Transfer Day

Missionaries count how long they have been in the mission field, and when they will be going home, by how many transfers they have left.  We can't believe how fast the last six weeks have flown by.  It's here again!  This time we feel a little more in control, and understand the routine a little bit more.  Most all of my responsibilities connected with transfers are in the preparations beforehand----in getting all the materials ready and printed out.  Rich has duties before in getting money ready for the new missionaries, and then conducts training in financial matters upon their arrival. He also interprets for the English speaking missionaries when President and Sister Argyle speak to them, so he spends most of the day at the Mission Home. Last time, he felt he did an awful job, and didn't expect that he would be doing it again. Not so! They had him doing it again today.  He said it went much better.  He can always keep up with Sister Argyle's Spanish, but is left in the dust when the President talks.  He said today he did better with the President.  I asked if the President spoke slower for him, but he didn't think so. He is more used to listening to him and can understand him better now.  Good thing!

From their long overnight flight, the North Americans meet up with the Latins at the MTC here in Buenos Aires.  They all congregate at the Mission Home for training before they depart with their trainers to various zones around the mission. This is where Rich instructs them on money and finances.

Elder Miranda on the left is an AP, and Elder Bloxham (from Roy, UT) has been appointed the other one to replace Elder Wood (red tie) who is leaving the mission tomorrow.  Elder Valente, one of own in the office, poses with them.   Elder Bloxham is an athlete in Soccer, Basketball, and Football.  He is a sharp Elder and a good pick.  He is serving in our ward area, so we will get to know him better.  

The Sisters enjoy a bite to eat.  Empanadas and fruit are served.

After lunch, the missionaries assigned to go South to Tierra del fuego, are taken to the airport. They still have a 3 hour flight to reach their destination and meet their new companions.  Hope they brought their warm coats.

The trainers come to the Mission Home to pick up their new companions, and off they go to teach them how to be good missionaries.  It is really quite an exciting time. There is much anticipation in seeing who gets reassigned, and where everyone is going to serve. 

Back at the office, Elder Clegg took care of the missionaries that came to meet up with their new companions in the transfers that were made.  Remises also take them to their areas.  I stayed in the office to hold down the fort, and work on getting the baptisms entered.  I entered about 10-12, and have about 10 more to do tomorrow.  I found many that have missing information, or things I can't read.  So, first on my agenda tomorrow is to call the missionaries and glean what I don't have.  

Then, I will go with Elder Kroff back to the Mission Home while he settles up with the missionaries that are leaving, on money they owe and money they are turning back to the mission.  It is a good time to say goodbye to missionaries with whom we have become aquainted.  That number will increase as time goes on.

We are having a quiet evening at home.  Some days we are quite tired after work, and realize the disadvantage of our age.  The young Elders leave the office and go to work peaching and teaching -- and walk a lot.  We are grateful to stop for the night.