More men of God

Another inspiring event in our mission! Elder L Tom Perry came to instruct us. He was sharp, humorous, wise and inspiring. We were so blessed to be in the presence of this apostle- another of the Lord's servants. In the picture on his left is President Halstrom (of the 70) and on his right is Elder Funk (an area authority, but soon to be a mission president). These fine men also spoke to us. President Pfile conducted the meeting and shared some inspiring and motivating comments. A truly amazing and memorable experience! And another last for us in this mission. Still....I can't feel to sorry for myself. Twice a year we all have the opportunity to receive inspiring messages from servants of the Lord. So I will just look forward to April's General Conference- and sitting in our own Montana home listening to General Authorities and other church leaders. How blessed are we to be part of this great church and this great work.

Last Transfer Day

Today was transfer day. The last one of our mission. The next transfer for the Colorado Springs mission we will either be home, or caravan-ing north on I-25 with home in sight. These pictures are of a previous transfer day... today we had snow and cold. Still you can get an idea of the logistics of relocating dozens of missionaries, their baggage and their bicycles. They are headed to new assignments in four different states. It's an exciting day for them, sometimes mixed with uncertainty or even a little sadness over leaving the people to whom they have ministered as well as those with which they have served. Volunteers drive to Colorado Springs from all corners of the mission. Some drive for over five hours. Before the actual transfers begin, the President conducts a brief meeting with all the missionaries being transferred and also those who just arrived. He introduces the new missionaries and Sister Pfile reads a short bio of each one. Then with a bit of drama, he makes a guessing game out of where these new missionaries will go and whom their trainers (first mission companions) will be. It's fun for the missionaries and creates a sense of excitement and anticipation. After the President is done, he and the zone leaders head to the mission home for a two day training session. At that point the Vehicle Coordinator is left to manage the ensuing chaos- with the help of the Assistants to the President (affectionately known as the "APs"). In the end, all the missionaries are safely on the way; loaded in the correct cars going to the right locations. Not always so with their "stuff", but eventually even that finds its way. Fred has always done a very good job of organizing transfer days, though it definitely tested his patience. He might have been known to be a little crabby- but only briefly. He says he won't miss this part of his mission assignment. Here's a little secret.. he will too miss it!!! He loves those missionaries. He will miss anything that allowed him to spend time with them, even if it was chaotic and tried his patience.

Just another one of many "lasts" for us. I don't like lasts, but how can you have more firsts if you don't have lasts? I will try to keep that in mind.

Goodbye Hello

Missions seem to be a series of hellos and goodbyes. I LOVE hellos! Goodbyes are not my favorite, but they are inevitable. So are tears and smiles!

GOODBYE

We recently said farewell to the Richardsons and Beckwiths, who successfully completed their missions. Fred and Nancy are now basking in the warmth of their Phoenix home. Lynn and Sue served an at home mission, so are quickly filling their time with long postponed plans and projects. The memories made with these fine missionaries will always be a treasure. We are grateful for modern lines of communication that will help us stay in touch with our mission friends.

HELLOTwo weeks ago we sat in as Elder and Sister Cherry were set apart as full time missionaries, serving an "at home" mission. They have taken our former duties as Fleet Coordinators plus some additional office duties. The Giffords arrived fresh from the MTC in October. They have become an invaluable asset to the mission. Four wonderful dedicated and willing servants of God! Each sharing their talents and hard work to assist in the labors of the Colorado Springs Mission. We are so very happy they are here. The only sad part is that we will serve with them such a short time before we head home. Still, we are grateful to get to know them.

SEVEN... very short weeks until we load up our van, trailer and u-haul then say a tearful goodbye to our mission and all the people we have come to love. Too many goodbyes! Yet some joyous hellos waiting for us at the other end as we are reunited with family and friends. Until then, we have seven weeks to continue working in the greatest mission of all!