Heading Home!

Thought I'd post a few more random photos of the area before we leave our mission.  Our release date is October 2nd and we'll drive away on the 3rd, which is a week from today.  We're currently in the throes of packing and saying goodbye, which are both very distasteful activities, but I suppose we'll muddle through, albeit tearfully! We are sad to leave this beautiful area and these sacred historic sites, but are excited to be home with family.  It has been an amazing 18 months, filled with wonderful spiritual experiences, new friends and much personal growth.  We have learned A LOT about the history of this area and the events that occurred here and our testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ have been strengthened immeasurably. Hopefully we've helped to strengthen the testimonies of those who have come here seeking that blessing.  In addition to our historic site assignment, we've had the privilege of serving in the Palmyra Ward as Member-Leader Support missionaries while we've been here. This has been a great joy to us and we will miss our association with these wonderful people. We will also miss the other senior couples and the young sister missionaries we have served with. They have been awesome and we know we have made life-long friends here!

Soon-to-be Returned Missionaries by the Smith Log Home

The Erie Canal played a huge role in the development of America

A canal Aqueduct - boats on the canal went OVER the rivers

The Smith Farm's southern boundary

Looking north from southern edge of Smith Farm

Some moods of the Palmyra Temple.  We will miss seeing this spire from our front porch and being able to attend so easily every week (it's a whole 50 second drive away!). 

We made a quick trip to Cooperstown a couple of weeks ago, about 140 miles east of us.  Saw the Baseball Hall of Fame (very cool!) and some incredibly beautiful country, made famous by author James Fenimore Cooper.  

Cooperstown sits on the southern shore of Otsego Lake (one of the Finger Lakes).  Otsego was the setting for the "Deerslayer," where Cooper gave it the name "Glimmerglass."  Very fitting, especially early in the morning.

"Glimmerglass"

Oldest covered bridge in the US - not far from Cooperstown

Otsego from the East

And from Cooperstown

Otsego Lake is the source of the Susquehanna River

Farmer's Living History Museum in Cooperstown - well done!

Serenity in Western New York

Eileen Schubring, a long-time friend visited in early September. We had fun showing her around.  

My brother, Dennis and his wife Betty visited us for a few days week before last.  We had a great time showing them the sites and the beautiful countryside around here.  

Lake Ontario

Weaver View Farm - overlooking Seneca Lake (another Finger Lake)

Fall coming to the Peter Whitmer Farm

Mark and MaryAnn Lyons, good friends from Colorado Springs visited this past week.  They too got the two dollar tour of the area. 

Overlooking Keuka Lake (yet another Finger Lake)

Fall in farm country

Ann's brother, Rex and his wife Taeh will be here this week to close out the list of many who have come to see us.  All of our children, their spouses and our grandchildren have come, as have other dear friends - what a blessing that has been to us!  Thank you one and all!   

The Grandin Building just got a new paint job!

The Four Churches - only place in US with 4 churches on the same corner

Well, that's a pretty abrupt end, but it'll just have to do for now.

I've got a bit more to say and a few more photos to post, but they will have to wait until we get back to Colorado - outta time.  Just a warning: We're going to take a few days and drive up the Maine coast before heading home, so don't be surprised if I slip in another lighthouse photo or two...