Sheltons in the Sun

#5 Transfer Time

‘Tis the week before Christmas, and all through the mission

This holiday gives the work a profound new definition.

Rather than hanging stockings by the chimney with care

Missionaries are feeling The Spirit of Giving in the air.

They spend less time nestled all snug in their beds

And more time contemplating the message in their heads--

Their desire is to give this great gift they have to share:

A testimony of our Savior, the answer to all prayer;

A simple understanding of the plan of salvation

Knowing families are forever brings peace and elation.

This gospel of Christ can give all whom they meet such a lift

They pray to share the knowledge that Christ is the Gift

It has been wonderful to watch how these sweet Elders and Sisters have put their childhood dreams of sugar plums and gifts from Santa aside to concentrate on what matters most. We’ve had hundreds of packages and letters to missionaries pour through the mission office, but that doesn’t slow down the work. What a joy!

It has also been transfer time (a fun and crazy few days), and we have participated in the busy activities of transporting new missionaries from the airport, sharing an afternoon of orientations (although they even begin teaching their first afternoon), changing many of the companionships, and transporting the out-going missionaries to the airport. It is a three-day process and much is going on.

Mike and I spent the next several days making sure missionaries have the things they need in their apartments. We move furniture and beds around as the areas change. We certainly aren’t bored. No two days are the same.

The Transfer Days reminded me a bit of the oil well process that we have noticed is continually working to keep the oil wells producing. The oil is underground, and the pump jacks pull the oil out of the ground. Some times steam lines are created around the well, and injected into a well with heavy-oil, to produce recovery during the primary production phase. It assists the natural reservoir energy so it will move more easily through the production wells. It seems that the opportunity to transfer to a new companion or a new area injects a new energy in the missionary to help him/her produce more. Transfers are about every six weeks and an exciting and productive time.

One highlight of the month was when Ryan came, Dec. 13-15, to visit us for the weekend. After working in L.A., he drove up to see us before flying back home. He certainly brought new energy and Christmas spirit to me and our little home here. We are living a simpler life here, so we decided not to decorate the little lighted tree we bought. Ryan went shopping with me to make sure I picked up tree decorations – they certainly make the room more “merry and bright”.

We went to the Kerns County Museum (the number one attraction in Bakersfield) and spent some serious time learning about oil wells and the community in which we live. Our other claim to fame here is the Crystal Palace which is a museum/restaurant that celebrates Buck Owens; but it was closed both nights to the public for private parties. I guess Ry will just have to come back.

I’m always delighted how easy it is to love people wherever we are. What a wonderful country we live in. We have met so many kind, righteous, and loving people. Many of the church members are committed to taking care of the missionaries (which, I believe, must be a relief to many parents.)

Saturday we had a Christmas Morningside for the missionaries. Four zones were going on at once in this mission. It is fun to see these young missionaries join together to celebrate for two hours. We have much diversity in personalities in these missionaries, as we have diversity of people the people who live in this community. It is a lot of fun.

We feel blessed to be here doing the Lord’s work. And we are grateful for you, our family and friends. Thanks for your love and your support. And many you feel the Savior’s love this day and always.