The Thurber Gang

We spent a lovely afternoon on Temple Square in Salt Lake City today. We met Megan & Isaac and their family. I love being on the Temple grounds. This is where Milo proposed to me almost 13 years ago. . . We went into the Visitor's Center and watched a little movie progression about the family and looked at all of the amazing artwork of Jesus. When we got back to our van, Milo and I both had several messages on our cell phones. There is a rumor running fast about us getting our Green Cards. . . I am so sad to announce that it is just that - a rumor. We are unsure how it was started, but here is what we *DO* know: We received an email last week that our Labor Certification will be approved. (YAY! Thanks for all of your letters - I'm sure that helped!) So - when that is all finalized, then we can go ahead with the remaining steps to reinstate Milo's work status. As for now, however, we must continue our trip to Canada. We are enjoying seeing family and friends, a

I'll post pictures when I can load them on my computer -probably when we get to Calgary. . .but here's a little update on what's going on for the Thurber Gang. . . Last Sunday some friends threw us a "Going Away Party". . . It was wonderful to be able to see so many of our good friends. Mary had organized the best surprise/gift I think I've ever been given - a scrapbook, with each page made by close friends that we've made in Michigan. I didn't want to look at it in front of everyone - my emotions were already out of check, and I knew looking at that would send me over the edge!! Thank you EVERYONE who helped with that. We are so blessed with the friends that we have. Milo and I listened to the saddest choir of sobs all the way home - our girls having a very hard time with the departure - it's one thing to move away, knowing where you're going, knowing you'll put down new roots - it's another thing to go on a vacation, knowing that

Here's the update I've been dreading to write. . . we got official word today that we need to be out of the country in less than 3 weeks. Our heads are reeling what that means in terms of when we can come back, what to do with our house, cars, etc, in the meantime. We've been doing our best trying to plan for the future in spite of all of this. Vivien's ready for Kindergarten here, Madison's found an *amazing* middle school. We are planning. . . "If you build it, they will come." So, if we 'build' our future, will we see it happen that way? We sure hope so. I cannot express enough gratitude for all of the letters that were written on our behalf. Those have buoyed us up during this time, learning how we've touched the lives of people we really value, and who've touched us as well. Thank you for taking time out of your own daily struggles and busy schedules to support us in this way. We've been told, by the liaison that we're