Até Nos Encontrarmos Novamente (Until We Meet Again)

It's hard to put into words the events (and feelings) of this past week. 

One day, it's 'same ole, same ole', and the next thing we know, it's, "Because of the Coronavirus, all American Senior Couples serving in Europe will be returning to the United States ASAP."

Brother Alves brought us the word from President Coelho and President Fillmore.

What to do next?

Our little world had turned upside down.

We still had our assignments at the temple for one more day. We had to pack, give stuff away, say our good-byes, repack, use up our metro passes (ha), spend all our Euros, and so much more!

I think the hardest part was not being able to say good-by to all our friends. It felt so incomplete. 

Anyway...

This puzzle didn't get completed.

Filipa stopped by - and took lots of food off our hands. 

Good-by to our dear little temple. We sure do love you! Our time here ended way too soon!

Lisboa!

You are truly one of my favorite cities - ever!!

We were supposed to be packing for our 'little jaunt' (a journey taken for pleasure) to Paris, Switzerland, and Spain during our temple closure - not to return to the United States!

Nevertheless, on the morning of Sunday, March 15, we found ourselves headed to the airport - not to Paris, as planned, but to New York City.

Last chance for a tin of bacalhau, sardines, octopus, ...

At the airport we met up with some of the other 20 American couples (plus some Sisters) leaving Portugal.

Sister Brown, Sister Marriott, and Sister McClellan used the layover time at JFK wisely by eating salads from Wendy's. 

And so, 5,116 miles and 18 hours later, we arrived in SLC.

Kimberly and her children were there to pick us up. (Keeping their distance, of course.)

Home Again, Home Again!

Thanks to Kristy and Kimberly, we have plenty to eat.

And how is our two week quarantine working for us, you may ask?

 

Four days and counting...

Lastly...

Our granddaughter, Emma, received her mission call this week. She will serve in the SLC Temple Square ASL Mission.

Beginning May 20, 2020.

The Work of the Lord continues!✌

So, that was the week that was. 

What the future holds, we know not. 

In these times of uncertainty, I am thankful for a living prophet to guide and direct us as we come unto Christ. 

We love you, President Nelson!