BritishSmarts: Week 78----We Are Home!!!

Monday we shipped two boxes home and then cleaned and packed. When we weighed the suitcases they were too heavy and we took items out of each one and packed two more boxes to ship home.

On Tuesday morning we headed to London Family History Centre where we shipped the two last boxes and tried printing our boarding passes. Virgin Atlantic was the Delta partner we were flying out on and they have some problems with printing boarding passes and assigning seats. We were unable to print both of our boarding passes. We called and were assured both of us were scheduled to fly, but had to leave it at that. We went back to our flat and met the carpet cleaners. They cleaned while we finalized a few things (one of which was dropping off a Book of Mormon to our service tech at the local Vauxhall dealer) before we said our final goodbyes at the LFHC.

We arrived at the Mission Home office, which is on the London Temple Grounds, at about 2:30 p.m. The office staff attempted to help us finish getting correct seat assignments and boarding passes. We were assigned seats on two different rows, row 28 and row 60. This was not acceptable to us and in calling the airline, we found we had to take care of it at the airport on Wednesday morning.

We finally decided there was nothing more that we could do and went on the 4:00 session of the London Temple. It was "brilliant" to be able to go one more time in the beautiful London Temple. After the session, we met Paul and Helen Baden at the Peacock for dinner. Spending the last evening with our wonderful friends was an awesome way to end the mission.

Our friends forever!

Wednesday morning we woke up early enough to get to the airport in plenty of time. One of the office senior missionaries drove us to Gatwick Airport. We arrived more than 2 1/2 hours early to make sure we had time to get our boarding passes, and seat change. Long lines were staring at us as we arrived. We still felt like we had plenty of time. When we finally got through the line and got our boarding passes and seat assignment, they referred us to a second line in order to pay extra for the second piece of luggage. That took more time, but we hurried off to go through security. They took their time getting us cleared there and we hurried off toward the loading gate. While on our rush to catch the plane, we heard our names called. They were through boarding the other passengers and waiting for us. We finally made it and we were on our way to the USA. By the way we had exit aisle seats with lots of room. Guess we were blessed one more time.

Lines at Gatwick Airport

We arrived in Las Vegas 9 1/2 hours later. We had a 2 1/2 hour layover before heading to Salt Lake. Getting through customs meant another wait in a long line. We had to recheck the luggage and then we were on our way to catch the Delta flight to Salt Lake, only to be greeted by Aaron, Audra, Carter, Mikaela, Madalyn, and Tanner. They brought supper for us and we had time to visit, eat, enjoy and get reacquainted with part of the family.

Las Vegas Airport Reunion

The final flight went fast and before we knew it we were getting off the plane in Salt Lake City. We will never forget the sight of all of those beautiful grandchildren and children waiting for us to ride down the escalator. Not only were all our immediate family there, but all of Paul's siblings were there to welcome us home. It was so fantastic moment to give each family member a hug. What a blessing family is in our lives!

Down the Escalator

A sight we will never forget!

Can't get enough hugs

Kathie and Matt and kids drove us and our luggage to our Draper home. We found our new car waiting for us in the garage. We had only a few minutes in our home and we were in the new car and headed to the stake center. We met President Holmes and he released us as missionaries. After a year and a half, it set us back just a little to hear him say we are no longer full time missionaries.

Car

Everything happened like a whirlwind, from our flat in London to Draper and no longer missionaries.

We cannot do justice in telling what a wonderful experience this mission was for us. The growth Annie experienced in her family history abilities in phenomenal. The windows that opened up for us as we researched our families was miraculous. The love we developed for England, the people, and especially the Staines Ward is "Brilliant." The joy of helping others to progress in their family history means a lot to us. Those in our temple preparation class that we were able to escort to the temple will always occupy a special place in our hearts.

The last 3 days we have been working at unpacking and getting everything set up for our lives back in Draper, Utah. We spent Friday in Tooele and enjoyed a picnic in the park with the kids and grandkids. Church in our Draper Ward on Sunday was great as we saw old friends.. Sunday afternoon we had a dinner at the Cherrington residence celebrating Harlie's 15th birthday.

Harlie's Birthday

The next month is expected to be full of activities such as baptism, priesthood ordination, reunions, and birth of new granddaughter. Yes, it is good to be home!