Conferencia de Zona

Today was our fourth zone conference since being here in the mission field. The missionaries really look forward to it. Even though they can't miss it, they wouldn't miss it because it is such a treat for them to be taught by the Mission President. One elder told me it was like Christmas, he wouldn't miss it for anything.

As we sit back and observe what is going on, we have the utmost respect for what mission presidents do. Every six weeks they have to find ways to teach and preach, encourage and praise, and pump up the missionaries so they will be focused and committed to this great work. We just don't know how they do what they do. Heavenly Father surely blesses them and they deserve all blessings they receive.

Last September our mission made a goal to double the baptisms they had by the end of September this year. We have five weeks left and in order to do that, we need 30 baptisms per week for each of the five remaining weeks. That is a tall order. Needless to say, the main lesson taught today by the President dealt with faith. If the missionaries don't believe it will happen, then it won't. So his challenge was to show them it can happen if they stay focused, believe in themselves, and exhibit the type of faith necessary to make it happen.

I could follow some of what was being said, but Rich leans over occasionally and lets me know what is going on. I have to remind him sometimes.

Sister Argyle always has a part in the training too. Last time it was on leading music, and today she talked about after mission appearance. She encouraged them to continue looking like missionaries after they are released. She read parts of a talk given by a General Authority.

Maria, the San Fernando ward member who cooks for our conference, made empanadas today. There were three different kinds and they were very good. Then we had fruit and a wonderful chocolate cake with filling between the layers for dessert. It was heavenly to look at and oh so good - yum!

Today Elder Valente was told by the President to teach everything he knows to Elder Paz and get him trained well by the end of the week. So that means Elder Valente will be moving on to bigger and better things, I guess. What could be better than working in the oficina? Saturday, the office staff is invited to the mission home for breakfast. These gatherings are held every time someone in the office is being transferred. We will miss our cute Elder Valente. He makes us laugh and we have lots of fun with him.

Tonight I did a load of laundry and ironed three white shirts. Tomorrow is session three of physical therapy on the knee.