There are evidently even a couple of civil war soldiers buried in this little mountainside cemetery. We were happy to have a time to remember once again my dad's sacrifices serving during WWII.
Well, one of the sweetest experiences of our mission happened a week ago.
The Pine Cone Singers presented three performances of "Showtime II". I told Dennis he cleans up nicely!
By the time of the performances, my job as rehearsal pianist had ended, and I got to watch my favorite bass take his place in the thirty voice choir. I enjoyed the whole experience down front, all three nights. And it was pretty incredible.
He cleaned up pretty well, too!
Here's a panorama of the crowd at the last performance. They always perform in the Evangelical Free Church, which is the only venue in town that can hold enough people. It's very nice.
Here's their 'performance accompanist', Jason, with his girlfriend and his parents. He comes clear from Stockton to play for them. He and Dennis have worked together several years. He's a lovely young man (and a great pianist!).
This is Sandra, a key member of the group. She's the one now moving back to Idaho to help care for a very tiny granddaughter (2 lb at birth). Boy, are they going to miss her. She reads, plays piano, carries the alto section!
Here's another sweet moment from closing night: it was Barbara and Paul's fiftieth wedding anniversary! Yes, she was a child bride. If you remember, she's also the person responsible for helping us land that 'miracle piano' in our home so I could even consider playing for the group.
Now I wish I could explain to you what a beautiful, memorable experience came next. At the cast party that followed, they gave 'tributes' to all the singers who were moving. When they came to us, the president said the kindest things. They gave us a beautiful bouquet and a handmade card containing individual messages from choir members.
But my favorite gift is the signature necklace all ladies in the choir wear. It has all white pearls, except the one black one in the center... for Dennis. They had them specially made. The fact that they wanted me to have one meant they considered me part of 'the family'.
The rest of the evening was filled with hugs, laughter, and tears. It was such a moving evening that I didn't take one picture. Too personal. It will be ours forever.
And so, we say good-bye to another great mission experience. But my great companion also made sure to hand out our home information (on the back of Articles of Faith Cards) to all our friends.
Oh, and we also just said farewell to a fellow Senior couple, the Spaffords. Here we were together at the Calaveras County Fair where Fred helped with the Family History booth. Now they've headed back home to St. George.
And at a farewell dinner some weeks ago, Sister Spafford sincerely said the line you thought only young Elders and Sisters felt: "This year has truly been the happiest of our entire life."
And so, our mission days move on. Sometimes it's helping with a 'Cinco de Mayo' activity at the Youth Center.
Sometimes it's making lunch for our wonderful 'lunch bunch' at the Little House.
And sometimes it's taking a young lady home from church, because she was the only one in her family that got up and got ready to attend. We told her President Nelson also went to church alone. She is absolutely golden.
Well, we are continually blessed with new experiences and opportunities. And we are so grateful. We love our Savior, and we love all of you. Here's to a happy summer for you all!
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