041217

Today was the Decker's last day at the ROC.  They had pretty much poured their heart and soul into building up the ROC to what it is today so watching the turnover of their baby to a whole new crew of "unenlightened" people was hard for them.  But, they had served their time/their mission, and it was time for them to go home and get some rest.  Elder/Sister McAra are now the leads for the ROC and it will take on new directions and paths.  We just get to watch what happens.  We are learning about so many things that each day is a challenge.  Each of us has our own responsibilities and directions from the McAra's so, hopefully, we can all pull together to make it all happen.  So far, I guess we're doing what needs to happen.  Some of the stuff is pretty tedious but all necessary.  I do get to play with computers and work on the facilities some...nothing like Nauvoo, but that is OK by me.

The ROC had a party for the Decker's over at the Stake Center across the street.  It is the St. George East Stake Center building.  It has the St. George 7th ward in it, at least, 'cause that is the ward we attend.  It's so big we haven't met the Bishop yet and no one really knows who we are.  I suppose that's a good thing but it allows us to concentrate on what we're doing at the ROC.  Anyway, back to the party...

We had about half of the cultural hall occupied.

Plenty of food (slow cook pork sandwiches and lots of other stuff).  Sister Mathews here making sure everything is perfect.  She is another one of the full time missionaries and helps to make the ROC hummmm.  

 

We had a traditional Hawaiian goodbye dance by Elder/Sister Reise (probably misspelled)  who will soon be leaving the ROC as their mission is almost over also.  Elder and Sister McAra are keeping an eye on things from the front.

 

Most of the time the Deckers were watching intently, especially as sister Decker had tears in her eyes a good part of the time.

 

A retired Army officer, Elder Decker had developed a rapour with many of the missionaries serving here that was somewhat "antagonistic" when you first hear him talk but you quickly realize it was solely out of love for the missionaries serving and it is just his way of dealing with the pressure of working there and getting things up and running from absolutely nothing.

 

Elder McAra closed the luncheon out and the Decker's left for Indiana and their next adventure.  Most of us netting there will be a ROC somewhere near them in a few months.