Our little group is going to be broken up, and I don't enjoy change. Once it happens, I can get on with life, but thinking about it coming makes me sad.
Bro. and Sis. Mortenson are leaving on March 29 for their home in Elfrida, Arizona. They have been here for almost 1 1/2 years, working with the Institute-age youth and teaching Perpetual Education Fund principles to those who want to apply for help with their schooling.
They came each week to the Temple, so Pres. Dyer asked them if they would like to be Temple workers. It was really a challenge for Sis. Mortenson, as she was struggling to learn to speak and read Spanish. She persevered in her study until she could perform a couple of the ordinances from memory. At first she was so nervous she would shake, but the workers were very patient and continued to give her opportunities to do what she was learning.
Sis. Verlinden suggested a pizza party for their farewell, and that turned out to be a very good idea.
Brother Verlinden said the blessing on the food in French.




Sis. Soto suggested that we sing the hymn, "Each Life That Touches Ours for Good" so we did the first and last verses in English and the middle two in Spanish.

Pres. Dyer expressed the thanks of the Presidency and the Mortensons told some of the funny and inspirational experiences they have had.

We got a little extra mileage out of this party--the Smiths have been telling Gerhard that he hasn't lived until he has eaten a Costco hot dog, so when we went with them to get the pizzas and icecream, each couple split a hot dog as an appetizer :)