Day One of Transfers - Tuesday, June 13, 2010

At 4:30 this morning, our alarm went off with what sounded like (through my earplugs) Rich's cell phone music. Being very groggy, I wondered why it was going off so early and when did he change the alarm sound? He rustled around turning the lamp on and finding his glasses and low and behold it WAS his phone. He never brings it in the bedroom at night so I was confused. He later said that before bed he had the impression to put his phone on the table by our bed, and since Presidente Gulbrandsen stressed the importance of following the promptings of the spirit in his conference talks, he decided to do as he had been instructed and heed the prompting.

The call was from Elder Ramirez, one of our temporaries, who was at the airport ready to fly out to his mission in Venezuela, but he was missing his passport. He called wanting Elder Peterson's number. Elder Peterson knew it wasn't in our office because the travel department at the Area Offices should have it, and they were the ones who picked him up during the night and took him to the airport to get him on the plane. Elder Peterson called all the travel people getting them out of bed to see if they knew anything of it's whereabouts when it finally dawned on one of them that it was still in their office and they had forgot to give it to the driver with all of the other paperwork.

At this same time, another remise driver called Elder Peterson and he was having difficulty finding the apartment of another temporary elder, Elder Alvarez, who was also leaving today for Venezuela. So since Elder Peterson was already wide awake, he decided to pick up Elder Alvarez, leave his companion with Elder Hales, and take him to the airport himself. Then he picked up Elder Ramirez and brought him back to stay with them tonight so he could fly out tomorrow. Some things just don't go off without a hitch around here. Then, after dealing with the transfers today, I'm sure Elder Peterson will be ready for bed tonight.

The overnight flight with the missionaries came about an hour late so that delayed all the training and interviews at the mission home. Elders Kroff and Hales were over there ready to do their part in the training and found themselves a part of everything going on during the day. They didn't make it back to the office until 5:00.

This group of trainers include Elders Coria, King, Nelson, Mackley, Fernandez, and Tapia. Elder Ramirez sits in the back. After eating their lunch of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit, and chips, they went to the mission home to receive their training there. The President changed things up a bit.

Elder Palma and Elder McNeil came by to tell Elder Ramirez (center) goodbye. He has been with us for two transfers and comes from Paraguay. It seems all missionaries going to Venezuela have a lot of hoops to jump through. It is not easy getting their visas.

It was so cold today that there wasn't much lingering around visiting as companionships switched. I made it outside to catch this last group finding their companions and calling for their rides. They are Sisters Cano, Lyons, Ruiz, and Peña, with Elders Olson, Short, Starley, Williams, and Lorca.

Our afternoon in the office was calm and quiet as Elder Peterson and I finally had time to get to the work that has been waiting for us at our desks. Elder Ramirez sat at Elder Hales' computer writing his emails. Today is P-day for the mission. I entered about 20 baptisms and emailed all the District Leaders sending them the pedidos form so they can fill out the requests for supplies.

Rich was impressed with President Gulbrandsen and how he trained the missionaries. He depends on the spirit to lead him and goes forward with faith that what he does is inspired. After this first transfer is over, they will be able to see what works for them and what doesn't and make the necessary adjustments to fit their personalities and abilities. He holds President Argyle in high esteem for preparing the mission to receive him as President. He appreciates that through President Argyle's leadership the missionaries are hard workers, obedient, and focused on baptizing. Each president comes with what the mission needs at the time and we are excited to witness the gifts of two different ones.

Tonight, Elder Kroff was going to wrap up his English class. He has been teaching it for several months and feels with this change in leadership that we/he needs to be available for things that the President might need us to do. Already our days have stretched into evening hours and who knows what might be required of us on down the road. He said the class understood.

It's late and I'm ready for bed. Rich is ahead of me!