Coming and Going

If this is winter, then we are in luck.  The forecast around here changes daily.  The highs all week were suppose to be in the 50's, with rain most of the week. Now, over night it says it will be in the 60's, sunny and clear. We can handle that.  Coats are required, but it isn't that bad right now.  July is suppose to be like December in Utah. It is still hard for us to imagine a hot summer with temps in the 90's back at home, but then it seems strange to be wearing coats and sometimes our thermal underwear here in June and July.  Crazy!  

We had a wet experience walking to work a couple of days ago. It had been raining, and with cobblestone streets, water puddles up between the stones and in the low spots. We were stopped at the curb waiting for cars to pass, and one hit a puddle just right and sprayed water all over us.  Some splashed on my head and glasses, and our coats were spotted too. I was hoping it wasn't muddy water that would leave marks on my coat. Luckily it was okay.  But it surprised us to get sprayed like that.  A lesson learned! We'll stand away from the curb next time it rains.

Today was the second day of transfers when the missionaries go home.  I go with Elder Kroff to the mission home while he settles up with them on financial matters. It is fun to see how excited they are. We get to know some of them better than others, particularly if they are Zone Leaders or District Leaders. They have occasions to come to the office to speak to Rich about money matters, and then we associate with some who go to the same zone conference that we attend.  I talk to a lot of them on the phone during the week as I call about problems with their baptism registers.  It is fun to finally put a name to a face when we do have occasion to see them.

Probably from now on as we become acquainted with some of the elders and sisters, we will always have a friend that we have to say "Goodbye" to on transfer day. It is such a privilege to be associated with these bright young people. They are a breath of fresh air, and by their example they have taught us a lot about obedience, faith, and sacrifice.  Missions surely mold boys and girls into stalwart men and women. What makes me feel bad is that we will probably not ever see some of them again after they leave the mission. . . . especially our Latin friends. I get a sick feeling thinking we may never ever see Elder Valente again when this is over.  I don't think he will be able to afford to come to the U.S., and I'm sure we won't be back. 

This is Nancy with Sister Argyle. She is her housekeeper and works at the mission home four days out of the week.  She has had two sons serve missions, I think. She helps prepare the food for transfer meals. She has worked at the mission home for several presidents and wives.

The table is always set with china, cloth napkins and crystal when special meals are served. We get the royal treatment, too, when they have the office staff over for breakfast after transfer week and zone conferences are over.  

This is Elder Clegg and his new Italian companion, Elder Rodriguez. His application said he was from Italy and Argentina. One parent is from each country. He was born in Argentina and grew up in Italy. It is amazing to me that so many of our Latin missionaries are small.  Or maybe he looks small because Elder Clegg is tall.  Sister Argyle went on a mission to Italy in her youth, so she was excited to welcome this elder to the mission.

We left the office knowing we needed to walk to Disco for some food. We were out of bread, eggs, yogurts, and some other staples in our diet. We are also becoming addicted to the fruit here.  It is good all year round. In fact, the pears are better in the winter than the summer. They are to die for. I have never had better! We usually buy our fruit and vegetables at the mom and pop stands around the neighborhoods, not in the grocery stores. It seems to be fresher and tastier.

On the way to Disco, we pass right by McDonald's, and it didn't take us long to talk ourselves into stopping for dinner. Once home, I studied a little Spanish while Rich worked on the computer.