Thanks for your extra prayers this week. The mission tour was a success, in spite of forgetting to put towels out for the Schmutz in the guest room. They came 7am Tuesday morning and we immediately had breakfast meeting, went to the office for interviews, had zone conference, visited missionary apartments, had dinner at the office with the senior couples and then went out ministering, so when we returned about 9:30pm I was too tired to remember the towels! The funny thing was they'd told us a story earlier of two general authorities who stayed at a cash-only hotel in the Philippines and had to share a towel because they didn't have enough money for two towels.
The next morning we had same simple breakfast before going to the office for him to interview four more missionaries and do another zone conference from 10-4pm. The second day we wisely ate less lunch--the first day we were so sleepy from short night and lots of carbs we couldn't stay awake! The second day we did much better (shake for Stewart) and we were alert the entire time. It was interesting that the conferences were so different, even though he intended to do them both the same. He and Sister Schmutz taught powerfully each day and invited a lot of participation from the missionaries. We were so proud of their reverence and preparation and great comments.
That afternoon he went back to the area office to prepare for video conference with Quorum of the Twelve at 10pm, and we prepared for the next day. They met us at the office for MLC Thursday morning where Stewart led a great discussion on what the mission leaders learned in zone conference and what we can do better. EVERYONE participated and later Elder Schmutz complimented Stewart on preparing leaders and said it was the best discussion he's ever seen in an MLC. He even liked the S&R pizza we served for lunch. But Stewart had learned his lesson: no eating lunch with area president here!
We had a short evaluation meeting and he mostly complimented us on the mission and gave a couple of suggestions on how to improve, which Stewart accepted gratefully and humbly. At the end of the MLC he shared a sacred experience he'd had one morning after scripture study--Sister Schmutz told us later he'd never shared that before outside his family. Stewart said the missionaries were so prepared and the Spirit was so strong he felt impressed to share it, which was a gift to all of us.
Then they returned home and we sighed relief and went home to celebrate -- Halloween night. (Celebrate for Stewart=have a nap and/or go to bed early!)
The next morning we began our Power Scrub, the bi-annual deep clean of apartments. Our assignments were to inspect apartments in Malolos (Friday) and Camarin (Saturday). We hoped traffic would be less because of All Saints Day, but evidently Manila came to Malolos.
When we returned from inspecting apartments on Saturday, Ralph, Sharon and Maria arrived!! It's been so fun to visit with them and have them here at the mission home. We took them on exciting adventures such as a baptism in Sapang Palay, church at the Camarin chapel next to mission office, a round of the game "Five Crowns", and tomorrow we are going to walk around the subdivision. So much to do in Quezon City North Mission!! They've been great sports and so gracious and wonderful to have around.
I feel so blessed that our last mission tour is over and that it went so well. We appreciate the service and teaching from the Schmutz and especially your prayers and support. I know prayers were answered. And we are fortunate to have family visit us AGAIN!
Love,
Mom
Selfies with the two families we visited. First one Stewart challenged the father to get baptized and take his family to the temple. The other family are recent converts so he challenged them to prepare to be sealed in one year.
Apartment inspections - first elders so prepared. American was custodian at Woods Cross High for two years and knows how to clean!
Look who attended the baptism of three young women!! Ralph, Sharon and Maria!
Elder Schmutz wanted photos with each of our zones of missionaries -- here are two.
Our MLC.
Stewart showing a part of the Angeles Mission we need to have moved into our mission.
Elder and Sister Schmutz with Assistants - we went with one and the Schmutz went with another assistant to minister to two families each.
More apartment inspections -- some elders were more prepared then others. Can you tell what color wall is very popular here?
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