We had another group of 15 Elders and one Sister come to the mission last week. They are so good, really ready and eager to serve. Working in the office is such a joy; the missionaries are so fun to be with. In the office, I am working on a Church system where I see the reports of missionaries entering into the MTC, also the dates they will be reporting to the Mission...the numbers will be growing! In February we will receive 18 missionaries with only 2 Hermanas. In April we will receive 18 to 20 with just 2 Hermanas. May 21st we will receive 15 Elders and 15 Hermanas!!!!!! That number of Hermanas is astounding and reflects the announcement in October Conference to change the age of Missionary service.
Every six weeks we receive our new missionaries. Because there are no more "greenies" we call them "OROS" (golden) and they arrive on Tuesday morning. The Mission President meets them at the airport, then they are brought to the mission home. After everyone has breakfast the Mission President welcomes the new group and begins to interview them. While interviews continue, the office Elders do some training about mission rules, money, transportation, etc. In the afternoon, we did something different this change. The East Zone came to the mission home and each missionary had a companion and they went to proselyte. After three or four hours they returned to the mission home to discuss how the afternoon went for them. They all expressed how much they enjoyed the experience, it seemed to be a great success. Pizza was ordered for dinner then off for a good nights rest. Wednesday is the hectic day. Early, the "oros" go for their medical appointments. While they are gone, their trainers are at the mission home getting training on what is means to be a trainer. After several hours, the "oros" return to the mission home. As everyone receives their new companion, they all clap and cheer for one another. After all are paired up, we all move to a chapel where many, many other missionaries have gathered to be assigned to a new zone. It is usually a madhouse! My responsibility is to make sure all the missionaries have received all the letters and packages which has been sent by family and leaders to the mission for them. It is very rewarding to see their happy faces, they are always very grateful and that makes me happy!
Here are some photos that I took of our Transfer Conference last week. I hope you will see what I have tried to explain.
Some members of East Zone waiting for their companions to go proselyte.
I was glad to have a photo with Hermana Marz and Hermana Lopez. They are waiting for their companion, Hermana Ahern who is the only Hermana we received this time.
These elders work VERY HARD to make everything work smoothly for the Mission. Elder Harris, Francis, Curapil, Whiting, Griffin and Alvariza. they worked very hard! Office Elders make a huge difference.
These are the new District and Zone leaders receiving training and their new assignments.
This is just one small corner of missionaries waiting with their luggage to board the buses with their new companions for their new areas. It is one of my favorite time. To see many reunions happen during this waiting time. Some missionaries have seen one another for awhile, they are happy to see one another again.
This is a great example of the enthusiasm that is shown during the entire day. Elders Griffin, Woodmansee, Alviriza and Looney. I love this photo!!!!!!
Well, that is about all for this time. I am so happy to be found worthy to serve the Lord at this time. This mission my body has let me know that I am too old to be out of USA. This will be our last foreign mission. I will be grateful to serve at home when we return. I do miss our family to very much. This time has been harder in many ways. I hope you enjoy following this blog, it is my journal of sorts. My testimony grows each day watching these young people bear their testimony to everyone each and every day. They are the future of our Church, and we are in good hands!
My love to you all,
Until I write again,
XOXOXO
