Sloppy Joes for Lunch - Tuesday, August 10, 2010

I knew when I got up at 6:00 that I couldn't take a very long shower because Rich needed to get in and out quickly in order to be ready to leave the house at 7:30. He was going with Elder Peterson on the "exchange of elders" that has been going on for a week. It is very confusing to explain here but he has been picking up Elders Paz and Hales everyday and bringing them back to the office for training purposes. Today, however, Elder Peterson had to take Elder Paz to a doctor's appointment, so to save time and travel, Rich was going with them to accompany Elder Hales back to the office in a colectivo while Elders Peterson and Paz went on to the appointment.

These five elders - Hales, Watson, Paz, Leavitt and Peterson have been switching and sharing companionships until the training between Elders Hales and Paz is complete. It should only take a couple more days and then we will have to say goodbye to Elder Hales.

Before they headed out this morning, I wanted all of the food I prepared last night for lunch today taken up to the office in the car as it was too much to carry by hand. So Elder Kroff met the elders out on the curb at 7:30 with the sloppy Joes, two bowls of jello salad, the chips, and brownies. It was a good plan because it could all be taken in one trip and I was left free handed to leisurely walk to the office at 9:00.

When I arrived, I was having a difficult time getting the phone off of "night mode" so I had to call Rich to see how to do it. I have put it on a few times, but have never had to take it off before. I tried his explanation, but for me it didn't work. After a couple failed attempts, he said they would be walking in the gate in a couple minutes. Oh, they were that close? Great! Their bus trip only took 40 minutes.

Last night, late, the President came by the office to sign the check that Rich desperately needed to cash this morning. His cajachica was out of money and he knew some landlords would be coming by to pick up their rents. So the two elders, young and old, took off for the bank. While there, Rich was going to get a copy of President Gulbrandsen's signature -- the way he signed it at the bank. President admits he never signs his name the same and we are having trouble cashing checks because his signature is so different every time, sometimes not even close to what is on record. Rich is getting a copy of what it has to look like and he will place it in front of the President each time he gives him a check to sign. Hope it works!!

While they were gone, a landlord did come to collect. I told her that Elder Hales was not here and that he would return in about a half hour -- all in Spanish. She understood me. Then she asked if she could come in and wait. I led her to our foyer and she took a seat. I was so glad they were at the bank getting some money or she may have been really irritated if they hadn't gone yet.

While waiting for lunch time to roll around, Elder Hales said that he couldn't get his hair cut last night because Elder Watson and Elder Paz didn't feel comfortable in buzzing his head with the clippers. He cut Elder Watson's hair with them, but didn't have time to show Elder Watson how to do it on himself. He wanted it done for their district meeting today where he would be conducting it for the first time as the District Leader.

I asked him if he wanted me to do it and he was duly impressed that I knew how to cut hair. It's a snap with clippers and a number 2 and 3 attachment. So we rigged up a covering of a plastic garbage bag for Elder Hales, and an overcoat left by a missionary some time ago to put over my clothes. Surprisingly, it really wasn't a messy job. I dumped the clipper full of hair right into the garbage can after every swipe. It was actually quite fun. An easy "do" for hair like Elder Hales.

The Sloppy Joes were warmed, table set, and everything set out to eat. I invited the Assistants to lunch and they accepted. However, Elder Lazo, who was so excited to eat Sloppy Joes went on an exchange for a week. Yesterday, with his head in his hands, he said he was going to cancel because of the lunch invite. His replacement, Elder Christensen, was thrilled to be the one included in the luncheon today. They all ate until they were full -- some three, most ate four. No limits!!

I really didn't think I accomplished much at my desk today due to getting everything ready for lunch, eating, and then cleaning up. I did a few odds and ends but couldn't get into anything big. Maybe tomorrow!! It should be more of a normal day.

Elder Peterson took Elders Paz and Hales back to their area to attend their District Meeting, and he brought Elder Leavitt back to be his companion. They also attended their meeting. We tended the office and the phones for a while and then left about 4:45 to come home. Always on the way up to our apartment in the elevator, I am glad to be at home in our little three room abode. Some days we feel our age and are weary after a day of work. However, we miss going out with the missionaries teaching. Lately we haven't had the opportunity to do much of it. We mainly support the members and the branches that we are assigned to. But, it is all missionary work and we are so grateful to be a part of it.

I didn't feel like cooking anything for dinner, so we had another Sloppy Joe. It tasted as good as at lunch time. Then I began this journal entry. It has been a fun day with the elders.