The last post I did was in October. That was also the trip Jeremy asked me if I was ready to go home from the Philippines. Up until that day, he had been talking like we might be there a couple of more years! I was shocked he would mention it. I said yes I was ready, but we both wanted to make sure we had done everything there we could and wouldn't regret later going home at that time. We thought about it for a few weeks, and then tearfully told out decision to Jon and Steph. They were still there and at the time were not planning to come home. That was so hard. We felt like we were abandoning them!
We began selling most of the things we acquired while we were there. We had a yard sale and had our house-help: Junel, Haydee, and Sally sell everything for us. They were wonderful. It was sad to leave them. We said goodbye to the ward, the neighborhood, and the school, and were ready to leave.
We flew out on December 12? and got here Dec. 15?
Jon and Stephanie's family came over when we were finishing packing. They helped us and we took lots of pictures. We had all of our luggage loaded into a van to drive us to the airport. Ajie, Tata, and J came over and road with us too. We stopped and ate some pizza and saw the new S&R store and then went to the airport. The primary president, Sister Lanee, had been waiting at the airport for us. She gave us 5 winter hats that had CEBU written on them. She also gave me and each of the girls a cute purse, plus little souvenirs of guitars with each of our names written on them. She also gave me a little bamboo coin purse. We appreciated her so much. She is a neat lady and a good friend.
Then it was time. Jon and Steph's family, Ajie's family, and our house help walked us to the security point and then waved at us through the glass window as we walked off. We were all bawling. It was so hard to say goodbye!!! We got on our first plane with puffy red eyes and flew to Manila. We slept for a about 5 hours at a hotel and then headed back to the airport. We flew to Tokyo. The girls made friends with another little girl at the airport. It was so cute because the girls didn't speak the same language, but they were still trying to play dolls together and share snacks. Such great experiences for us! Then we flew to California (LA again, I think), made it through the airport, and flew to Salt Lake City. It was not as cold as I was expecting. Brett was there waiting for us with his car and a little trailer for our luggage. We were tired, hungry, and probably stinky :). We drove straight to Brett and Sue's home. All the family was there waiting to welcome us. The kids had made nice welcome signs but we couldn't really see them because it was dark and cold outside by that point. I think we got to their house around 8pm. We were SHOCKED at how much all the kids had grown. Most of them are now at least as tall as me if not taller. It was crazy. I was so worn out but it was great to see everyone.
Then we tried to sleep. Ha ha. Gracie stayed awake ALL night (and kept waking me up). We stayed for a couple of days at Brett and Sue's. It was nice to be there, although I was freezing the entire time. They were so nice and welcoming anyway. I tried to find some warmer clothes, since the ones we wore in the Philippines were absolutely not warm enough!
We quickly moved into the Cummings home. They are a missionary couple from IF serving in the Cebu Temple. Jeremy worked with them each week at the temple. It turns out their house was empty, and they were willing to let us rent it out from them until they return in October. So here we are! It is a townhome-brand new-only a couple of miles from my parents!It's been wonderful here. We also bought the Cumming's little pickup truck. We bought Brett's car for me, and then decided to buy their truck for Jeremy since we needed another car anyway, and would have had to pay to store their truck if we wanted to use the garage. It's all worked out great.
The girls go to Temple View Elementary where my Dad teaches.
They took ice skating lessons from January through March, and they also began singing lessons in January. They take lessons from our old neighbor, Janie Christensen. While we were in the Philippines, her 2 daughters were on America's Got Talent. They did awesome. It was so fun to watch them on TV :).
We have all settled back here so easily. It's just nice to be home. I have had some tough moments, like when I drove by our old house, or when I saw the lady that moved into our old house at Sam's Club...but really, it's been such a blessing to be where we are. The kids have friends, they are doing great in school, the ward is wonderful, and we get to see my parents a lot which has been awesome. Gracie and I started taking guitar lessons from my Dad a couple of months ago and are really enjoying it. Gracie is doing so great!
Jeremy is working hard as always. He did go to a check flight last week so now he is able to fly planes again. He hasn't complained about missing flying, but I'm sure he is eager to get back into the air.
Jon and Stephanie's family moved back in March. They are staying with my parents, so we see a lot of them, too. It probably wouldn't have been so sad and hard on all of us if we had known they would be coming home soon too. ha ha I guess you never know.
We are looking for a house to move into in the next few months, but so far haven't had success. School gets out in 3 weeks, and hopefully the weather will be nice enough to enjoy it outside! (It's been cold here for the most part. A few beautiful days here and there, but mostly cold and windy.)
