When we began our mission I decided to do a blog for three
reasons: to keep in touch with those we love who might want to know what we are
doing; to help me journal as we go; and, to up us keep up on technology (what
do I know about these things???—One of my daughters-in-law told me I can even
print the blog into a book at the end.
Hmmmm) I thought every two weeks
would be a reasonable amount of time to update this fabulous adventure that we
are experiencing. Well, the weeks fly
by. We have a variety of things to do,
but it is not like we don’t have any time.
It is more like, when we have time we have no energy. Most insights, that seem fabulous at the
time, don’t get written down. Then, when
we try to retrieve them from our thoughts, who knows where they’ve gone? (Of all the things I miss as I age, I miss my
mind the most.)
We had an enriching zone conference last week. Monday and Tuesday Elder Bruce A. Carlson
from the quorum of the seventies, visited us for zone conference. Instead of nine different sessions, we had
two day-long sessions (one for the east side and one for the west side,) Mike
and I attended both sessions and it was wonderful. They were long days, but very uplifting. The topic was how to become a consecrated
missionary. We had much interaction and
it was a very spiritual day. Elder
Carlson told the missionaries the same concept that Mike and I have discussed many times: that the mission
is really for the missionaries. It is so amazing to watch these elders and
sisters think, talk, process, and teach. This Lord’s university is building the
leaders of the next generation. The Lord uses these young people to not only
bring many unto Him, but to solidify their own testimonies in the process. It is so wonderful.
We have experienced many little miracles this past
month. As I thought about the mission
and all of the facets that are involved in moving forward, I could see that each
transfer we are putting together a huge puzzle.
And, as long as the first and the last pieces are the Savior, all of the other pieces will
fit together.
Our last transfer was amazing. I’ve mentioned before that the missions are
downsizing because of 11 new missions opening in the world, plus the influx of
18-year olds gave us a huge boost for a couple years. Now we are involved in closing apartments to
adjust to the number of missionaries coming here. We were also asked to find two new apartments
that could accommodate four missionaries – and we had one week to do it. Both apartment complexes, in totally
different areas, were full . . . but, then we got individual calls from the
managers stating that an apartment had opened because the future renter had a
change of plans, and the apartment would be available for us on Tuesday,
transfer day. What an event transfer day
was. We have so many missionaries coming
and going (meeting their new companions), changing keys, cars, phones, moving
luggage, getting flight plans, planning the agenda, etc. It is truly a puzzle. We didn’t’ get all the keys we needed for our
moves, but we knew it would work out. We
also put up a table to honor our Golden
Plunger zone winners. They could
have a neck tie or candy bar. It was
pretty fun. Zone meeting is always
wonderful because the departing missionaries share their testimonies. It is such an incredible and uplifting
experience. What great young men and
young women. It is amazing that so much
has to take place in such a short time, and by the evening, everyone is in
their new place, with their new companion, phone, and luggage, and the work
moves forward.
The other event that complicated this month was that I got
the shingles. Now, when my nerves in my
leg started acting up on the Monday before transfers, I knew it couldn’t be
shingles because I had had the immunization.
My concern was that I might have an infection in my artificial
knee. The mission nurse thought it was a
pinched nerve. Then I broke out with the
blisters on Wednesday and was certain it was infection. Friday we took the departing missionaries to
the LA Temple, and when we got back home I decided I could either cut my leg
off, or go to Urgent care. The doctor
said it was shingles and put me on an aggressive treatment plan. Mike and Elder Moon gave me a blessing, and I
actually was able to continue to work as we opened two and closed five
apartments. It has now been five weeks
and I still have nerve issues, but I’m a bit better every day, and the work
goes on. Thanks to all of you who
offered prayers in my behalf. I truly
felt the added help. The doctor told me
I’m a bit impatient (???) and I should have received treatment sooner. So, I can survive this for a few more weeks .
. .
Another great part of this mission for me is seeing how my
companion handles the business world. He
is great. And he is a sharp businessman.
We’ve learned many wonderful things about each other that we couldn’t
have experienced if we hadn’t been working together. We love being a team. He does, however wish he still had his youthful body as he moves the fridges
and other items he is lifting, – but we both greatly appreciate the help from
the young missionaries, and we love getting to know them.
Once again, we are so grateful for you, our family and
friends. We are grateful for the love
and support you give us, and we are so grateful for the Lord’s love and
assistance. We hope all is well with
you.
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