Still Waiting -gfh

Everyday we rush to our mailbox certain that "TODAY" our FBI clearance will arrive and we can send off for our visa. We are still waiting! Rusty says that this is worse than waiting for "The Call".
Yesterday we visited with Fred & Linda Cornilles in the Newport ward. They live in Depoe Bay just up the Coast. They returned two years ago from 18 months in the South Africa Johannesburg mission where we have been called to serve. It was a very valuable two hours as we got many questions answered and were able to go through their photo albums and get a very good "look" at what's possibly in the future for us. We saw pictures of the beautiful people and heard stories of their struggles and faith. The area is so "Africa-y"!! Zebras and Lions and Elephants and leopards! They told us that our mission president would be sure we got to go on a Safari and also go to Cape Town. That would be an extra bonus!
As we left Rusty said "I hope our visas come through. I really don't want to go to Boise, I want to go to South Africa!" (we've been saying that if our visas to So. Africa don't come through, we'll gladly serve anywhere the Lord needs us, even in Boise.)
The recommended clothing list for Elders includes a sweater vest to wear under the suit in the winter. Our visit with the Cornilleses confirmed that!YEs, it gets plenty cold in the winter and there is no central heating. Last week Rusty asked me if I would knit a sweater viest for him. I was really flattered. That's quite a vote of confidence. I've made the investment in yarn and needles and am now investing the time! I spend a lot of time while knitting thinking about the women "in the olden days" who kept their loved ones cozy and warm in the winter with the items they knitted for them. Where else would they get their warm sweaters? And while they were at it they carded the wool and spun the yarn. Yikes! I love the feel of the yarn as I am working with it. Very therapeutic but would it be as much fun if it was a necessity of life!! Perhaps this sweater will become an heirloom. Rusty said that our grandsons could wear it on their missions. Now that's something to think about. There is love in every stitch!