So long, Farewell, au Weidersen, goodbye – Bayartai - Two farewells in one day

Time to say goodbye

It is about over. We feel it especially now. 

The senior couples and the Service Center combined on a joint potluck farewell party from 1:00 – 3:00 pm on Wednesday afternoon. 

That night we were invited to Sudjilmaa’s apartment where some of the Sukhbaatar Branch members had gathered for another farewell dinner.

Serving food is an art form for Mongolians

Both experiences were sweet. Wonderful sentiments were expressed both privately and in front of the group. What great memories! We were asked to express ourselves on both occasions.

Highlights of the senior event. 

Elder England surveying the food - Soyolmaa at the head of the table

Service Center staff

The walls and tables were decorated by Sister England - an artist

Wall decoration - colorful fruit was on the table also

Sisters Nay, Benson, Stewart, Gardner and Farmer. Sisters England and Linford are absent from this conversation. 

 The Program. 

Pres. Benson shared some feelings and observations about our contributions

Pres. Odgerel, President of the West Stake recited a poem in Russian

Munkhjargal and Enkhbold played a harp and guitar duet

Ulziika and the senior couples sang to each of couples who were leaving. Our was "The Farmers in Blue Deels".

We all took a turn sharing our thoughts and feelings

Highlights from the visit to Sudjilmaa’s home.  

A fun gathering of Sukhbaatar Branch members

Our hostess, Sudjilmaa, is seated at the table

Gansukh, Sudjilmaa's son, is giving Shuraii a back rub. I wanted to be next. 

Not everyone could fit around the table

Puje is sharing a scripture, Batjargal is looking on, harolsuren and her husband are at the end of the table

Darlene and I were asked to share our thoughts and feelings about Mongolia, themselves, our mission, etc.

Preview of the final few days. Left on our agenda are dinners at Nasanbold's and Alimaa's homes, another gathering at the Sukhbaatar Branch, speaking in church at the Unur Ward, interviews and dinners with the Bensons, and a final testimony meeting on Sunday evening. 

One more chance to see the Sukhbaatar Branch members on Saturday afternoon

Toss in a service project with the missionaries, a couple of counseling appointments, one last writing project and we still have a lot to do. It should make for one last blog from Mongolia - probably late Sunday night in Ulaanbaatar.