony! :)
One of the greatest things for me about having them here, was being able to ask some one for advise. Some one who had a lot of experience, and who was like me. Some one I trusted! That was nice. My favorite part of the "tour" was shaking hands with each one of my Elders and hugging tightly each one of my Sisters. The Spirit was overwhelming and the love I felt for "my missionaries" was over powering. Hands down the best part.
I learned so much! And I think each of our missionaries did too. They were taught by the spirit, and therefore learned what they needed to hear to help them. It was wonderful! I bet Jon has had fun reading the missionaries letters today. They write him each Monday. I bet they have been great! We were truly blessed this past week. When it was time to say good-bye, I honestly felt like I would miss Jan (Sister Zwick) being by my side. Funny how you can feel so connected in such a short time when you are both working for the same cause! It has been a great learning experience. I was exhausted. Then Saturday and Sunday were the Santa Rosa Stake Conference. These people are getting sick of hearing from us...I am sure!
Jon has a killer week of interviews ahead. I don't know how to help him with that. I feel like I am a little on cruise control, for a day or two. YIPPEE! Maybe a trip to Ikea is in store, so I can buy my own set of white dishes. It is time. Again, thoughts of Thanksgiving keep popping into my head and I get pretty excited to see all of "my people". Life is good! We are blessed!
