Marathon Days

1 de octubre - Thursday

We knew getting ready for work today that the next two days were going to be a real test. With this unscheduled transfer taking place yesterday on Wednesday, I couldn't plan ahead getting mail and supplies sorted because I had to wait to see where everyone ended up. So I came to the office knowing it was going to be a busy day.

The most stressful thing on my agenda was to box up all the mail which includes packages, and the supplies ordered by the missionaries in the South. I was tripping all over myself in the supply room because there was stuff everywhere. I wish I had a long counter where I could lay things out and be more organized. We can't call for an appointment to have the goods picked up by the carrier service until we know how many boxes it will take. I was scurrying around trying to get a handle on all of it.

About a week ago, the President called and asked us if we would like to be one of four couples that he is rounding up to go to the temple with them and do some temple work for some family names he has. Of course we would, thanks for asking. We were going to do about 50 sealings. He called Dr. Petersen and his wife from the Area Office and they were going to ask another of the senior missionary couples to come with them. We were happy they asked the Allreds to go. They had a 5:00 appointment at the temple so they would pick us up at around 3:30.

I knew leaving early today would put a lot of pressure on my Friday's work, but we were grateful for the opportunity to go to the temple. At the end of October, the temple is closing for major remodeling and will be closed for about a year and a half.

The Argyles said that the temple president, President Deschamps would be officiating at the sealings. I was excited about that because he is a cousin to our close friend, Mary Kaye Doyle, who is serving a mission in Switzerland. However, he was not available and a darling brother took his place. He has been a member of the church for 32 years. It was fun hearing him pronounce all of our names. We were glad to help with this sacred ordinance.

The four couples are the Argyles, Kroffs, Petersens, and Allreds. Elder Petersen is the area doctor that I call when I have a medical issue with a missionary.

After the temple, we all met down town in the Capital to have dinner. We went to a popular restaurant called Kansas. There are three of them in Buenos Aires. The day we arrived, the Argyles took us to the one close to their place in Acassuso. We didn't know there were any others around. Rich had filet Mignon and I had Salmon. Both were delicious -- better than delicious.

We enjoyed our night out with the Argyles. We hope it will continue from time to time.

2 de octubre - Friday

Our day started out with going to the Mission Home at 9:00 for Zone Leaders Counsel. We do this after every transfer. I talk about how to correctly register baptisms, Elder Kroff talks about finances, and Elder Paz talks about their apartments. We are first on the agenda and then we excuse ourselves and leave. This group is the leaders of the mission. They are a group of capable and bright young men. I love going to this meeting.

Back at the office, I began where I left off yesterday. Because I would be on my feet all day, I brought my house slippers to work. That proved to be a smart decision. We worked until 6:00 and then called it a day. Rich got all of the goal sheets prepared for the Latin missionaries that are learning English.

Our new office elder to replace Elder Nelson is Elder Coria. He is from Argentina and seems like he will be really good and easy to get along with. He is learning English and can understand it better than he can speak it. (I can identify with that) I'm sure we will enjoy him.