LAST WEEK

Celebrated Easter by having dinner with Brooke and Steve Saturday night and with the Boehmes on Sunday.    President Boehme is president of the Sacramento Temple.  When I arrived here a year ago, my very first evening was spent at his home, having dinner outside around the pool, so it felt quite fitting that I kind of  close out the mission in the same fashion.  Church was interesting.  First block was fast and testimony meeting, then sunday school, then a joint Easter program back in the chapel.  It was like another sacrament meeting without the sacrament.  And with two such meetings, even with a rest hymn in each, we never sang He is Risen.

I've learned late in the game that Sacramento has a "city flower," the camelia.  I've seen them all over and really didn't know what they were.  The yard next to the Boehmes is filled with them, with some yet to bloom.  I'm going to miss the flowers here.

Last night was my exit interview with President (and Sister) Lewis.  He wrote a beautiful letter to send to my bishop and stake president.  I was given an engraved platter, which I will cherish.  While thanking me for my service, he said, "You've endured a lot.  Enough said."  Afterward was FHE with the other seniors, and Sister Thompson chose the hymn He is Risen, because I had mentioned my disappointment on Sunday.

I made a kitty litter cake for the office yesterday for April Fool's Day.  The young missionaries loved it.  The only other good trick I noticed was that Elder Jenks wore his sister's name tag around all day.  I noticed it early on, but I only heard one other mention of his being Sister Jenks, and that was late in the day.

Next weekend the new seniors arrive:  nurse, financial clerk, two new office sisters, and two sisters being assigned to live and labor in "the pocket" area of Sacramento.  We have been feverishly clearning out the office space to make room for two additional people.  We found some great stuff, including brand new backpacks, which the mission used to sell to incoming missionaries.  Who knew?  We recycled a lot of dated church materials, which was hard in the beginning.  We're pleased with the resulting lean and efficient office.  I think the addition of two additional sisters in the office will be beneficial--a buffering effect.

I've learned many things on this mission, but self-control isn't one of them.  I'll be returning with the requisite 10-pound weight gain.  People (over)feed missionaries.  Unlike the younger ones, I haven't been able to cycle off the calories.  I'm looking forward to riding my bike and working in the yard rather than sitting at a desk all day.