Busy Week.

Sunday, we had Sister Lucas and Sister Dardon for dinner. They live less than a block away, across the driveway from Sister Salazar. It was fun to learn about them in a casual setting! I mentioned previously that Sister Lucas is from Tahiti and we found out she has already graduated from BYU Hawaii and Sister Dardon is from Alberta, Canada and is a voice actress for a well known cable TV channel. Sister Lucas has been Sister Dardon's trainer for two transfers and Sister Dardon worried she might be transferred this time. She was sad when we saw her at the office Monday as she had received transfer notification.

There are two missionaries that serve as assistants to President Carter, and they handle much of the transfer detail work. Once they have decided (along with President) who is transferred where, they give me a list of who needs to fly or take the bus or ferry to Adelaide, and who needs return travel, and when to go. I felt stressed about keeping it all straight as it was totally confusing last transfer. 

The assistants also schedule accommodations of incoming missionaries, their bikes and luggage in local flats with other companionships and the logistics can be mind boggling! The assistants made my job pretty easy this transfer and I expressed my gratitude most sincerely!

Transfer meeting was Tuesday morning at 10am. Missionaries started showing up at the office as soon as we unlocked the front door with luggage and bikes piled everywhere. Missionaries do not know where they are moving or who the new companion is until announced in the transfer meeting.

In the actual meeting, each leaver was invited to bear their testimony and then President Carter spoke. He asked if LIVING THE GOSPEL is hard and then insisted that LIVING WITHOUT THE GOSPEL is what is hard! (EXCLAMATION POINT) 

Can you imagine living without knowledge of the Plan? Without a Prophet? Without the help and guidance of the Holy Ghost? President suggested the following with the regard to having and keeping constant companionship of the Holy Ghost: 1. Be worthy by living the commandments and repenting when necessary. 2. Pray more fervently and realize it takes effort and energy. 3. Listen more carefully in prayers and scripture study. As usual, President provided for leavers and stayers alike, food for thought, pondering, and personal evaluation.

In the wonderful mission home kitchen Tuesday night, the senior missionaries prepared and served to the leavers roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, steamed vegetables, and salad, with pavlova for dessert. After quick kitchen clean up, we assembled in the living room where leavers are again asked to share their testimony, President and Sister Carter speak, and then they sing the parting song.

Elder Wild didn't fly out until 10:00 PM Wednesday night to England through Dubai, but the rest of the leavers were scheduled Wed morning. Lee had to hook up the trailer to get 4 missionaries and all of their luggage to the airport. We had 4 new missionaries arrive:  Elder Rigby and Elder Hobbs (from New Zealand), and two visa waiters who served temporarily in TX and AZ.  Sister Lewis is from Provo, Utah and Elder Empey is from Nevada, who finally got their travel documents.

Once the arrivers get back to the mission home from the airport, we take pictures with President and Sister Carter out front to send to their families with a letter that they arrived safely. We give orientations, they interview with the President, and the office staff cooks an arrivers dinner, held again in the mission home. We served a baked potato bar and I made chili as just one of many toppings. Sister Carter made chocolate cake under ice cream, and the famous chocolate sauce with toppings for dessert.

After dinner, the arrivers were introduced to their trainers by the assistants, then the newbies were invited to share their testimonies, plus President and Sister Carter spoke. We adjourned early so the dead tired missionaries could get home and to bed after a long, long day.

Thursday at the office was busy for me as all the rosters have to updated, reprinted, and distributed. I do the family letters mentioned above and send them by email with their son or daughter's picture. 

Lee and Brother White brought the Christmas tree and decorations into the office from storage. Lee organized the shed AGAIN.....it's where they store bikes, parts, helmets, and housing

supplies, plus all teaching supplies. 

Friday, Sister Salazar and I finished decorating the office tree with some help from Sister Carter. The rest of the day was quiet and we were all ready to rest on p day after a long exciting week!

The Pacific area Authority, President Hamula is here to reorganize one of the 3 stakes in Adelaide on Sunday and will address the the young single adults that night, and the missionaries at an early Monday morning meeting. I'll tell you all about it next post.

Sister Green, Elders Whaanga and Janke, Sister Salazar, Me, Elder Visesio in the office:

A game of rat ball in the parking lot:

Elder Whaanga and Elder Bennett over for dinner: