Our Daughters Leave, and So Do Two of our Great Missionaries

Kristine and Kathleen were able to stay with us a few more days, so we took advantage of some great fall weather and visited the little hill towns in the Chianti region near Siena.

We also watched a gorgeous sunset from the walls of the medieval castle of Monteriggioni.

We then spent most of Monday exploring Siena.  In the afternoon and evening we enjoyed Pienza and Montepulchiano.  The girls bought gifts for their family, and it was great to be with them. 

We spent Tuesday in Florence, visiting the David, Ponte Vecchio and walking the streets in the rain.  In the past they didn't allow pictures of the David, but that policy must have changed, because everyone one was flashing pictures without a naysayer in sight.

A portrait of Dante and his "Inferno" in the background in the Cathedral of Florence.
Interesting, since he was exiled from Florence during his lifetime.

On Wednesday we needed to start the long trip to Milan where the girls would catch a plane back home.  We drove to Modena, a city where Kristine served as a missionary more than a decade ago, and walked the city.  We drove by the chapel and the old apartment where Kristine lived.  We walked the streets of the old town, visiting the very beautiful cathedral.

We also visited another acetaia where the true balsamic vinegar is made.  It is a very controlled and interesting process, and it will be difficult to use the imitation when you have tasted the real thing.

That evening we stayed at a little B&B in the country near the Malpensa airport, and then dropped the girls off very early Thursday morning for their flight back home.  It was great to see them, and they did help Darryl get through the trauma of his 60th birthday!  Thanks girls!!

On Sunday we had a great group of visitors and investigators in church with us.  It is always interesting to see who shows up for church on any given Sunday.

We found out that two of our missionaries would be leaving us, one finishing his two years and heading home, and one heading off to Verona to train another greenie.  Our Sister Remund, who has only been in Italy for 12 weeks, will be a senior companion here in Siena with another sister from her same group.   Also, the elder that will be joining Elder Warnick has not been out much longer, so we will have a very young group of missionaries assisting us.  Whatever they might lack in language skills will be more than made up in their faith and enthusiasm!

Sad faces because two are leaving Siena

But happy to be in the service of the Lord!

For Family Home Evening we had a dinner, celebrating the birthdays of all members who were born in October, and also as a farewell to Elder Garner and Sister Andromidas.  We had a great time!

FHE at the church, with members and investigators

Sisters Remund and Andromidas with Sharon, a young investigator.

We took them both to the train station and said our goodbyes.  

Elder Warnick helping Elder Garner with his bags,
as Elder Garner waves goodbye to us and Italy!

Sorella Andromidas off to Verona, with Sorella Remund ready to take the reins here in Siena.

We have grown to love each of the young missionaries who have served here in Siena, and we wish them the best in their future endeavors.  The work rolls forth!