The Work Goes On - Monday, August 9, 2010

We sailed through the Monday morning routine without a hitch and were eager to start a day at the office. The President said he was coming by this morning so I wanted to get some letters and a Certificate of Release plus a few other things ready for him to sign. Plus, I was excited to get the flight itineraries ordered for the Latinos leaving in October. I enjoy ordering the flights for the returning missionaries. It is a little time consuming making sure I get the right airports, approximate time of departure, correct email of parents, etc. but I find it challenging and fun.

When we arrived at the office, the Assistants were already there in the Presidents office working on their datos and spreadsheets. They had warmed up the office for us which was appreciated. I had a large stack of mail to sort and put in the proper place waiting for it to be distributed to the missionaries. When I come across letters for our office elders, they get them immediately -- a perk for working in the office. Elder Hales got one from both of his grandmothers. Love those grandmas!!

Not too long after we arrived, President and Sister Gulbrandsen showed up. Cordial greetings of handshakes and hugs were given appropriately, and the President went right into his office with the Assistants, never to be seen again in the outer office.

Sister Gulbrandsen got out her list of questions about the English program to go over with Elder Kroff, plus other questions that had surfaced in the four weeks that they have been here. We were able to answer her questions and make sense of the things that were problematic to her. She admits that this calling continues to be overwhelming right now and she doesn't know if she is coming or going. Poor thing! But she will catch on -- she has three years to get it right. And, she will!! She is delightful!

The office was humming this morning with three in the President's office, 2 Kroffs, 3 office elders, Sister Gulbrandsen, and Silvio who was meeting with Elders Paz and Hales. Then, in walked our new cleaning guy who started last Friday. He was coming back this morning to damp mop the floors, but in observing all the activity going on, he opted to just put it off until he comes again next week. Good idea! There was no room for him today.

After Sister Gulbrandsen finished with us in the outer office, she joined the President and the Assistants. That meeting went on for over an hour while we settled into the work at our desks. Soon their door opened, and with books and bags in hand, they bid us all farewell and made a quick exit. Rich and I were hoping for a one on one chat with the Gulbrandsens relating to our future. We had emailed him about it over the weekend and thought his coming to the office today had that on his agenda. Guess not! But I'm sure he will address it soon.

We left the office at 4:30 when the Assistants came rushing into the office to get their internet done before it was time to go out teaching. They had an abbreviated P-day today. We came home and before Rich took his coat off, I sent him to the dry cleaners to pick up my black skirt and drop off my navy one. I have literally lived in these two skirts for the last 17 months, and they show no wear. I love the Nygard brand.

Following this errand, Rich was pleasant about going to Disco to pick up hamburger buns, fruit cocktail, and more chips. Tomorrow I am furnishing lunch for the elders. Instead of Chinese Tuesday, I decided to make sloppy joes, jello with fruit cocktail, chips, and brownies. I invited the Assistants too if they are going to be there working on their projects for the President. Friday night we picked up the hamburger, and some chips, but my decision to invite the Assistants would require more. We left buying the buns until tonight so they would be fresh.

Before starting the cooking, we were surprised and pleased to have the Doyles skype us. It was 11:00 in Geneva and 6:00 here in Argentina. They were ready for bed, but we talked for at least 45 minutes. It was so fun to see them and talk about their impending release from their mission in four weeks. In two weeks they leave for Rome to visit the Crawfords whose Catania mission was merged with Rome in July. The Larsons leave Switzerland on Thursday. So much is happening. Exciting!!