We have arrived!

David drove us down to Salt Lake City to catch our flight. We do not travel much so check in has changed since we flew last. Fortunately he knew what to do and helped us through the process. He watched as we walked down the hall. Probably wondering if his parents were going to be able to find their way to the mission field.

We were fortunate that Elder and Sister Beus from the Tri-City area was also going to Malaysia. We got on the plane at 9:45 pm and flew to San Francisco. We had about an hour lay over then onto the 777 Singapore Air. You could get really spoiled flying on Singapore Air. They brought us hot towels to wash our hands before each meal and the food was wonderful. The flight attendants were very attentive to all needs and requests. It was a long flight.... They had a screen showing a map where the plane was and how many more hours were left. The hours dragged by. The plane flew up the coast of America, over Canada, Alaska, over Russia and back down between Korea and Japan. We landed in Hong Kong. Everyone got off with their carry on then those who were going on went around and up a flight of stairs to get back on the same plane. Then we were on our way again to Singapore We left on Monday, April 1st about 9:45 pm and arrived in Singapore April 3rd about 11:45 am. The airport in Singapore was state of the art. Very nice.

We gathered our luggage and went out the doors to be greeted by Mission President Mains and Sister Mains. President Mains took our picture with his wife. Sister Mains is the daughter of John and Myrna Bell in out stake. I grew up with her. She was 2-3 years older than me. She was one of the girls I looked up to as a girl and was a wonderful role model for me. It was a little touch of home to see her. Lots of hugs and then we were on our way.

We went on a tour of the church building and mission offices, had an orientation, went to their home to freshen up and then out to dinner. We were treated to Italian dinner. Yum! Hours of lost sleep and jet lag hit us and we were in bed by 7:00 pm and were awake again at 2:30 am. Body clocks taking time to adjust. We did fall back to sleep about 4:30 and got up at 6:30am. The Mains fixed us a large delicious breakfast. They told us about their schedule. They are rarely home. They are flying all over the mission. And at conference their two counselors were called to be Seventies. It will probably make the stress level higher until they are replaced.

We had a meeting with President Lai (Singapore Stake President) (over church education also) . Then off to the airport to fly to Kuching.

New addition to the family

Baby Melissa joined the family while we were in the MTC. She came 3 1/2 weeks early. Healthy and strong. We were concerned but blessings came. Bonnie, Evan's mom, was there and Sabrina's family came to help for a few days.

Another blessing was Sabrina 's offer on the short sale has approval to go through. They should close mid April . Yeah!

Good bye family here we come Malaysia

 

 

Last game of hand and foot

While we were with the boys, tradition of a game of hand and foot was played. The women won the first hand. Their reward was a foot massage from their husbands and bragging rights for the next two years. I still haven't got my foot massage, We did play one more hand of hand and foot and the men won, saving face.

Saying goodbye

This picture was taken a few weeks before we left. My brothers came down so that we had time together. Leaving my parents was a difficult decision but family and friends are stepping forward.

Last time with the Boys

After leaving Uncle Vern's home we stopped in Cedar City to see old friends. We have all aged over the last 20 years but it was good to see everyone.
Then on to Idaho Falls to spend Easter weekend with the boys and their families. It was wonderful to have a last farewell with family

Uncle Vern and Aunt Moonie (Lucille)

The last living of Elder Boyter aunts and uncles. Aunt Moonie got her nick name from her father. She had large eyes and her father called her Moonie after the moon. She is the youngest of the MacFarlane girls. Uncle Vern is 95 and Aunt Moonie will be 95 this summer. She has a wonderful sense of humor. When I was pregnant with Sabrina, she made the comment in front of the whole family "Why Brent I didn't think you knew how." Her sense of humor was still in force as we visited with them and when we left we had a bag of apples and chocolate to take with us. Uncle Vern was a coronal in the marines before retiring. They have traveled the world. They are still in their home but they no longer cook or clean. Uncle Vern health is better than his wife. They have plans in place when they no longer can live in their home or if one of them dies. Uncle Vern shared his plans with us. I was impressed. Maybe it is his military background but he was proactive in taking charge. He knew his limitations and had planned for what needed to be done.