Dear Ones,
This last couple of weeks has flown by with the speed of light. Scott has been very busy building bicycles, repairing flats, installing new brake cables, and tweaking adjustments to make the used bikes we rent to missionaries useable.
Monday we were busy in the office. In the evening we attended a FHE with wonderful grandma and grandpa Senior Missionaries. Then Tuesday night we went to the storage unit to help some friends finish fixing the last of the bicycles and load them in the mission trailer. We got home at 11:00 and went to sleep.
Wednesday evening we had 17 smiling new missionaries enter into the service of the Lord. Some faces were showing signs of shock but all were very tired by the end of a busy day of travel and instructions. Bless their hearts! We had several dozing off during the evening training sessions.
Sister Jensen always prepares a wonderful supper for new arrivals and the office staff is blessed to eat with them their first evening in the mission field. While President interviewed each missionary separately, Sister Jensen instructed them on how to stay healthy and the office staff did the dishes. The missionaries were instructed on car care and safety by your dad and Etiquette by Sister Duff. We then serve them brownies and ice cream to wake them up and send them off to bed. I like that part!
Now the work began: President and the assistants met and through prayer and inspiration they decided who was paired up with which new trainers. President and the assistants went to bed around 2:00 a.m.
Thursday morning we arrived early at a chapel next to the Columbus Temple for transfers. Thank goodness for scout training. Since we arrived early we had enough time to vacuum, put up chairs, and set up the rooms so the spirit could be in our meetings. We changed out 42 companionships and placed our new arrivals with their new trainers. After our meeting the parking lot was packed with missionaries loading luggage in and bikes on member’s cars. We loaded up departing missionaries’ bikes into the mission trailer and we were off to the office.
All 15 departing missionaries had a small lunch at the church with President and Sister Jensen and then they all walked across the street to the temple and attended a session before they spend the night at the President’s home where they had their final interview.
Thursday morning the departing missionaries flew home and in the afternoon we had a huge storm system move across with tornadoes touching down here and there. The sirens went off most of the afternoon and the wind really blew. What a fitting welcome to all the new missionaries. The next day was sunny and beautiful. The storm reminded me of life: you have some rough times, you live through them some how, and then the sun comes out.
Friday is now pretty blurry. I just know there was lots of paper work, phone calls, sorting of mail, and unloading and cataloging of bikes. One very wonderful thing did happen and I will always be grateful to my incredible companion. He built me several “merge files” for all my letters I send out. Now I just select whom I want to send my different letters to and the computer generates all the info into the body of the letter and I only have to add a little information to the letters and it is done for me. YAHOO!! I cranked out 17 letters in a fraction of the time! What a blessing to be married to such a sweet man.
In the middle of all this coming and going we have met several nice people in the medical profession and had some great conversations about the church. There are some really wonderful people out here. One doctor knew of and had good things to say about our church because of another Sr. Couple he had treated. You just never know the impression you leave on someone!
In Sunday school we were talking about the Lord “preparing” things. He “prepared” the great fish for Jonah, He “prepared” the way for Nephi and his brothers to go back to Jerusalem to get the brass plates, and the list goes on and on. This last week He prepared the right people to be in the right places for us when we needed them. What a wonderful loving Father we have.
We love you all and keep you in our prayers. Stay strong and keep loving each other. MOM
PS. Grandpa emailed me and said Tess Peck was now at Lincoln Court due to health problems. I called her and we had a great chat. If you get a few extra minutes please stop by and visit her also. Our sweet grandma Tess is one of those special people who make a lasting impression for good on so many lives. She sends her love to all of you.
PPS. I finally remember what I wanted to tell you: President Jensen has asked all companionships to take turns praying out loud for each other’s needs and express your gratitude for them. Well, miracles have been happening. Last month we had 41 baptisms in our mission. Two weeks ago we had 15 baptisms in one week.
While reading in 3 Nephi 17:17 “...no one can conceive of the joy which filled our souls at the time we heard him (Christ) pray for us unto the Father.” Tears came as I realized the joy the people must have felt to see and hear Christ pray for them, and then I remembered the sweet joy I felt when your dad prayed vocally for me and my concerns.
Don’t let a single day go by with out praying vocally for one another and expressing your love and gratitude for each other. I promise miracles will happen in your lives too!
.
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