The Last Sunday

This picture was taken about a week before we left. We loved this river, even with the water being a tad chilly:) 

My last Sunday in the Salmon Creek ward of Vancouver, WA was very special. When you know this is the last day somewhere, everything is sacred and tender. I hugged people tighter, looked at everyone, and hung on to every word said. I watched people greet others and tried to memorize their smiles in my mind. 

In the Gospel Doctrine class, I took notes like a mad woman. The teachers were amazing. I savored the laughter, and the sweet joking between the teacher and people in the class. 

I went to my dear young women's class for the last time, and it was such a treasure. They spoiled me with sweet gifts that I have on display in my home. So thoughtful. 

I then experienced one of the greatest blessings ever when one beautiful girl brought her guitar out, and sang a song she wrote for me. It was such a turn of the tables for me, as I'm always the one who is writing songs for others and singing it to them on my guitar or piano. Countless times I have done that, but rarely has someone written one for me. It was the sweetest, most sincere and loving act of kindness ever. 

Church was over. We got the kids and made our way out to the car. A dear couple drove by us, stopped and called out their goodbyes. I thanked the choir director for one of the best choir experiences ever. We drove home, and my heart was so full of thanks, sadness, and love for the dear, good people of that ward, thinking 'I sure was lucky to experience that'. I'll never forget them. 

Upcoming posts; one for my young women, and one specifically about the neat things that ward did:)