Saturday, March 5, 2011

The HIGHS and the LOWS

Dear Family and Friends,

The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of activities as we are preparing for our departure to New Zealand.  We've had a ton of medical tests, dental work, VISA paperwork, as well as attempting to arrange our personal and financial affairs while we are gone for 18 months.  During this time we have also had special training to help prepare for our responsibilities and work.  It has been a HIGH point in our lives as we have had so many wonderful experiences.


As sometimes happens, however, we have had a LOW point at the same time.  Jeff's dear father, the honored patriarch and leader of our extended family, passed away early this morning of old age.  He was 94.  I have not known a finer man.  A gentle, strong, loving, spiritual, faithful, intelligent, determined, hard working man, who has been the perfect example of manhood and leadership to our family.  We respect him, we love him, and we honor him with all our hearts.  He will be deeply missed, but in our religion, we know he lives still and is now rejoicing as he greets family and friends that have gone before, and we know he will be waiting for each of us when it is our turn to join him.

  Chester "Chet" Lavoy Larsen

Chet and Jeff (my husband)


Chet & Mary Ellen (last year's birthdays)


P.S.  In the next day or so I will post some of the experiences of the past few weeks on Our Kiwi Krossings.