I think we felt a lightened load this week with less missionaries. Of course, Dad kept the ones with known challenges here in our mission, and they've popped up again in five instances — it's sometimes a "whack-a-mole" project (to quote Uncle Chris), but hopefully peaceful for now.
For the past two years we've always had departure day and arrival day back-to-back, but since we celebrated departure day last week, Tuesday Dad interviewed the six elders and sisters leaving that day and we went to bed early and it made Wednesday's arrival day much calmer. We taught eight trainers and then welcomed the six Filipino, on Australian-New Zealander and one American and have them all on their way to their apartments by 3pm!
We are thankful we received some excellent missionaries. One Filipino is a recent convert and when Dad asked him in the opening session why he is serving he said, "To please my Dad," which usually doesn't indicate full conversion for the missionary, since he's doing it for someone else. Note to self: never judge! I found out later that his father passed away the night before, so that put his answer in a different light: he was happy that he had pleased his dad in his last few weeks of his life. When Stewart asked him in his private interview how he was doing with his father's death he said, "The plan of salvation is true, isn't it? I'm happy to be here to teach it."
The four elders with dengue are recovering quickly, and we were especially relieved to receive word that Elder Lougee, who returned despite being quite weak with dropping WBC and platelet count, arrived in Wyoming safely, having traveled home with his twin (photo below). The elder hospitalized Sunday night was looking weak but much better when Dad visited him Monday afternoon, and he was released on Wednesday and is recuperating. Two other elders had mild cases, although you'd have a hard time convincing them of that!
Friday was MLC, where we miraculously had enough pizza to feed an extra eight missionaries. One of the unexpected missionaries is Sister Boyack, our brain surgery survivor, who has returned to finish the last nine months of her mission after less than three months at home--another miracle. Dad helped a missionary with a belated confession who felt the burden of guilt lifted from him and felt so happy after his confession he told his companion, "Let's go do some missionary work this afternoon before I return home tomorrow!!" We hope he returns in six months. Repentance is definitely a miracle--a real weight is lifted and extra strength given every time. I'm so thankful to watch Stewart be an instrument for the Lord in helping these elders and sisters.
Our beloved Pakistani sister was hit by a trike Friday and she is fine, although her leg is sore. Her companions need to be the epitome of patience and we pray hard for her present companion! When Dad transferred her recently she argued with him and got angry at him. Later she apologized, saying her brother (also her bishop at home) counseled her to be humble and apologize. “He big, you small!" he advised her. We have two more Pakastani sisters in the MTC arriving in a couple of weeks. We hope this isn't the national culture that we've seen so far in her.
I'm definitely not supposed to take photos in sacrament meeting, but we visited Minuyan Ward today and after these four boys (parent recently reactivated) were confirmed, they stood in front and then invited the primary presidency and YM presidency to come up and stand with them while they asked the ward members for a welcoming vote. It was cool to see the members recognize them and the desire of the bishopric to connect them to the ward -- fellowshipping by members is the key to retention. I kind of stopped welcoming people here since I'm always new in a ward and assume everyone is already a member, but I love how Dad enthusiastically greets everyone as if they were new--they really feel his love and respect.
Hope the week went well for all of you, especially JULIE, MARK AND SAMUEL -- hope you had happy birthdays!
We love you and appreciate your prayers and support.
Love,
Mom
Minuyan ward welcoming new members.
Elder Lougee waiting for ride to airport hotel and fading fast (on left).
New missionaries.
Sister Boyack (left) returns!
Elder C loving the AC in the hospital, despite the IV.
Our two Kiribati sisters return to the islands (with Sister Ogden and Sister Nelson).
Elder Lougee lands in Casper with his twin brother, Elder Lougee. No transfusions needed!
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