Mission Life - Friday, April 16, 2010

Our morning preparation for the day is such a routine and seems to serve us well. Because the mornings have been rather cold the last couple of days, it has prompted Rich to cook oatmeal for breakfast. All winter long that is his standard meal to start the day. I hope he isn't putting a jinx on the weather by starting his oatmeal so soon. However, some people eat it summer or winter.

We wore coats to the office today -- fleece vest for Rich, and coat without a lining for me. It felt good in the morning, but as the day wore on they weren't needed by the time we left in the afternoon. No rain today, but the weather will deteriorate over the weekend with 80% chance of rain on Sunday.

I accomplished a lot today and feel so caught up that I wonder what I will do on Monday. But come Tuesday on Transfer Day, everything starts over again for me. So it is important that I am one transfer ahead with all letters being printed and signed, flight plans received and printed, mission certificates prepared and signed, etc. It takes the pressure off trying to fit all of this in when I am swamped with zone conferences, filling supply orders, a multitude of baptisms to enter, and more. It is amazing that our busy office jobs and sometimes after hour activities or opportunities to help the missionaries never dampens our spirits for this work. We may be tired and grateful for home and relaxation, but we have never once groaned at having to get up and do it all over again. We look forward to it and enjoy the sweetness of the work.

President Argyle came by for a few minutes this morning to sign some checks, but didn't stay long. Elder Kroff hustled off to the bank as soon as he left.

The elders never waste time and were busy at their computers. Elder Coria called and asked Rich to bring our computer to the office so he could pull off the pictures he wanted. We take so many pictures of all we do with them while they are in the office, that they don't have to take their own pictures. They just get the ones they want from us. Elder Coria reviewed all the pictures we have taken since our mission started, and wanted more than just the ones that he was in. Rich also prepares a DVD of pictures with music for each elder when they leave the office. The ones in the past have turned out well and serves as a memory of the time they spent as an office elder.

The elders prepared boxes to put out on transfer day so that the missionaries can drop off baptismal registers, letters for other missionaries, money for supplies ordered, or any other things dealing with finances, references, etc. It works well for them and us.

Right before we left for the day, my order of supplies from the Distribution Center came. Relief!! I was just about to call to see if they received it as it had been longer than usual in getting it delivered to us. I received a confirmation about my Book of Mormon order being received, so they will probably be coming next week.

The threesome are ready for their second shift of the day as they leave the office. They don't have many days left to teach and preach with Elder Coria. It will seem strange without him.

The San Fernando elders (Assistants) asked us if we would accompany them tonight for a discussion at the home of a woman who has a child about two or three years old. One night she walked into the church just to see what it was like and had three questions she wanted answered. She wanted to know (1) where the church came from and what we believe, (2) how is it different from other churches, and (3) why are we called Mormons. Wow, is she ready? She asked all the right questions. The elders happened to be there and asked if they could pass by her place to talk to her about it. She only lives two blocks from us. We walk by her place every day going to the office. She seemed interested, but cautious, although did set up another appointment with the elders.

We are looking forward to tomorrow morning. We are invited for breakfast at the mission home because of Elder Coria's transfer out of the office. Should be fun!