Preparations - Wednesday, August 4, 2010

The sky was covered with clouds and looked gloomy but sunshine was the forecast. I almost slipped my umbrella in my purse, but Rich promised it was going to be a good day. I believed him and left it home. The sun did come out, but the air was down right chilly.

Rich left for the office before me because he had to be there with Elder Hales. Elder Peterson was going to the American Embassy with an elder that needed something for his legal work. So I finished getting ready, tied up the garbage to take out, and checked the four things we have to be aware of before we close the door behind us. Those being -- make sure the toilet is not running, turn off the bedroom heater, turn off the front room heater, and lock the balcony door. As careful as we think we are each day, occasionally we goof up.

When I got to work, I noticed the light on in the President's office. To my surprise, there sat the assistants working on a powerpoint presentation to be used at the Zone Leaders Council tomorrow at the mission home. Elder Lazo and Elder Lowry were in charge of putting it together and later called us in to see the finished project. I admire these young minds and their ability to work the computer as they do. As they talk about stuff, it sounds like a foreign language to me. That's how computer illiterate I am. Rich is right with them, but not me.

The emphasis tomorrow is on meeting goals. Each zone leader is going to be held accountable for the goals he and his zone have met and those they haven't. And if they haven't met them, why not? President Gulbrandsen is trying to get the leadership of the mission ready for next month when Elder Arnold, the new Area President, comes on a mission tour. We understand he is a go-getter and will hold everyone's feet to the fire not giving an inch. Elder Aidukaitis, a previous counselor who will remain with this President too, came last February on a tour and lowered the boom on the missionaries reproving them in a kind way to help them get motivated. These brethren are two peas in a pod, we hear. Should be interesting.

We only had fifteen baptisms last week and I was discouraged that only about five had come over the fax. I give them until Wednesday, then I start calling. I may have to email a note to the District Leaders asking them to address in their district meetings the importance of sending the registers ASAP. It amazes me when I call and hear this response, "Oh, Sister Kroff, I am so sorry, I forgot" Forgot??? This is what they do!!! Really now! Ya gotta love em!

After entering the baptisms I had, I prepared my order for placas. I didn't have as many orders this time, making me believe that hopefully the missionaries are keeping track of their name tags better.

Elder Kroff and Elder Hales spent a good part of the day refining the spreadsheet on the apartments which tells how much money is spent on repairs, what has been purchased, and which apartments are costing the most to maintain. Elder Hales has been invaluable working as the vivienda person. Under the direction of President Argyle, he has made the changes necessary to keep this desk organized and functioning smoothly. Elder Kroff is REALLY going to miss Elder Hales in the office. They work so good together and the things Elder Hales has improved upon are making some of Elder Kroff's financial responsibilities easier. It is going to seem so strange without him around.

Elder Peterson had a discouraging day on his Embassy errand. When he got there, he realized that he didn't have his passport nor the elder's passport which would be needed to accomplish their task. So he called us to have them sent to him by a moto -- a messenger service on a motorcycle. It usually costs less than a remise and is faster because they whip in and out of traffic more easily. After waiting for them to arrive, and proceeding along their way, they found out that today the department they wanted was on an administrative holiday. Good Grief! This happened the last time he took Elder Merrill, so Elder Peterson called to find out the schedule. But, today they told him that these holidays are hard to predict and are not listed on the schedule. They waited three hours for nothing.

When Elder Peterson returned to the office, he brought Elder Paz with him. Hugs and handshakes were exchanged and we welcomed him back to the office. We couldn't tell if he was happy to be here or not. We know it was a surprise. Just some preliminary training took place with Elder Hales and him, and then it was time for the elders to leave.

Even though our modest apartment is not big nor fancy, it is home to us and at the end of the day, we are glad to be here. We ate BBQ beef on buns for dinner with frozen french fries cooked in the oven. It tasted good and was quick.

Reading the blogs of our Switzerland friends today brought a wave of emotion over me. The Doyles and Larsons are winding down their missions and they have been so much a part of our daily activities that we are going to be lost without their entries. We feel a part of their missions and it's like we are leaving Switzerland and the people they know too. It is a strange feeling and will probably get worse on August 12 when the Larsons go home, and on September 6 when the Doyles leave. A reunion will have to be planned after we go home.