30 August 2009

Hard Goodbye

30 August 2009
Hands down, the hardest move yet. We left behind, not only the ocean and sunshine, but also the best friends we've ever had & certainly, the best branch we have ever and will ever be a part of.

We made a very last-minute decision to move so we only had one Sunday to say goodbye to the branch that we loved so much. I was resistant to give a full-blown talk that Sunday because, in addition to only having a few short hours to prepare, I just knew I would be an emotional wreck. And I was, but I'm glad I had the chance to express my gratitude to all of the members that had made such a huge impact on my life over the course of 2 years. Then, during the 3rd hr, the YW gave me an incredible gift when they decided to cancel their individual classes and share their testimonies instead. I can't quite explain how significant that was for me.


And the outpouring of love continued on through the evening when the branch threw us a last-minute going away party at the Conner's home. It was humbling to see all of the people who came to share their love. During the course of the night, we were given dozens of thoughtful gifts and letters. The most touching part, however, was when they all sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again."


11 August 2009

Speed blogging

11 August 2009
I'm low on blogging fuel these days so let's see what I can do with highlights (mostly about Eric b/c, let's face it, he's cooler than I am)...
  • While in Korea, Eric ate silkworm, snails and live octopus


  • The Saipan job offer for 1.5 years turned into a Guam job offer for 2.5 years. Eric declined.


  • Eric's last official day at the court was on Friday so we had a farewell lunch in his honor at Tony Roma's.


  • Afterward, we celebrated with dinner on the beach (Pacific Islands Club) and then KARAOKE. My first time with Eric, and he's a pro! The best (and boldest) sober Karaoke singer you'll ever meet!


  • Our house was broken into Sun. night/Mon. morning (while we were asleep in the next room). A little unsettling. Fortunately, all they took was Eric's laptop.


  • Ty's wedding is Aug 22. Airfare is over $2000! If, however, we decide to move back to the mainland, the court will cover the cost.


  • So that's the decision we have to make in the next couple of days - to stay on Saipan (after living here for 2 yrs) or return to our homeland. It's been an extremely tough decision. Stay tuned...



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