A New Member - Friday, Nov. 6, 2009

Today is Zone Leaders Council at the mission home and it is always held on the Friday of transfer week. So we couldn't waste any time getting ready this morning because we had to leave by 8:30 to drive to the mission home. We've had the President's car at the office this week so that is how we got to the meeting today.

Elder Kroff and I always go to this meeting because I talk about how the baptism registers are to be filled out, and give encouragement in getting them all filed timely and accurately. He talks about finances, of course. It is short and sweet, but it is fun to be among this leadership. When our parts are finished, we excuse ourselves and return to the office.

We are never lacking for things to do, but the one big thing I wanted to put behind me was mailing the Stake Presidents of those going home in December a letter, flight plan, and a mission certificate to give to the returning missionary. I have been waiting for a few days now for revised flight plans from Salt Lake. What is taking so long? They said they were sending them. Little did I know that they did come and someone dragged them to the folder where I keep them. I was so surprised when I opened the folder and saw them. Elder Coria said he didn't do it, so all we can figure out is that Elder Nelson saw them and put them there without telling me. Good Grief! I have been stewing about it for days. We can always blame the one who isn't here to defend himself.

We are one of many missions around the world that have the ability to use the pouch mail system. It is wonderful for us because we can mail things to the parents of our Latin missionaries by putting the Stake and Ward names on the envelope. Then the Stake President will give it to the family. It is a safer means of getting mail delivered. Recently the rules have changed as to what can be sent through pouch. We have had many things returned stating that they cannot be forwarded. Mainly it is the mail dealing with the Latinos. I have figured out the mail that goes to the U.S., but the Latin's mail is most confusing. Today, I received detailed instructions and a nice email from "Pouch" headquarters in the U.S. explaining everything. I am so grateful and happy now.

We made a plan a couple weeks ago to do our grocery shopping on Friday nights to free up our Saturdays for whatever we felt like doing. Tonight, however, we have had to scratch that plan. Our office elders had a baptism and invited us to attend.

Elder Coria is baptizing Romina Gonzales who is 17 years old. Her brother in the picture is already a member. Earlier today, the elders discovered that the hot water on demand heater that is used to fill the baptismal font wasn't working because it needed a new battery - strange! We didn't know they used batteries. Hope they found one or this might be a chilly experience for her.

Tomorrow, we have been invited out with the Argyle family. Stay tuned!!