We had an interview with our stake president last Sunday, passed, and today received an email from SLC stating that our paperwork had reached that office. They sent a short multiple-choice questionnaire, which is new since our first mission. They had questions about weather, learning foreign languages, doing mundane tasks, serving in remote areas, etc. At the end of the questionnaire we were told it would be about 4 weeks before we received a call. October 22 maybe. We said we were available November 1st.
We've picked up some steam on our physical workouts, gathering strength for whatever lies ahead. We feel really fit and happy.
Our "get done before launch" checklist is long and daunting, from selling automobiles to doing estimated taxes. I (Linda) took up the quest of organizing scrapbooks. Last evening I put together Nic's Diaper Derby pages, which he participated in on May 30, 1992. Yes, I know. Slightly behind. It's delightful to go back through those years. I finished 12 simple pages, which thrilled me.
On Richard's "get ready" list included "change all faucet washers". He decided to do that today. He's been working 9 hours and 3 minutes, steadily and patiently. All went well until he dismantled the upstairs bathroom tub. It was different than the others. He went back and forth to Home Depot three times before they sold him the right part, and then they forgot to put the part in his bag so he went back. And then the part didn't have a subpart in it so he went back. And then they told him he had to have a special and unique tool, so he went back, but they didn't have it. And then... And then...
Today I organized my hobby room and the "cable cords" box, adding substantially to the land fill. Organizing our office is also on my to do list, and I'm looking for a place to begin. I distinctly recall my college computer professor predicting that within ten years (that would have been in the 1980s) no one would be using paper. If only he had been right.
We met with our attorney to update our trust information, changed bank accounts to a more international-type bank, reviewed safe deposit box, and rented a storage place large enough to hold my car in case I don't sell it. Our former bishop wants to purchase Richard's truck but will allow us to use it until we leave.
This is an exciting time for us. Also a sad time. We adore our grandchildren and ache to think of missing these important years. We go forward relying on the promises given by our Prophet that our family will be blessed more if we go than if we stay.
