Inez (a Filipina seamstress) finished my dress just in time. She took the pattern from Juana Bellu's dress that she had made in Hawaii. The occasion? A iakwe-iakwe at the Levai's.
...during the larger meeting.
Knowing that I was leaving soon, I took pictures I normally wouldn't, like the view of the one road on island.
Here's Sister Howard and Sister Ruiz at the Angel Store and Laundry near their home, buying a dozen eggs for $2.75.
March 5, 2011 - Jiki and Sue's two sons, 9 and 11, were baptized by Elder Waqatairewa in Rita.
So much happiness...
My translators while I played the organ at the baptism - Elder Moimoi and Elder Fa'alogo
March 6 - Chlora and BJ in church
My last Primary Meeting in Long Island...
My last Relief Society - Sister Anien writing the agenda for the meeting on the board.
My Primary friends, saying good by after church. Rosemillie (in blue in the back) slipped me the most beautiful note.
A great young woman, my friend, Jownie.
Monday, March 7 - Elder Taylor and Elder Rareba at their home in Ajeltake.
Visiting Sister Reiher in the hospital...my last week was about seeing the people I love.
A chance meeting with Elder Steele and Elder Teriba in the Payless parking lot...
Wohoo! More chance meetings! The Sisters!
Goodby to these fine Elders - Edwards, Taylor, Christensen, Rareba.
Elder Edwards confided "I can't imagine a Teichertless mission." Well, I can't imagine a missionless Teichert.
Later that night, a wonderful last FHE with Jorau and Nettie's family. "Sister Teichert, tonight you are our family."
Tuesday, March 8 - my last office staff meeting
Saying goodby to the Enos family...
and to Rena's
My last District meeting March 8 - they are planning a great Fireside that I will miss...what great young missionaries...
My car that has served me faithfully
The Delap Chapel courtyard
Saying goodby to Akneti and her family and Marie...
Thursday, March 9 - saying goodby to Elder Bulloch and Elder Cherrington in Arrok...
Saying goodby to the children at Laura Beach...
Saying goodby to the missionaries at the Rongalap house in Laura...
Elder Christensen, Elder Pritchard, Elder Abakite, Elder Edwards (my Farnsworth cousin)
Saying goodby to Brother Rakinmento in Laura who was baptized in the lagoon...
I took this for you, Kyle - the highest point in Majuro - 16 feet above sea level...right across from the Rakinmentos' home.
The coconut tree canopy on the ride home from Laura...
Saying goodby to the Sisters at our Sisters' luncheon at the mission home - as usual, no electricity at this one either :) Sister Ruiz had to cook her fantastic enchiladas in Delap...
The last piano lesson with Namiko - lots of tears shed after this one...
Karen and her mother found me late at night and presented me with this jaki - aibuijuij!
Friday March 11th - it's here - block the way, Elders, don't let us go.
Elder Fu'e, Elder Fa'alogo, Elder Afioga
Elder Rigby and Elder Humrich getting all my food, and cleaning cupboards and more in return.
It's time to go - my Relief Society Sisters...
Elder Rix, Sister Teichert, Meetu and children and the girls...
We are sad...
but we will be happy at the tree.
The army made a presence on island for a few days - we are so grateful for these young men.
Saying goodby to Lora...
Three great friends - Lora, Diane, and Brooke (plus Ati)
John and Lora, Elder and Sister Christensen, Sister Shaw
Elder Rix and I and the Assistants, Elder Fa'alogo and Elder Afioga
Reminds me of when Elder Gllbert left, only this time I was leaving...
After all the goodbyes, our flight was cancelled becauase of the tsunami warning from the devastating Japan earthquake. Elder Humrich and Elder Rigby had been instructed by the President to get me at the airport and bring me to the new addition above the mission office with every Elder and Sister on island. I got to see everyone one last time.
The Shaws invited Elder Rix and I to stay at the Mission Home before our flight out on March 12th. Luckily there was a Saturday flight that Continental had just added, or we would have been on island a few more days. Me just outside of my room on the second floor with the ocean in the background.
Ed and Lee Anne Kinghorn surprised Elder Rix and I at the Hawaii airport with their wonderful presence and leis!
They took us to the airport hotel that the church had booked for me, and as they did, surprised Elder Rix by buying him the last room availble. It was an incredible blessing for him and for me the next morning when Elder Rix was there to help me with my luggage. We love you, Ed and Lee Anne - komoltata!
Goodby, Elder Rix - see you at a mission reunion...
I wasn't able to take pictures at the airport when I saw my family waiting at the bottom of the escalator for me, but I took pictures with my heart... here are Kraig and Collette and I the next morning in my new home...I was overewhelmed. I went from love in the Marshall Islands to love at home.
