 |
| Janet and Dennis in Duke Gardens: One of our favorite places in North Carolina |
After a frantic period of preparing, it was time this last week to say good bye, for now, to our life of 20 years in Danville, California, and to many people who have been a part of that life.
We have accepted a mission call from the Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson, of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints to serve for 23 months in Cape Verde (or Cabo Verde in Portuguese). This island nation off the west coast of Africa, is home to half a million people. It will be our home for the next two years.
With help from Janet's close friends and many LDS Ward members, we held an open house at our home and invited many friends. We were blessed by the visit of many neighbors and friends who wished us well and shared their excitment in the opportunity that lies ahead.
 |
| The Spencer's come to say good bye to Brother and Sister Broderick |
Placing a world globe nearby we enjoyed showing children and adults where this tiny nation sits. Our mission call is to provide welfare services to meet some of the most critical needs of these warm and loving people, including: clean water, educational and hygiene supplies, wheel chairs for those with mobility imparements, and whatever other needs we can discover with help from the good people there.
 |
| Sharing with Sam and Kat along the North Carolina coast |
Starting in March, then again in April and May we visited each of our children and grandchildren to say our good byes to them before we leave for our full time commitment. That was such a kick to share time with each of our grandchildren, from Hillsboro to Ann Arbor, and from Durham to Phoenix with our kids to be a part of their life for a few days, give them lots of kisses and hugs, and wish them a productive two years. We were sure to capture some of these choice moments on film to carry with us along with our sweet memories.
 |
| Celebrating Carston's Third Birthday |
A special experience was our hello and sad good bye to our newest grandchild, Cora Amelia Broderick, born May 3rd, in Ann Arbor, MI, to John and Bre. We shared several memorable days but eventually had to say good bye there too.
 |
| Cora enjoying her first outing to the Arb! |
 |
| Our final good byes to Spencer and Lindsey at Grandma and Grandpa's |
Along the way were have been able to say good bye to our parents and extended family members. Our relationships with each of these people is very important to us and we wanted them to know of our continued interest in them even while we were far removed from them. In each case we have felt their great love and support for our undertaking.
 |
| A special two days with Mom and Dad Broderick |
The final good bye took place via Skype on our last Sunday before we entered the MTC. We were able to enjoy one more contact with each of our children and our five grandchildren. Monday morning Janet's Mother and Sister, Ilene Washburn, dropped us off at the Mission Training Center (MTC) in Provo Utah. Here we officially begin our full time mission service with some intense but most valuable instruction. But that is a story for another day.
Love,
Dennis and Janet
