In July of 2007, I returned home from my mission in Santiago, Chile. I was greeted with tears and hugs from my amazing family, as well as a shy niece and nephew. Notice their winning smiles?
It was good to be home, but adjusting was interesting. I got busy immediately working, remodeling our attic and helping the missionaries, which seemed to be a manifestation of denial. I missed my name tag.
I did, however, bump into ELDER HOLLAND at a Young Single Adults conference. He served in Chile as the Area President for three years. When I informed him of my recent return from my mission, he grabbed my face in his hands, gave me a kiss on the forehead and said: "Then you are one of mine." I've been kissed by a prophet!!!!!
I even picked up my favorite hobby again- Salsa dancing!! Once I had been home for a couple months and my feet adjusted to wearing high heels again, I began teaching Salsa in downtown Boston.
In the meantime...
... Nate was busy saying goodbye to Africa. He was beloved by all who met him. As you can see from the expression of the gentleman in the front, they were not yet ready to let leave one who had served and loved them so selflessly.
He was adored by all African children, charming them with Pez, magic tricks, leaps of seemingly inhuman heights and the natural ability to pick up their native languages.
