Things I did while I was Home...

While I was home, I was able to get much needed rest and medication to get better. I was able to do some things as well.

I went to the Manti Temple Open House with Katie and Yolanda (Shar was supposed to come as well but couldn't last minute). I'm not sure what I was expecting, but there weren't a lot of changes in the temple. But I was able to do some research before hand and I have a new found love and appreciation for the craftsmanship and art in the temple. We swung by Ephraim Temple on our way back and then stopped in Spring City and got lunch.

Payson Canyon is one of my favorite places to go spend time in. Since I spend most of my time not being active in Lubumbashi, when I am home, I love to get out. We went for a hike up to the Grotto. The road was closed at Maple Lake so we walked on the road, it was nice to let the dogs off leash and let them explore. Hillary was here for part of the time. My sweet mom has to have oxygen when she exercises. They think it is due to damage done by the blood clots in her lungs years ago, hopefully that is not what I have to look forward to!

Kaylee took a day off work and we went to Salt Lake. We met Aaron for lunch at Oakwood Fire Kitchen...THE BEST!!! Of course we all got different things and shared.

Then we went to the Church History Museum. Years ago, Katie took a picture of Ben, Tyler and Josh wearing bonnets at the museum. We had to recreate it!

Even though it was raining, I still wanted to walk around the Salt Lake Temple. It is amazing, the work they are doing. They had just put the Angel Moroni back on two days before! For conference, the Church set up flags from 93 countries outside the Church Office Building. I went to find the DRC's but it wasn't there.

I turned 45 while I was home. I went into the office and these amazing ladies decorated the cubicle I was using while I was there! They are seriously the best! I wished I was in the office with them everyday! Later that day, I met up with Amberlee and we visited for over 2 hours, solving all the worlds problems, LOL! That night I went to dinner with Kaylee, Aaron, my parents and Katie's family to Brick Oven. I was horrible at getting pictures!

Cory's old team from the Orem Temple is doing Provo Temple so Aaron and I were able to go over and see them take off Angel Moroni. We were actually a little late but they sent me pictures. It is bittersweet seeing the temple being torn down, but the new one will be beautiful.

Brigg was the one up there to help get it down!

They wrapped it up and are building a crate around it. It will be stored in a warehouse until The Church decides what to do with it.

As we were driving home, Aaron mentioned he hadn't hiked the Y before so we decided to do it. No one wanted to join us, because it is a MISERABLE hike so the two of us and the puppies did it. We were able to see the temple as they were taking off the sections of the spire. Kona was exhausted after the hike and found a Minky to nap on!

We got a few more updates of the Temple.

During COVID I started walking with this group of ladies and we have been each others support system ever since! We were able to meet up once for dinner and once for walking while I was home!

I stopped by Riley and Shar's to say goodbye and Noel was there! He had brough butterflies to be released, the kids were fascinated by them!

So begins the Journey back... I don't know if I will ever get use to how long it is. My flight was scheduled to leave at 3:00 on Sunday so I had everything packed ready to go and we were just playing games to pass the time. I was getting notifications of my flight getting delayed and soon realized I wouldn't make my connecting flight in Atlanta. I called Delta and they were able to get me on the 1:40 flight which meant I needed to leave 20 minutes ago! Everyone jumped into action, loaded the truck and Aaron got me to the airport in record time! I did curb side check in and then went to the security checkpoint on the main level and got right through. I walked up to my gate and boarded...perfect timing! Moqui can tell when something is up, she just wants to cuddle.

When I got to Atlanta, I walked to my gate and rested for my layover. I met Elder Ferguson and Elder Dunlap. They were going to the Johannesburg MTC then onto Durban (Ferguson) and Zambia (Dunlap). Elder Dunlap wanted a picture with these animals he brought along for the adventure. They were asking me all kind of questions about the flight and Africa. I sent pictures to their moms.

The menu for the flight. I am not going to lie, the food is pretty good! Cory might argue that as they don't have a kids menu!!

I chose the Pasta Mami's Wild Mushroom Tortelloni, SO GOOD!

For breakfast I chose the Red Pepper Frittata...YUMMY!!

As I got off the plane I knew I needed to wait for my new friends. Flying internationally for the first time is over whelming, and getting through customs can be daunting as well. I helped them get through the airport to their driver, stopping to get a picture with Nelson Mandela.

I had an overnight layover in Joburg, and since I was alone and had so much luggage (everyone wants stuff brough back from America) I booked the hotel at the airport! It was so nice, I just loaded my luggage on the trolly and rolled it over. The next morning, I went to check all the bags and I am allowed 20kgs...I had 84kgs!

This was a new terminal I hadn't been in before. There were twelve gates in a row and busses waiting outside to take you to your plane!

Airlink serves you a meal every time you fly, even though the flight is only 2 1/2 hours. This was my treat in my lunch and it made me think of Yolanda, she loves coffee flavored things!