IN-PERSON Gatherings

Slowly, life is returning to that "normal" we have missed.

We had our first in-person branch gathering on Friday--the Aloha Pot-luck--a monthly gathering (in the past) to welcome people entering the mission and say goodbye to people leaving the mission.  We met in this very old Church building on 2nd North--

The stained glass window in the Chapel

Old-fashion lights

Jena and Gary went right to work to help set up things for the dinner.  Turns out that setting up for an activity is like riding a bike--you don't forget how even if it has been over a year---

And we sang welcome and goodbye songs to the missionaries coming and going!  We also sang "Called To Serve."  It was the first time we sang that song with our fellow missionaries in person.

I am not going to lie--I cried!

And we live in a branch where everyone jumps in to help clean-up!  Not surprising since our branch only has full-time missionaries in it.

Then Saturday, we kept the party thing going by having Vonette and Gary come and play games and then go out to dinner with us at the Blue Lemon in City Creek. 

On our walk to the restaurant, we stopped by the Temple grounds to see the progress on the work.

After dinner, we made a stop at the Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory...

and then took an enjoyable walk through the City Creek Mall.

This piece of art in the mall swings around in the sky----

We so appreciate Vonette and Gary making a trip down to Salt Lake and to brave the traffic and the parking situation to visit us.  We are excited for more visits and more people to come.

Zoom is wonderful and has been great for a pandemic--but people in person are the best!