Transfers Day Two - Wednesday, April 21, 2010

We have been enjoying cool nights for sleeping with the window open a little so it doesn't become stuffy. Our ear plugs still work wonders for keeping out the noisey traffic from below.

Our morning was pleasant and the sun was shining. The forecast was for a high of 72 so we left without coats. Four blocks is not far to walk and the cool air felt so good to us, knowing it would warm up hour by hour. But the locals on the street all had jackets and coats on, one lady was even wearing a parka type coat. I wonder what she will wear when it really gets cold!

As soon as we got to the office at 9:00, we had to get in the car and go to the mission home for day two of transfers. In the President's attempt to get the transfer schedule oiled and running smoothly so President Gulbrandsen won't have to step into something that he doesn't know much about, he had Rich and I come to the mission home to greet the leaving missionaries as they arrived. We were to show them where to put their luggage, collect their mission debit card and any debts they owed, and usher them in to the living room in preparation for their final day with President and Sister Argyle. There were only four leaving this time, and three came on time. The meeting started without Elder Celis as he was late, so it worked out good to have us there waiting outside for him. We could open the gates and help him get his luggage into the garage, collect his money, and quietly open the front door so he could slip in and join the group. Then we left to go back to the office, knowing we would return later in the day again.

Before driving off from the mission home, we saw this dog walker with all his canine friends. People pay to have someone walk their dogs as they probably don't have time to do it themselves. These walkers must make pretty good money as we see them all over. Some packs are larger than this one.

Back at the office, I began immediately sorting all the packages and placing them in the appropriate bins according to where the missionaries are located. Tomorrow I need to get all the envelopes sorted and placed. Our first zone conference is next Tuesday and I am so glad I have Monday to work on it.

Rich spent the morning balancing his drawer as during transfer time a lot of money goes out to remise companies for transporting missionaries here and there, and to and from airports.

The elders were busy at their desks, and I had to chuckle at Elder Hales because he probably has the most stressful job working with the frustrating duenos (landlords). He will make the comment that they make him so mad, but yet he never acts irritated or mad. He is always so pleasant and even tempered.

Elder Peterson has risen to the occasion in taking over the secretary duties that he is responsible for. He digs right in, has a plan, and works the plan. Elder Coria is just a phone call away if he needs help or a question answered. He is doing great job too. These two are super young men!!!

At 1:15, Elder Kroff and I jumped in the car to return to the mission home again. We were to monitor the remise situation to make sure one arrived on time to take two of the elders to the airport to catch their flights back to Chile this evening. The last two transfers encountered problems in getting missionaries to the airport on time due to one reason or another, so he asked us to oversee this important part of the day so it would run smoothly.

The group was finishing up lunch of lazagne, tossed salad, bread, and a most delicious dessert of a chocolate brownie type trifle with cream and carmel sauce inbetween layers. We were invited to partake of the dessert and it was wonderful.

After Elders Ravanales and Celis were off, we brought Elders Jiménez and Guevara back to San Fernando with us. Their flights are leaving tomorrow for Mexico and another to Chile. They will stay the night with the assistants and our office elders.

Our evening consisted of washing a load of white shirts, this journal entry, writing a couple emails, and going to bed at a decent hour. We are tired!