[Mesa]

Up early packing etc. Said our goodbyes this morning to Mary Ellen, John, Amy, Cassie. Tough, but the dissipation and desire to serve made it possible, and we went up afternoon to Coolidge, then Mesa. The difficulty with leaving the Campbells is just that the heavy bonding, built up for twenty eight and a half years, makes it all the more difficult. Marian and I have talked of how there is no more love there—the love is the same all over. All our kids, their spouses, and children are loved most surely and completely but for the reasons well-known, the special bonding is a factor—me to Mary Ellen and Marian to Amy. It makes it tough to leave. The Campbells will be just fine in our absence. The new house is adequate (The pool and landscaping are going in right now). John's job is going really well—I'm proud of him for his industry and ability. Also grateful to him for loving and caring for Mary Ellen so much. Also the ward has accepted the family just the way you always hoped they would everyone. They're busy, happy and successful. I love them, but I really want to get to Porto—so no tears!

On to Coolidge! First Mike's house. By the time we got there, the kids where all home from school, or arriving. Mike came home from work special to see us off. Such a lovely family!! This is such a loving bunch—full of hugs and kisses. Something about a grandchild's hug and kiss that's extra special. Some business matters to discuss. More hugs and kisses—this was a short visit, so it was mostly hugs and kisses. This family is close and doing fine (it will do better when Mike finishes school and can get on with his real life's work. They're all pulling for that!). Also hard to leave!!!

On to Sue's. This was the toughest. Our Donna clinged to us like she'd never let us go. She doesn't understand. And we'll just have to leave it up to the Heavenly Father to help her through this. Most of the kids where there—all but Jan. We hugged and kissed some more—I don't know how many of those are available on any one day, but this day was surely loaded! We told everyone goodbye, then another hard parting from Donna. I kept a smile glued on, tho. On the way down the street we saw Jan walking. It was a difficult moment leaving her, and driving away. Love that special girl!

On to Mesa, awhile getting set apart at Mom's, then a time with John's family. All there. All loving and squeezing. Since we'll see John in the morning, it diffused this departing a little. Hugs and kisses and hugs and kisses. It's extra hard to leave John and his family because of the unsettled conditions there. The pregnancy, the job insufficiencies, all else still unsettled. But here, again, we'll just have to leave it all in the Lord's hands. He knows us and our families, and our needs, and He still said "go to Portugal," so we go! I pray that the Lord will bless and prosper our families in things spiritual.

Back to Mom's for the night. I called Gwen, Shirley and Carol. Marian called Frank and K. We went to bed sad but ready—.