"Goodbyes and Hellos in the Mission"

It was a good night for Idaho on September 20 in the New York New York South Mission. All the couples in the picture above have Idaho connections. President and Sister Bennion left) enjoy visiting with the Conlins (middle) and the Hess' (right).

Directly above, Sisters Roush, West and Hess chat in the Bennions kitchen.

It was also a bittersweet occasion to be sure. It was time to say goodbye to Elder and Sister Conlin who have served as the office couple in the mission office. What an faithful team them have been! What loving, dedicated servants in every respect. We will miss them as they return home.

We welcomed that evening Elder and Sister Hess who will replace the Conlins. They were originally called to be CES (Institute) teachers, but when a replacement was needed in the office, their mission was changed. They will be able to teach one class as well. They fit in just perfectly!

We were surprised and happy to learn that they went to school with one of our neighbors at home and Sister Hess' brother is another neighbor. Small world!

The yummy main dish, above, is Feijaoda, and was prepared by President and Sister Bangerter. It is a favorite Brazilian dish of black beans, pork, spices, sausage, etc. served over rice. It happens to be a highlight at our home and was a huge hit with everyone Monday evening. Can you smell it?

In the lower picture is taboule - middle eastern wheat, parsley, olive oil and spices salad with 8-grain chips and the most stunning green salad we've ever seen...complete with pine nuts!

So, what do senior missionaries do when they get together for fun? That's simple - eat, talk, laugh and take pictures of all of it! We ended the wonderful evening by singing "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again" to the Conlins.