Blake's Farewell

Sunday Aug 27th we all got together for Blake's farewell.  The evening before Ammon and Cora arrived back from BC and Braydon and Leah came.  Blake was caving.  Everyone got in and did so much work.  It was awesome to have so much help and willingness on hand.  We washed chairs and table, cut up fruit, rolled luncheon meat and go completely set up for the next day.  Lalainia came over and the girls practiced their song.  Since Cora had been away this was the first time they had been able to practice together.  Lalainia was so good and helped so much.  She had written an alto part for Cora and went over and over it with her.  We finished up very late and were very ready for bed when Blake got home and told all of us about his day.  He also still had to finish his talk. 

The next morning we were up early to finish the prep.  We put all the cut up fruit into individual cups and made sure everything had a final clean.  Then headed to the church so Cora and Leah could practice one more time.  As we pulled up to the church there were some familiar unexpected faces.  When I realized it was Kita and Steve, I was so excited I tried to jump out of the moving car.  Safety first:)  They totally surprised us and came all the way up for Blake.  It was the best surprise ever.  And so fun to see them. 

Blake's talk was so good.  The girl's song was beautiful and it was a lovely Sunday.  So many people came out to show love to Blake.  We had just over 60 people come.  I thought it was fun the the Stake YM's Presidency came and brought there young 12 year old sons.  They both said that Blake was such a good an amazing kid they wanted to bring their kids to see what a good example he is.  Lots of his friends came.  Gilbert was even able to come.  He was supposed to have already left to go to University, but there are fires and everyone was evacuated, so he was still around.  It was so nice to have him there.  Dave had asked me the night before what I wanted to make sure he told everyone, like where garbage and bathrooms were etc.  We also had a jar with papers in case anyone wanted to receive Blake's emails.  As everyone was coming in I asked Dave if he could also do a quick intro, and not just people's names, but how they were connected to Blake.  As Dave was giving the spill he turned the introductions over to Blake, without any warning.  He did a great job.  It was funny and entertaining, not just a 'this is my mom Char....' but each person had a little tidbit.  When Gilbert walked in he said and this is Gilbert he literally got me through high school.  For being put on the spot it was great. 

Gilbert and Avery have been great friends to Blake.  So many times we have said how different High School would have been with out these boys.  I will be eternally grateful to them and their friendship.  They kept Blake sane.  

Food was good, company was great and it was a day that I could relive over again and be perfectly happy.  It is getting real.  He leaves in 5 day.  We did just hear from mission travel and the stake president today.  Blake's visa has not come in yet so he has been reassigned to the Prove MTC.  Since he doesn't have a passport with him he will have to do Home MTC until it arrives.  Hopefully that is soon.  None of us are really looking forward to Home MTC.  So keep the prayers coming for his visa.  We need a miracle.