Week 44 pt. 1 - wait, I know those people?!

Hey guys this was probably the best week of my entire mission. And this email will literally only talk about one day from the week. The part two will talk about the rest haha. Okay so on Monday, November 7th guess who I got to see... MY FAMILY!!!!!!!!!

Reunited :,D

My grandma and grandpa were having their 50th wedding anniversary celebration in Germany with 3 of my uncles, my aunt, my cousin, and my parents. And well I mean Germany is only four hours away from Slovenia and it is a pday... soooooo... COME ON OVER! I got permission from my mission president to meet with them and boom the trip was sealed. 

We all met up in Bled in the morning and I was a bundle of nerves all morning. I was sooo scared that we were going to miss our bus because of traffic and I wouldn't get enough time with my family and aahhhh. Well we actually did miss our original bus but it was fine because another one came a little bit later. And Sestra Hancock and I still arrived before them. It has been a little over 9 months since I saw my parents and so I definitely got a little emotional when I saw them pull in. I was so nice to hug them. And it was so nice seeing my aunt, uncles, cousin, and grandparents. I missed them all too!!! 

Almost all of us in the cute boat (not featured - my dad, uncle dan, and aunt staci)

The rest of the day we explored around Lake Bled. We went across the lake to the island in the center on a beautiful boat that was hand rowed (is that a word? I have no clue) by a guy so we all had to sit on both sides to the boat didn't tip. The island with the church on it was soooo cute - it was really adorable and it was fun to go through the church and bell tower. 

 

The view from the boat ft. another boat

Parents and I in front of the church on the island

Me translating for my dad 

Then we went and explored the castle on the top of the mountain which was also really cool and beautiful. It had a beautiful view of the lake and island. Such a beautiful place and the weather was perfect. I think I had a parent attached to my hip at all times. Hahaha. I loved it. 

Part of the castle 

Also part of the castle

View of Lake Bled from the Castle

After exploring, we split up and my parents, Sestra Hancock, and I made our way back to Ljubljana on the bus. On the bus ride back, we saw one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen. Seriously. 

Gorgeous sunset pt. 1

Gorgeous sunset pt. 2

We arrived in Ljubljana and I got to show them around center and get a couple of my favorite Balkan foods like čevapčiči, kebab, and my favorite drinks (union grapefruit, pomegranate schweppes, and my fav vitamin drink) for them to try. Them we traveled back to the apartment to rest and catch up before sadly they had to go. They brought me a bunch of stuff from home like HOT COCO PACKETS!!! Rootbeer barrels :,) and so much more. 

We had to leave to get them back on their bus. And man when that bus came I was not ready to say goodbye. That sucked ngl. I am so grateful that I had any time with them at all. That was just such a special moment for me. I love my family so much and am blessed to know that I will be able to be with them forever. 

All of the sisters in front on Lake Bled (peep the island in the background)