Sandra's Farewell

This is my very good friend, Sandra. Sandra was called to serve in the Spanish branch over 2 years ago. We were in the PTC ward together before that. Now, she is leaving me and moving to New Jersey. She lives about a mile away from me and I have loved having such a good friend live so close. Tonight was the Shenandoah branch's farewell to Sandra. It was actually a Relief Society activity, but it was more like a ward activity. The husbands drive the wives and then the kids have to come too, so every activity in the branch turns into a full branch activity. Tonight was my initiation. I showed up and there was a fabulous dinner. As long as someone has made tamales, it is fabulous. There were tamales... and lots of other great stuff. I love this branch, but if I hated it, the food would make it worth it. It is so good. And they make the best drinks. I had a long conversation tonight just about all the drinks that they make. I could go on and on about this....I won't, but man, they are good! - So after everyone is done eating, I get up and put on my coat. I am then informed that this activity is far from over. Now, we are going to dance. That's right....dance. This happens a lot apparently. You eat, you talk, and talk, then dance, and dance, and dance. This is a good combination since I needed to burn off all the calories I just consumed. But, this was quite intimidating. I figured that since I didn't have the excuse of having to get kids home, that I should stay and join in the dancing. The dancing consists of standing in a circle and shaking your groove thing any way you want. Mainly, is is the women who dance. Some men join in but it is mainly their wives. They are such a fun group and so nice. It really was a fun time. I don't think that I have been to many activities where they are 3 1/2 hours long and when I leave, things are still going strong. It is quite different than any other ward I have been in, but it is such a great group. I'm glad I had Sandra with me in this branch for a couple months to help me transition. I am so sad to see her and her family go.

Here's the dance party.