The day finally arrived. Cora was coming home from her mission. We got her room all ready for her, and groceries all bought. She needs to quarantine for 14 days, and we got prepared. Dave got off work a little early. We had been tracking her flights all day. I knew the poor girl would have been up for about 25 hours by the time we got her home. We got parked, and into the airport. But we were sent on this strange loop all around and could not find where we were supposed to go. We walked in right where we usually pick up arriving passengers, but nope. We finally found one worker, it was so strangely empty, and she helped us find the correct stairs. At this point she had landed 13 mins ago. We figured we were still good. She would have to clear customs, and covid tests. The stairs came down right beside the luggage carousel and it happened to be from Cora's flight. Cases were already going around. We were still searching for where she would come out when she walked up to us with her suitcases. It really was odd. We didn't have our banners ready. I felt bad at her welcome :( But it is strange times and we made up for it. She had done customs, covid tests, and all quarantine info in Vancouver.
Atwoods put up balloons as we passed by on Deerfoot. It was fun to watch for those.
My parents had come up just before we left and put up yellow ribbons and left Tim Hortons and a lovely card for her.
We drove through Grandma Puzey's yard on the way home. Cora waved hello from the car. G Puzey had made her some English toffee. Blake ran up and got it for her. Uncle Jared and Armin were in the yard also and Emry came over. She chatted briefly with them and then home. Cora was so exhausted. But then I thought I saw someone in our yard.
Maycie, Emily and Avery had come over to surprise Cora as well. They added balloons to the front of the house and were hiding in the ditch to jump out. Cora was so excited to see Maycie. It's been two year, since Maycie left before Cora. They stayed at a distance in the rain and swapped stories for a short time.
Cora wanted to show us her souvenirs that night and we heard more stories and just enjoyed being with her. By the time she went to bed she had been up for almost 28 hours. She slept well that night and being up so long helped get her back on our time.
It is so good to have her home. She is trying to keep busy and loves working around the farm. She served a fabulous, hardworking, never stop, mission. She has grown and matured. Her testimony and love for the scriptures is so fun to see. We had two impromptu lessons on the way home. It was so funny, she just couldn't help it, so ingrained to teach at every opportunity. I know she was a great missionary. Welcome Home Cora! Well done!
