Doviđenja

And it's almost over.  We moved out of our apartment on Monday and drove to Zagreb on Tuesday to pick up Ron and Cathy Burns.  We remember being on that end of the mission and are happy to be at this end of the adventure.  We have had an extremely busy week meeting partners and following up on projects.  The Burns have been troopers while we dragged them around and they tried to keep awake and remember what was happening.

President and Sister Melonakos, Cathy and Ron Burns

Our departing picture with President and Sister Melonakos at the mission home

Wednesday was spent in Zagreb meeting our partners there and showing Burns a few things around the city.  Thursday we drove back to Sarajevo and introduced the Burns to the most amazing city in the mission.  But no rest for the wicked... we were back at it early Friday.  We met with the attorney first then went to immigration to get white cards so the Burns are legal.  Then a full day of partner meetings.  We had an early dinner at Klopas, where our waiter friend and Utah Jazz fan works.  He was so happy we stopped in to say goodbye.

Nerim, Jazz fan extraordinaire

Saturday morning we had a project activity with one of our NGOs.  We purchased 200 backpacks and school supplies for disadvantaged children.  About 125 of the children or families came to collect the packs.  We held the activity at our chapel and the missionaries were there to help answer any questions about the church.  They also invited people to attend their English conversation groups or take advantage of self-reliance classes.  We feel it was a successful activity, although we would have done things a little differently if we had been totally in charge of the decisions.

Untying the bundles of backpacks

Waiting for children to arrive

We were so busy having our photo taken with the children that I didn't get any pictures of them.  We finished around noon, then helped the Elders clean the building for Sunday.  We did a little training with Burns in the afternoon and called it a day.

Today was the hardest day for us - we both spoke in Sacrament meeting.  We had linger-longer during the second hour and took pictures with the branch members in attendance.  I have done fairly well not blubbering or letting the tears come out full blast but it's an emotional time for us.  Our little branch struggles so and we will miss each of the faithful members who have supported us while we have served here.  Tomorrow we meet with the attorney again and have a partner lunch.  We fly to Rome on Tuesday and will travel for 10 days before we fly home.

We will report our mission on July 28 at 10:30 am in the Sycamores 6th Ward at 6592 W Haven Maple Drive, West Jordan 84081.  You are all invited!

Pictures from church today:

The Rhees family leaves Bosnia July 6 for their next assignment

I love this precious baby!

Sister Roberts and Sister Scofield

Elder Thygerson and Elder Krmpotich

Franz and Mira

Sweet Iris

Begić

Sam Chavez - he's been here on temporary assignment with NATO

President Garvin and Elder Burns - the new Branch Presidency

Our attorney Emir dropped in to say goodbye to everyone

Sarajevo Branch today - I love that Emir wanted to join the photo

It has been a wonderful journey!