HOME AGAIN.....THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!!

We have been back for about two weeks now. It feels as if we have been gone for a good 10 years....and at the same time we have never left. What a mixture of emotions as we took off from Guatemala City on June 7th. We knew we were going home to friends and family....but really felt as if we were leaving family and friends in Central America. Our time there has been some of the most rewarding of our entire lives. We are so thankful for the opportunity to take a step out of life and have this experience.

Landing in the good ole USA

As we landed in Dallas it was so interesting to feel our reactions to being once again on US soil. The emotions are hard to explain...but anyone who has lived outside of the US for any length of time can appreciate how we felt. As we went through Customs, the agent looked at our passports and asked us if we were US citizens. Wayne looked right at him and said "si"....it was different to be speaking English.

The connection between Dallas and Phoenix was about an hour wait. Wayne saw and visited with an Elder who was returning to Thatcher and would be on our same flight. That was a blessed experience for both of them. When we reached Phoenix...we knew that our family was waiting. They had a sign and were all there! (Except Todd who was still in SLC for a couple of days). I had worried that our little ones who only knew us on Skype would not know who we were...but no trouble.....it took them about 30 seconds and they were running to us. What a joy to see them all again.

With the best support team in the world!!

We had a wonderful evening with all of them at our home. Our Stake President and dear friend Grant Walton came over and read our release letter to them all, and then talked about us wearing the name of Jesus Christ and being his missionaries for two years. He then had us take off our plaques....which I have to tell you was really hard for me. What a blessing wearing that badge had been for two years.

Getting to know Staci Elizabeth Gietz

The rest of the week was wedding...wedding...wedding. We had a great time and a beautiful day on Friday. Conner and Alissa were so ready to be married...and Alissa was so excited to be able to go through the temple. She was thrilled to be able to take out those covenants. Everyone had prepared so well that the reception went absolutely flawlessly....and we had a big party.

All of our girls at the temple

Dad and Alissa

Alissa and Conner with all our grandkids

We are excited to begin the next phase of our life. Who knows what will happen? We are looking into different opportunities to continue to be of help where we are needed. As I looked at the blog this morning I realized that this is about blog Number 300. I started this blog because I knew that I wasn't a very good journal writer. My next goal is to print and publish it for my family. Thanks for all of you who have read it, commented on it, and been such a support to Wayne and me during this mission.....the field is truly white and ready to harvest!!