In the military there is a party called "Hail and Farewell" where an outgoing person is honored and incoming people are welcomed. This usually happens with heads of departments and other officers. Today we attended the farewell party for Chaplain B - chaplain for the 1/222 (triple deuce) battalion. He is the chaplain over the soldiers that we serve plus about 1500 more, so you could say that we take part of his load off by serving some of the soldiers for which he is responsible.
As we walked into the restaurant back room where the party was being held I was dismayed to see that the room was full of men in uniform and not a single other female. I wondered if I should really be there but thought, "I am just as much a missionary as my husband and we were invited". I began thinking--what if this is a male party where they start telling bad jokes and things I don't want to be around? Then I realized: "I'm in a room with 20 chaplains! Ah ha ha ha ha ha!!!
Yes, they told jokes, but they were the cleanest kind you could hear. One chaplain was telling a story and wouldn't even say the name of a restaurant with a "colorful" reputation in his story. They were a happy bunch and the dinner and conversation was delightful. After a while Chaplain B's wife and little daughter showed up, so it was OK for females anyway.
Battalion Chaplain B who is on his way to Germany and Chaplain B who is the Garrison Chaplain over the Battalion Chaplains (arrived about 6 months ago).
Hail (welcome) also to Elder D about 6 weeks ago and Farewell to Elder S who transferred to Chesapeak yesterday. He was a "greenie" here and is now going to his second area. Missionaries who serve here usually leave kicking and screaming. They love Newport News Stake and the soldiers. Elder D will finish his mission here and be on his way home in just a few weeks. How wonderful it is to know these fine young men.
Aren't we just the luckiest missionaries in the world?
I haven't been on your blog site for awhile so thoroughly enjoyed catching up a bit. Those mushrooms were beautiful. I can tell you are enjoying every minute of your mission experience.You may have already heard, but we have a new bishopric as of yesterday. Dr. Katschke is our bishop with John Ahlstrom as first counselor and Nathan Phillips stayed in as second counselor. Sure appreciated the outgoing bishopric for all their years of service. Adam Katschke is going to be a High Counselor replacing Bro. Ahlstrom. It was a good meeting.
ReplyDeleteGlad all is well.
Sister Avery
Is the one on the right the newest missionary, or the one on the left in this photo?
ReplyDeleteThe missionary on the right is the newest. The one on the left will be finishing his mission just before Christmas and will be home with his family for "The Day."
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