Missionary Fireside - Sunday, Jan. 24, 2010

There was a cool breeze blowing while we waited for the remise to pick us up for church. It felt good, but it was only 8:15 in the morning, and it was short lived. The day got hotter as time went on and we spent a most uncomfortable humid day. You would think we would get use to it, but I don't think we ever will. We just don't know how the missionaries stand it all day with no relief. At least we have an air conditioned apartment and office.

The congregation at church was really sparse when sacrament meeting started, but by the time it ended, there was a respectable crowd there -- for Tigre. One family came at 10:00, an hour late, so they were there to at least sing the closing song. The husband is embarrassed about it, but he has a hard time getting his wife and son up and moving on Sunday morning. I don't think they have taken the sacrament for three months. They always miss it.

A counselor in the Branch Presidency spoke, and also the Elder's Quorum President. The speakers frequently choose articles from the Liahona, or the General Conference addresses. When the first speaker began, the Elder's Quorum President leaned over to President Torre and pointed to the article he had in his hand. We think he was indicating that he had selected the same one. If that was the case, he quickly changed his topic and direction, as he spoke on something quite different. It was from a pamphlet we noticed him reading during the first talk. I marvel at people that can switch gears on the spot and speak on a subject that they haven't had time to pour over and prepare. Rich can do that easily, but that is not one of my qualities.

Next week is what the Branch President calls "Missionary Sunday." We, and the sisters, have to speak. He wants me to bear my testimony (in Spanish, of course) because he knows that's about all I can do in the language. Then, the other three will speak. I will have to prepare my thoughts just like the others will have to prepare a talk.

Elder Kroff had two lessons prepared for his Gospel Principles class, but after evaluating the group and getting a feel for what was needful in the progression of the two investigators, he taught lesson #20 on Baptism. Actually, one of the investigators indicated that he wanted to learn more about it. So baptism, it was! It turned out well.

Then, Rich also taught the priesthood lesson. Last week they were without a prepared teacher, so he volunteered to teach it. He had read over it and prepared it during the week, just in case something like that happened. Then, they asked him if he would teach it again this week. So he had advanced warning about that one. The lessons he has sat through in priesthood meeting would be better if there were more class participation, but the instructors haven't grasped that technique in their teaching. He is hoping that through his example of teaching the class a few times, that they might learn how to involve the members more.

After church, the colectivo took forever to arrive at our stop. We must have just missed the one that comes about 12:15. Finally it came, and we arrived home at 1:00. We ate dinner and each had an hour nap.

We had to be sure to wake up with enough time to dress up again and head for the San Fernando church for the fireside for the missionaries leaving on Wednesday. There are 11 of them and they each had a group of converts there to bid them farewell. We also had a lot of other missionaries there with some of their investigators. Any missionary is welcome to come to this fireside if they bring an investigator with them. It is inspiring for them to hear the testimony of each missionary and remarks by President Argyle.

This is the group of the eleven handsome young men who will have happy parents this week. Kneeling are Elders Shoemaker, Swan, Lambertson and Amo. Standing are Elders Miranda, Koch, Moeller, Wheat, Nichol, Gaylord, and Steed. Nine of this group are presently Zone Leaders or District Leaders. We are losing a lot of leadership this transfer.

The cultural hall was packed with people grouping together for pictures -- laughing, talking, and saying goodbye to the elder who changed their life by bringing the gospel of Jesus Christ to them. It is payday for us to be a part of this experience each transfer. I help Rich get pictures of each missionary with his converts. These pictures are added to the DVD of mission life that is given to each departing missionary as a memento of his/her mission experience. Elder Kroff took this over from a much appreciative Sister Argyle.

Elder Miranda will return to Santiago, Chile on Wednesday night. When he was an AP, we saw him a lot and became acquainted with him. He has an endearing personality and became a favorite of mine immediately. He has always been so attentive and friendly to us, and seeing these South American friends leave the mission tugs at our heart not knowing if our paths will ever cross again. He wants to keep in touch and I hope he does.

We are so blessed to be on this mission, and we thank Heavenly Father for this experience every day.