The day before we leave...

     Seemed sort of strange to think today was our last day before we leave.  As I led singing in Church, it did seem a little odd to think that would be the last time.  Then I was thinking that if I do it in the DR it will be in Spanish--and many of their hymns are different from the ones I am used to singing.  Some are the same music, but of course the words are different.  So, this will take a little adjustment.
     Lots of wonderful hugs today!  Our ward will be different probably when we return.  Still there will be the warm hugs to greet us when we return and that makes me feel good!
     Whenever I hear about the Spanish in the DR, I hear confirmations that it will be much faster, different phrases, dropping of endings, etc.  My most common request may be to tell them to SLOW down!
     The bags are nearly packed.  Of course, I packed most of mine in December. but had to change out the warm scarves and sweaters for the swimsuits and cooler tops.  Earl packs in lightning speed.  I always ponder over it for too long!
     Tonight we went to the broadcast, appropriately about missionary work.  It was inspiring and encouraging.  After that, we were set apart as full-time missionaries by the stake president.  He had Scott stand in on the blessings and Earl also on mine.  It was nice that the family could be there.  The smallest future missionary didn't quite understand what was going on and reverence wasn't in his agenda. I meant to take a picture with the stake president, but we didn't get it.  It was very sweet earlier today when our granddaughter, age three, said the prayer and asked for a blessing for us on our missions and for us to get our visas!  I love that as a part of her prayers!
 

Is it really happening?

Somebody has changed a lot!

  First Opening of Mission Call--to Peru--last summer~~~~~~~

         

        and Second Opening of Call--to Republica Domincana~~~~~~~

Before, Trevor was a little floppy, but now we have to capture him to keep him from escaping!  It is good to have our official photographer on the job--thanks, Laura!

She also took a picture of the actual change call~~~~~~~~~~

We think this time it really is happening!

Early in January friends gave us a "going away" party, but we didn't go away.  We have had several "farewell" dinners, spoke in Church in December and said "adios" numerous times, so we have taken care of all of that!  People are going to be surprised that we are gone, just as they have been surprised that we are still here.  We have been able to do some projects, take care of some things and be here for events we thought we would miss!  

In a new direction...

  Almost a year ago we received the mission call to go to Lima Peru East to work as Family History Records Preservation missionaries to film digitally National Archives of Peru.  After several months we were told that we would be going to Huancayo, Peru.  We were fortunate to meet by email, then phone and Skype some new friends who were there in Peru in records preservation.  We waaaaaaited and waaaaaited for visas to go through as we were delayed from January to March to April to May to later May to July 1.  Now, instead of going to the Andes, we are going to the Dominican Republic!  They also have records to be preserved and they are easier for visas.  Another couple went home and now we will be there in their place.
First, of course, we still have training in Utah, part of which will teach us how to use these cameras!  Since they also speak Spanish--albeit much faster--in the DR, we will have to ramp up the level of comprehension!
    I have appreciated the records that have been gathered that have helped me to do my research, so I hope we can help others!

  Here is a picture of the temple in Santo Domingo, the capital of la Republica Dominicana.  Also note the beautiful sky and the tall buildings in the back.  SD is a city of over two million!  That would be a few more than our Wichita!
  The title of this blog stems from the info received that we will be helping souls--both those who are waiting in heaven and those who are still on earth and on days when we are not at the office, we can go to the beach!  We can swim, snorkel, enjoy the beauty!  We have been repacking our bags to take out the clothes more suited to chilly times in the Andes and put in some swimsuits and lighter clothes.
   More to come!  I don't promise how often, you notice!