Minggu 96

Monday we spent the day cleaning and packing and getting things ready to leave.  Elder Tucker went and picked up his suit that he had made.  It looks pretty good.  He had them make 2 pair of pants to go with the suit coat.
On Tuesday we spent some time at the church and went to the store to buy a few white shirts. One will be for a new member young man and a couple just for the branch to have when needed.  We also spent some time at the church and then went to Sister Eva's birthday party that she invited us to.  Part of their tradition is to have the mother or older women feed the birthday person a bite of cake.  I got to feed her some and then since my birthday was the next day she fed me some.
On Wednesday we went to the store so we could feed to missionaries breakfast the next day.  We then went to the church.  At about 5:30pm some of the young adults started coming.  They ended up having a birthday party for me.  It was nice.  Novita and others brought dinner and a cake.  We had fun.

My birthday party

On Thursday we finished up the last of our laundry.  We then had the Elders over for breakfast and District meeting.  Then we put them to work moving the oven, washing machine, microwave, etc. to the car so we could deliver it all to where it will be going.  We then took some things to the Elders houses.  Then we went with the Elders to the Radius Talembanua's home.  They had asked us to stop by to visit.  They ended up feeding us a whole meal the was traditional to the Island of Nias.  It was really good.  We then went to the Branch Presidents home to drop off the rest of the stuff.  When we got there they also fed us.  We then dropped off the Elders and headed home to finish packing.

 Lucnh at Talumbanua's

Picture on wall at Talumbanua's home, of Nias.

Friday we finished packing and cleaning and took the rest of the stuff we had down to the car.  We then had the Apartment people come check the place.  Then we went and had our internet stopped.  We then went to the church to help with getting things ready for our Malam Keluarga (Branch activity) that night.  Elder ran some errands and I helped with prep work for the cooking.  It was a great activity and very emotional.  We had traditional batak dances and songs.  It was a good bye for us and Sari Sinaga who should be leaving on her mission any time.  Lots of tears were flowing.  The people got a chance to say what they wanted to us and then we got a chance to say something.  They food was great also.  They did a traditional ceremony with the Branch president and his wife and the counselor and his wife and us holding a plate full of rice and two big fish (cooked).  They all spoke and said how thankful they were we came and helped them. Then we were to eat some of the food. It was interesting to see and be a part of the these ceremonies.  When most things were cleaned up we headed home as we had to leave at 5 in the morning for the airport. 

 A Branch picture during the Malam Keluarga, those at activity

 Members after Malam Keluarga

Us with Young Adults, Maria, Samuel, Elisabeth, Sari, Sari, Buyung, Usman, Adikit and Novita

Saturday we went to the airport and about 10 of the Young adults came to see us off.  I told them I would not cry because I did all of my crying the night before.  Unfortunately that doesn't always work.  I have come to love these Young Adults as we have associated and worked together whether it was PEF, keyboard lessons, getting ready for missions, etc. We then flew to Jakarta and went to the Misson home.  We went to lunch with Pres. Donald and Sister Donald and then visited and hung out as other missionaries going home started to come.  
Sunday we went to church with President and Sister Donald to the English Ward.  We then visited with President Donald and had our exit interview.  That afternoon we had our farewell dinner and after that we had a testimony meeting.  We all went around the circle and shared our favorite scripture, song, etc. and our testimony. Then we had dessert and the Elders and Lewis' left for the airport and their flight.  One Elder from Jakarta got picked up then also.  

 President and Sister Donald with all the missionaries going home.

Missionaries going home who have served in Medan

On Monday at 6am two Elders left for Solo where they are from.  We left at about 8am for the airport with one Elder heading for Australia.  Monday night a Sister leaves for New Zealand and Tuesday morning the Sisters leave for America.  We arrived in LA at about 7:30pm Monday and had Elder Tuckers brother pick us up.  Dani and family surprised us by being there also.  Erin and family met us at Elder Tuckers parents house.  We get back to Tucson on Saturday night.  We will speak in church on the 26th.