Farewell to the Andersons

Last Monday night we went out for dinner with the Andersons for the last time before their return home. Before going to the restuarant, they came to the Domus to say goodbye to the ESM students. It was very touching to see how much they will be missed by so many people.

At the Domus

Dinner was good, but I think the kids will be happy to give pizza and pasta a break for a while! It was goog to be able to spend some time with them, but it was also a very sad occasion. On the wall in the restaurant was a picture of the Last Supper of Christ with his disciples. The kids thought this was quite meaningful.

The last supper with the Andersons

Then on Wednesday we met up with Bernard and borrowed Fr Eric's car and trailer, and headed over to Santa Marinella to give the Andersons a hand. We helped load up the trailer with all the luggage. Jackie and Conor and Finn were there too. Kate and her sister Bronwyn took the kids with them to the airport using public transport. The rest of us helped get a few final things in order at their rental property, had a quick bite to eat (quite probably the worst food I have ever had in my life), then drove Mark to the airport. We found Kate and Bron and the kids straight away, then filled up three trolleys worth of luggage and accompanied the gang into the airport. They got in line and were invited to come straight to the front (coz of all the kids). That's where we said goodbye.


Fiumicino Airport

I was very sad indeed. The Andos have been such a blessing to us during our first year in Rome. It will be very different without them. We have spent time with them at their house, at our house, we have wandered around Rome together, we have been out to dinner together, we were in a Household (prayer group) together, they have been a wonderful presence at the ESM, and they were all on parish mission with us in London. They will be greatly missed.

Kev, Bern and I had an adventuresome drive back home - quality Aussie time together in the absence of our dear friends.