On Sunday nights, whenever we can, Dad writes a letter to the missionaries that's included in our weekly mission newsletter, and I write to you. This week, his email is encouraging missionaries to make specific goals for the new transfer that begins this week, especially the goal to be exactly obedient so they will have God's power in their lives. We've loved this quote for years, and it certainly isn't just for missionaries:
When we obey the commandments of God and serve his children unselfishly, the natural consequence is power from God--power to do more than we can do by ourselves. Our insights, our talents, our abilities are expanded because we receive strength and power from the Lord. --Richard G. Scott
Due to several missionaries not being obedient, there has been lots of drama and some emergency transfers and changes this week. Hopefully those involved will choose to change so they can stay in the mission. Dad finished interviewing the rest of the missionaries this week and we were reminded again of what faithful, obedient, effective missionaries we've been blessed with -- too bad so much attention goes to the ones who struggle.
Sister Cole has been meeting with a young sister missionary from Sri Lanka five afternoons a week, helping her with her English, for the past five weeks. Her last two companions succumbed to her sleeping-in, staying-in habit, but her new companions are really helping her. One was due to transfer this week, but the two of them came in and talked to Dad and asked if they could both stay in the threesome as her companions. One is a gentle but strong Tongan, the other a strong American, and together they help the Sri Lankan sister our of bed each morning by holding up her mattress and rolling her out! Her English lessons are over and she will return to full-time missionary service with two obedient, loving companions. (She loves spicy Sri Lankan food and her companions sometimes have to go outside when she's cooking because they cough so hard -- the people passing by on the street often cough, too, it's so pungent!)
We met with the 18 missionaries who came five weeks ago for a training meeting on Friday. Most are learning Tagalog and some (well, three) have become really good speakers already. We're happy they're doing well because we have 23 more coming this week and they have to be able to teach in Tagalog soon! Some are still a little shell-shocked at the conditions here: the poverty, the missionary apartments, the pollution, etc., but when they catch the vision of how they are helping people, everything changes, and they begin to enjoy it. Stewart taught them powerfully from the Book of Mormon.
Thanks for your prayers and support. So many mission presidents' wives have told me, "it get's easier after the first year", but that hasn't happened to me yet. I have a daily, hourly dependence on God and appreciate your help.
Love,
Mom
PS: Please remember Sister Cole's daughter, Celeste, in your prayers. She's in critical condition at UVMC with pneumonia.
Photos:
Trainers/trainees after meeting.
About the only time I remembered to take photos this week, was when the missionaries were eating--they all enjoy eating!
We are SO thankful for Elder and Sister Ogden--they're doing a great job in the office and have a very positive attitude.
I love the sisters! This is after zone interviews, about to leave with heavy box of Book of Mormons and packages from home.
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