Kate's Farewell & Open House

And finally arrived the Sunday of Kate's farewell and Open House.

FYI - In the LDS church, all talks during the Sunday Sacrament Service are given by Church

Members.  The most important thing that happens during the Sunday worship service is taking the

sacrament and renewing our baptismal covenants with our Heavenly Father.  In taking the sacrament we promise

to remember our savior Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice and always  to try and be like Him.

The Sacrament Prayer is actually the only rote prayer given in our Church.

The remainder of the worship service is a series of usually 2-3 talks given by church members

who have been invited to prepare a talk by the Bishopric.  A departing missionary is always

invited to speak prior to leaving on this mission. 

Katie was asked to talk on "faith" and after the conclusion of her thoughts,

she sang one of her favorite songs from her years growing up in Primary,

"I know my Savoir lives".   It was so sweet to hear her sing, as her singing has

been something that has brought me such joy over the years.  So many people in the congregation

didn't know she had such a lovely singing voice and were very touched by her

testimony through song. 

FYI - "Primary" refers to the Sunday School classes for ages 3 -12 years.  There are

lots of wonderful songs for this age group that really teach about the Gospel and

reinforce tender testimonies of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. 

FYI - Very often the family of a departing missionary will have an "Open House" later in the

day so that people can come by, give that dear young person a hug and their best wishes. 

Katie was really just amazed at all the love and support she received.  Throughout the 
day she kept exclaiming "people are just so nice!"  One of the great blessings of being a
member of this Church is the unconditional love and support that you can receive from
your Ward members (your congregation is referred to as your Ward). 

We had lots of yummy food at the Open House.  I was kind of busy so
didn't take any table pictures, or really many pictures at all at the Open House.

But we tried to have some typical Swiss food. One of Katie and my favorite Swiss
treats is Swiss Meringue with ice cream, strawberries and whipped cream. YUM!   So I had
been busy making dozens and dozens and dozens of little meringues over the past week. We also
had lots of fruit, Swiss cheese with bread and crackers,  and of course,  Swiss chocolate!
Thanks to my friends who helped! 

But thank you mostly for all our friends and family who came by to wish her well.
It meant the world to her, and to me, to have so much support and love.