It’s been a roller coaster the past two weeks. It all started with my mom being moved from her care home to hospice care. She declined very quickly and then passed on March 3. I was thrilled to have her visit me two hours before she passed away. When I heard the news that mom was being transferred, the question arose as to whether I would return home. I spoke spiritually with my mom and asked her if she wanted me to come home. She replied, “Absolutely not! You are where God needs you and besides, by the time you get here, I will be gone.” Thus my decision was made to stay in the mission field and complete our mission.

Earlier in the day on March 3, we learned that one of the six month missionary couples had to cancel their mission due to illness. I immediately told the temple president that we would be willing to stay. In fact my exact words were, “PICK ME, PICK ME!” (With both arms straight up in the air). He had conferred with his contact in Salt Lake City and they thought that it would be a good idea for us to stay because we were already here. Erik and I thought about it for a few minutes and discussed what it would mean for us. We agreed to stay another six months. The following day, that extension was denied by Salt Lake City and we were heartbroken. We went out for lunch with President and Sister Kimbler and waited on what was to happen next.

The next day, we received news that President Kimbler had authority to extend our mission by one month, until the end of April. The other news is that we would have to move to make space for the next set of year long temple missionaries. I dreaded the thought of packing everything for one month. Erik thought that it would be a good way to figure out how the car would look with it packed and see what we downsize.

We checked with the temple recorder (who is in charge of temple missionary housing). Brother Fergus decided that it would be best if we stayed where we are now and the other couple will be housed in another apartment until we left. I was very happy to hear this!

With our one month extension, we are being reassigned to another church unit. We have been attending the Spanish Branch in the Rochester Stake. My, dear, sweet, persevering husband has been using Google Translate to listen to meetings. I was devastated to leave this Branch because they have been like our family. I always get super excited to see them when they come to the temple. We were asked to share our testimonies on Sunday, and as well, I was asked to give the closing prayer in Sunday School. Being in the Spanish Branch has been good for my Spanish and speaking spontaneously. There were so many new people that the missionaries had brought to church. It was a very emotional day (the roller coaster continues).

Our Branch gifted Erik and I special gifts as a farewell. He received a new tie and I received a beautiful scarf, hair clips and a mug that says, “Con Dios, todo es possible”. I will treasure their thoughtfulness. Their kindness and friendship meant the world to us.

We were blessed to attend a farewell dinner at the Kimbler’s temple house. The Parker’s and Gurr’s were leaving to head west in the morning. I made table runners for them using the fabric line, “I Love New York”. The Kimbler’s gifted us beautiful prints of the Palmyra temple. President Kimbler asked each of us to share what serving in the Palmyra temple meant to us and it was wonderful to hear everyone’s stories. We had Sister Fergus take some photos of our group.

This morning we said goodbye to our dear, neighbors, the Gurr’s. I will really miss them and I think Erik will miss the treats from Tonya (gluten buns, cookies etc.) After we drove around doing errands today, upon coming home, my eyes welled up because I knew we wouldn’t see Gurr’s car anymore parked in front of ours.

While walking in the Sacred Grove this afternoon, I spotted clumps of daffodils springing up. Soon we will have green leaves and see the blossoms. When we left the house it was 21C and then the temperature started sinking like a rock. In the Grove it was 9C and windy. We have cold weather coming in for the next few days.

Being in the Sacred Grove helps me to think on the role of our Savior in our lives. Easter is soon approaching and personally, Easter is a very sacred time of the year. To think on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ as sobering and brings gratitude to mind.

I know that I am loved by Heavenly Parents and a Savior who gave his life for me. This past two weeks of ups and downs has been a trial at times and full of joy at other times. I know that God has a plan for us and I will keep my eyes and heart heavenward to see the greatness of the blessings and joy provided for us. Our worth is eternal and great. I can reflect the Savior’s love through my acts and compassion for others. Let us be the mirrors of love that Jesus Christ shows to each one of us.