Today we spent taking care of loose ends before we caught the bus to Porto Alegre. Merl and David started putting thoughts together for funeral talks. We cleaned out the refrigerator, eating what we could and then sending some food home with the missionaries and the Copas. I called Danubia to have her pick up the Primary footstep photos and missionary baptism pictures. She was glad to deliver them for me. The missionaries came by - and left with the understanding that we would bring back some peanut butter and Starbursts.
Copas brought lunch for us to share; they certainly are taking care of us. She even brought plastic ware so we wouldn't need to wash any dishes. We had a delicious soup and ice cream with Dauper cookies. They then made two trips taking our luggage (and us) to the bus station. We boarded the bus at 5:00 p.m.; this started the marathon travel. We waved goodbye as we pulled out of the station - I don't think it hit me that we were actually leaving until this moment. Tears were close to the surface - even with the knowledge that we would be back "home" in less than a week.
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| $R33 to transfer luggage from bus to taxi in Porto Alegre |
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| Fiat taxi big enough for all our luggage |
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| Taxi - $R50. We transported our own luggage to flight check-in |
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| Graphic in Porto Alegre airport |
We got our boarding passes and checked in most of our luggage. Then the sitting and waiting started. The Federal Police door didn't open until 10:15 p.m. for us to go through customs. We had a little scare when passports and payment information were different (payment didn't need or have space for middle names).
We finally made it through in time to board the plane around midnight. Dinner was served shortly after takeoff, and then we tried to sleep - emphasis on the "tried."
It was a beautiful morning when we landed in Miami on Wednesday morning around 7:30 a.m. A light breakfast was served before landing. It was great fun gathering our luggage and making our way through customs. We didn't have much time before we boarded our flight to Fort Worth/Dallas airport (9:30 a.m.).
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| Sky Train |
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| Sky Train |
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| Fort Worth/Dallas airport |
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| Finished one more |
Flight to Salt Lake City left at 1:45 - arriving at 4:00 p.m. As we started our descent into the valley, we looked out the window to see the lone and desolate wilderness. Who would ever chose to live here after living in Brazil? We know a couple of families who are hoping to come to SLC this fall - and then up to Idaho - it will be interesting to learn of their impressions.
We were excited to find Brian waiting for us in the terminal when we got off the plane. He had arrived a couple of hours earlier and was going to Twin Falls with us for the funeral. He and Nathan had just spent a few days in Salt Lake for conference before returning to Colorado. We didn't think there was any way he could get leave again from work - and also coordinate church assignments as he will be ordained the Bishop of his ward next Sunday. We were not thrilled to find rain, slush, and snow in Utah.
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| Added Brian to our travel group |
Robert brought his big truck to pick us up - it was a good thing. . . between us, we had 11 suitcases and five people. Lisa had home-made chicken soup ready for us that hit the spot after 24 hours of traveling. We piled in as many suitcases as we could fit in David's car for the trip to Twin Falls. Robert will bring the rest when he comes on Friday. I think we were all very lucky to arrive home safely - no one had enough sleep to be driving after dark. Merl drove the last leg to Twin Falls where we dropped ourselves off at Curtis' home. David and Ann continued on to Wendell to spend the night with Lon's family. After visiting and getting lots of hugs and kisses, Curt took us home. It was strange walking into our home with sheets covering all the furniture. It seemed so cold and lifeless. Merl built a nice fire to warm things up a little, turned on the hot water heater to take a shower, and then we crashed.
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