Looking Things Over - Friday, May 14, 2010

We had our window open a little bit last night because the temperature was in the 50's all night. We wonder if we are going to have a mild winter this year because usually by May, it is starting to get rather cold. We have had some cool days, but lately things have warmed up. Tomorrow, however, we are suppose to have rain and a high of 60. We'll see!

We walked in before the elders and when they arrived, we extended our usual greetings and began updates of the evening before. We love finding out who they taught and how receptive they were. Elder Kroff discussed what happened as he talked with the Branch Presidency last night, and they were excited that these brethren are feeling the spirit and wanting to do all they can to have the Virreyes branch become a ward. They are not just sitting back and letting it happen, they are proactive and are going to make it happen. Good men!!

President Argyle was coming to the office this morning to work with each of us at our desks to help eliminate any uneccessary processes that we might be doing. Things get carried over from previous office personnel that might not be needed now that we are on IMOS. Maybe we don't need a certain spreadsheet we have been using, or maybe we can eliminate this or that. He is a very successful CEO in his private life, so he wants to fine tune everything in the mission and turn a well oiled machine over to President and Sister Gulbrandsen. They are going to be so happy that they follow the Argyles because just from what we know and have observed, everything will be in place with clear instructions, examples, maps, and suggestions.

The only thing that has the Argyles depressed about is the talk of securing a new mission home, or completely renovating the existing one has been put on hold. They were hoping the Gulbrandsens would not have to move into the existing home. It is badly in need of having wiring and plumbing revamped and well as updated furnishings. They are making a list of what they feel is absolutely necessary to fix or change, since funding is not available to secure a new place.

President Argyle started with Elder Peterson in reviewing some of his processes and streamlining the work at his desk. The elders love being taught by the President, and those who work in the office get the added bonus of learning business skills and techniques, as well as life skills. They just soak it up.

The President didn't finish his rounds today, so he is coming back next week after he returns from the zone conferences in the South. He leaves tonight with the Kroff's taking him to the airport at 9:00. Then we will have the car to use next week until he returns on Thursday.

When Rich saw the Assistants at the church last night, he invited them to come by today and partake of the yummy brownie trifle that Sister Argyle gave him yesterday. They remembered and came by for a taste, totally approving. Each of us in the office had another helping today which cleaned out the bowl. That didn't last long!! It was as good the second day as the first.

I got right on my baptisms after lunch and entered fifteen of them. Three need clarification so I will call on them Monday morning. So my desk was neat and tidy as we left for home this afternoon. Rich worked with Elder Hales part of the day on rent issues, and is so grateful that he is on top of things cleaning out and clearing up matters that have been deteriorating over time. The elder that follows at that desk will have it made!

We came home and had leftover hamburger soup for dinner. It tasted good the second time around. Then we read emails, blogs, and I started this entry.

At 9:00 the President called and said he was approaching our apartment, so we grabbed our jackets and went down stairs. One of the assistants, Elder Fernandez, is going with President Argyle to help with the zone conferences. It is a treat for the Assistants to accompany the President when he travels.

After getting to the airport and bidding them farewell, we drove home without incident. The GPS in the car had current maps downloaded on it and it even told where speed bumps were. She was a bit annoying with all her warnings about this and that including going over the speed limit -- Yes, that too, so we turned her off since we knew where we were going.

The flowers the elders gave me for Mother's Day last Sunday made a beautiful bouquet and I have enjoyed them all week. They have brightened up our apartment. I just love them. . . the elders too!!