My last day of in the office (Amanda) was last Friday the 26th. I think it was the least stressful day I've ever had in there as the Manager [for those who don't know, I was a property manager for two properties in Pullman]! It was bitter sweet. I have put a LOT of hard work into that place..blood sweat and tears. And I have worked with an incredible team of staff, people I consider friends as well. I will especially miss my office gals- Cally, Larial, Lauren, Sara and Katie, as they kept me sane and more importantly, laughing, during the very stressful year I was there!I am however, very excited to move on to a new (and less stressful) adventure!
I made them take a Family Photo on the last day :) Here they are:
Later that night we had the Last Team Supper at my favorite restaurant in the Palouse, Sangria Grille. Thanks for coming out and for giving us all that love, Lauren, Sara, Katie, Cally, Larial and Travis! It meant a lot to us. We had the usual fun and laughs that we have had so many times at that restaurant!
Congrats to Larial for getting a promotion into my job! You will do GREAT.
My last drive in my favorite (and first purchased) car was that night as well :( I was lucky enough to find a buyer for Ravvi Ravioli who agreed to wait until our last day in Pullman to take the car!
The next day our parents (Dave, Kristi and Doug) came to help us pack up and load
our entire household! They were such an enormous help- we really would have been in trouble if they hadn't come! You never know how much stuff you have until you have to pack it up. Then all of my siblings, nieces and nephews came over to take some items they are babysitting for us over the next few years... and to just be the hooligans they generally are. Also a big help though.
After our last night in Pullman was spent on an air mattress in our empty room, and followed by a visit to "the bears", a drive by "the cows" a stop at "McD's"couple hour drive to Todds family's house in Kennewick WA.
We spent the week there, packing and repacking our bags, buying some last minute things and enjoying our family's company. We are allowed to take 2 checked bags totaling 80lbs, plus 2 carry-ons. I am taking the guitar as one of my carry-ons.
I havent had the time to play the last several years so I am taking advantage of the abundance of free time I will have in Botswana to re-learn it. I hope to do something musical as my 'Secondary Project' while I am there. While in service the Peace Corps encourages each volunteer to find another need in our community (apart from our given jobs) and work to address it in our own unique way. This second job will be personal and completely self-directed...I am very much looking forward to creating it!
On Thursday we had a Bon Voyage party at our good friend Troy Brigham's house in Kennewick. It was great to see some Tri-Cities friends one more time, enjoy some good food and drink. Thanks for the cake Troy :) ...and thanks to all of our friends who came out to see us off!
Friday night was spent with two very good friends, Nikki and Patrick Reed, at a fantastic Winery/restaurant where they surprised us with the big news of the expected addition to their family!! I am SO excited for you two... that news was good for my heart too! What a fantastic cap to our week in Tri-Cities :)
We took our last drive through the wintry Snoqualamie Pass yesterday with Kris, Doug and Scott to my mom and step dad's house in Auburn WA. Soon after we
were joined by more friends and my second family (the Haugens) for a Westside eddition of another Bon Voyage party. We had a wonderful time with friends and family who drove a long way to be with us! I finally got to play with another nephew (my BF Angie's son) Ethan who is all grown up as a 15 month old. I haven't seen him since 
he was 6 months, so that was very fun and special.Thank you to all of our friends who drove down to see us!
And then this morning, we had to say "See you later" to Scott, Kris and Doug as we saw them off, for the last time before we leave. :( They did really well and I only saw Kris get teary eyed in front of us. It wasn't too hard for me until about 20 minutes after they left. Then I cried. In the middle of church.
Being at a Church service for the last time was suddenly hard for me too.
It was then that I finally started feeling the significance of the "Lasts", from big to small; things I will greatly miss...
Last times with friends in Pullman, Tri-Cities and Seattle
Last face-to-face deliveries of good news
Last American church service, American coffee before church, last Costco-run, last times I can dress fashionably, last hot showers, etc etc etc.
It's not that I didn't know I was going to miss these things. But I have lived abroad before and know the actual heart-ache of missing home. The reality of it. The rush of getting things ready for the last 6 weeks is over and we can finally rest. And with resting comes contemplating.
I am deeply grateful for these last gifts.
I am joyful and grateful to have people in my life for whom I will be home-sick.
~Amanda
It is us, your family and friends who are blessed and moved to see the two of you kids go off to another country doing God's work. You will be in our thoughts and prayers daily and always hear to our hearts. Bless you as you start your adventure and God speed.
Love you both,
Dad