The Madagascar Homecoming

Flags and welcome home signs greeted us as we arrived home - Thanks to all for your wonderful support and warm greetings.

Ah.....Home Sweet Home!!!

Our four Beautiful daughters, Diana, Cindy, Kristina and Carlene have prepared a welcome home feast. The fitting end to a wonderful and marvelous adventure. One never to be forgotten.

The Trip Home

One of the many beautiful old buildings we passed by on our walk through the city.

The magnificent Eiffel Tower as seen from across the Seine River.

Sister Bird and the Eiffel Tower from a distance.

Sister Bird at the fountain monument to the people of Africa.

The Trip Home

Our in-flight monitor shows our approach to the Charles De Gaulle Airport in Paris. It was about this time that our scheduled connecting flight to Salt Lake City was leaving Paris. Upon our arrival, we learned that we would not be able to fly home until the next day and that since Air France had caused the delay, they put us up for the day in a nice hotel near the airport. At the insistence of Sister Bird, we took the train into the city to spend the afternoon and evening. We were treated to the marvelous sights and atmosphere of this most gorgeous and charming city. Although we were anxious to get home to our loved ones, this proved to be a wonderful and worthwhile delay.

Sister Bird and crowd of tourists at the Dotre Dame Cathedral.

Elder Bird and a crowd of pigeons at the Crusaders Monument by the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The beautiful and romantic Siene River that runs through the heart of Paris.

Final Ceremony

We are presented the National Ordre de Chevalier by the Honorable Nhiry-Lanto Hery ANDRIAMAHAZO, the Madagascar Minister of Water, as a token of their appreciation for what LDS Humanitarian Services has done in Madagascar the past year and a half. We feel this is an honor for the entire Church, especially all who donate to the humanitarian aid fund.

This medal represents the "National Ordre de Chevalier" or Malagasy Knighthood.



This was a grand going away gathering and ceremony, one that was unexpected and very humbling. It happened on March 22nd, which was coincidentally International Water Day.

We are shown here with our wonderful Mission President, Sean Donnelly and his lovely wife, Dianne.