After Work - Time with the Healys

We arrive last Saturday morning and were greeted with a warm welcome from the Healys and the Proctors (Zone Leaders). The met us as we came through the gate at the airport and took us back to our apartment in a van. We dropped our bags off and spent time unpacking. Then we tried to sleep. It's all a blur, jet lag, excitement, new country, unknown work ahead, new couples to meet and support, fatigue, and it just feels different... we're not at home anymore.

We enjoyed our worship and the block meetings in our new International Ward. There were so many senior missionary couples and so much they wanted to tell us. We're invited for dinner every night for a week.

Our first day in the office started with the usual walk-around to meet and greet people. When that was done the work began. We were still jet lagged even though we could walk and talk and even looked ready to learn we were in limited function state. Mom was at her desk with Sister Healy and I was at my desk with Elder Healy. They did a great job of training, but at the end of the week we couldn't remember a thing we heard. It will come back, but it will take a few more weeks. We worked a full day and sometimes into the evening.

When our P-Day arrived we were ready, but rather than do the mundane washing and unpacking, we opted to take a day-trip up the Rhine River with the Healys. Good choice! Here are a few pictures of the day. It started out overcast and cold, but ended with sunshine and warm.

A little something for breakfast before we board the boat.

We each had a sandwich. They were short on mayo, but good.

This is the boat we took down the Rhein River to St. Goar

Brunch on the boat while taking in the sights

Castles at every turn in the river.

Lots of barges move up and down the river. Vineyards line the river valley.

More tour boats and barges

Mom and Sister Healy entering the St. Goar Castle

Mom in her Armour

The stocks still work... let me out of here!

The sun started to come out as we were finishing up the castle tour.

Sister and Elder Healy

This is a big rock along the river that has a legend behind it. (To be developed later)

Typical quaint river town and their vineyards.

River front of this town

We had a relaxing time on the river tour and returned home in time to have dinner and get a good night's sleep. We Came out of our jet lag by Tuesday or Wednesday, so we caught the last part of our training. 

The following week we were on our own and learned more by doing, but that means asking a lot of questions and doing things that are new and out of our comfort zone. It's working though. We're learning to do the work and getting to know the couples.

Wednesday evening we went to dinner with the Healys and ate at one of their favorite places "Libertos" and shared their love of the food there.

Great food, veal with a mushroom sauce.

It was hard to say goodnight because we knew it was the last time we would see our dear friends for another 18 months. They have been our answer-man trainers, but now we are all alone. It's like hearing the footsteps of Grant and Lenore Gerber leaving our Cairo apartment early in the morning. Tears filled our eyes with gratitude for all of the preparation, love and care they have extended to us to make us comfortable and ready for the work. Thank you so much to the Healys. We'll be in touch and look forward to sharing our stories with you when we meet again.