A Very Busy and Long Week

As we go into the middle of the month of December (I can't believe that), last week was a very busy one. Monday was a very full day to finish all the preparations to receive the new missionaries coming from Buenos Aires on the next morning. I will give you just a small summary of what happens in our mission on that day.

Early in the morning on Tuesday, the trainers (missionaries who will be training new incoming missionaries) come to the mission home, have an opening prayer and eat breakfast (and I mean they can eat).  As the meeting unfolds and before Elder W. and I go to the chapel, I am in the kitchen doing some dishes to keep the mission home as clean as I can.

After eating, they have about 2 hours of training which includes some discussion about what they remember about being a new missionary themselves. What did their trainer do that helped and encouraged them? What did their trainer do that they did not appreciate? It is so good to hear their answers. They are very honest but positive in their answers. Some of their trainers are even in this same room! They have the generation thing going on. Returned missionaries know what I mean. Grandfather, father, son etc.  

New missionaries are no longer called "greenies,, therefore in our mission they are known "OROS" or GOLDEN. Their plane lands in Montevideo about 8:30 am, but they have been awake since 2:30 am.  After finding their luggage, waiting in the line for "customs," they are greeted by their mission President and Sister Armstrong. The bus then brings them to the mission home about 11 am. They arrive very tired and somewhat shell shocked. I'm sure you will all be surprised to know that Elder W. stands in the background wearing his sunglasses with his arms folded. Many think he is the body guard to the President.

This is a photo of their arrival at the mission home and greeted by their trainers. This week we received 10 Elders and 5 Sisters. during this meeting they interview with the president, do paperwork, finally eat some breakfast and take lots of pictures. About 3 pm these missionaries come to the chapel where many, many other missionaries are meeting their new companions.  During the wait for everyone these Elders and Sisters have had their own meeting led by the assistants. Then they all try to find their luggage, mail and new companions. Elder W. and I are now at the chapel also and we try to keep some sort of order. It really is such a fun time. The "back-slap" greetings the elders give one another is so great. Really fun to watch and hear. The sisters are much more subdued in their greetings. They are all so excited to see and talk with one another. So...we have chaos for a short time, then it's off to their area to "go to work." Here is a photo of Elder W. with one of our great missionaries Elder Lee. As you can see...he is a big boy!

On Wednesday we loose our "valientes." They are the missionaries who are leaving for home. They are able to attend a session in the Temple. Then they go to the mission home late in the afternoon. A "Valientes Noche de Hogar" (valientes home evening) and a special dinner is held. Some have flights that night, others leave the next day. It makes for two very busy, sometimes hectic days. But it is always exciting!

Each time there are "changes" in the mission and this chapel is used, Brother Lopez comes to take orders and make deliveries of his beautiful scripture covers. We will place an order in the future. Here is a photo of some of his work...enjoy. They are remarkable!

Well...that is it for this week. Busy is good, and we have been busy. As I sit at the computer and write to you, Elder W. and President are meeting with a Stake President, Branch President and an Area Seventy. They are finalizing plans to make a new Stake.

 We hear Christmas and New Year here in Uruguay are very loud with lots of parties and fireworks during the whole week. It is summer here, so many people take their vacation time during the Christmas week. We shall see! It would not surprise us at all. Each time Uruguay wins a "football" (soccer) game, we hear fireworks for some time.

We love you and miss you all. I know I said this before, but I really cannot believe the end of the year is two weeks away. Please write to us! We do love to hear what is going on in the lives of our family and great friends.

We wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a healthy and very Happy New Year!

Until I write again...
xoxoxo