LOTS OF JOY WITH SOME SADNESS MIXED IN

Returning Missionary / Joyful Reunion with her Family

The last 2 weeks have held a lot of firsts for me.  Serving as a Counselor in the Mission Presidency means a lot more than just sitting on the stand and presiding at meetings.  I now have the privilege of conducting several different types of interviews.  Those can be difficult just based on the purpose of the interview, but when you throw in the hurdle of a language barrier, it seems almost impossible to go ‘in-depth’ as I should.  Sometimes I wonder if I did any more than scratch the surface of a gospel principle or transgression issue.  Most of the members I have interviewed have enough knowledge of the English language that they can understand what I am saying, but they lack the confidence or ability to express themselves in English.  I have a greater appreciation for what it means to rely on the spirit.

One of the sweetest experiences of my Mission was to interview and release a Missionary who served in another mission and was returning home to her family in Cauayan.  As she talked about her Mission experience, I could tell that she had experienced a mighty change in her heart.  Her parents were not very active but she had great faith that she could be a positive influence in their lives.  Her eyes were red and full of tears when I told her that she was honorably released and that she should remove her Missionary badge.  I couldn’t help but cry with her a little bit.

Another special treat was to learn that our former Mission President and his wife would be traveling to Mesa to attend the wedding of one of their former Missionaries.  They surprised us by stopping by our home in Mesa to meet the sweet family taking care of it for us.  They even stopped at one of our favorite Mexican food restaurants.  It was almost like we were there with them.  We loved it!!!  Except for the fact that we were fasting and could almost smell those delicious hot plates of food.

Sister Roberts found a Pineapple with hair like hers

 ....and of course
 there is always
the processing 

Saying Goodbye to Departing Missionaries

The first photo of the new Arrivals

of departing and arriving Missionaries. 

Both are experiences we love! After an evening of interviews, dinner and testimony, follows a morning of goodbye's, welcomes at the airport. Then a long day of orientation and transfers to new areas and companionships.

Orientation

Ready to Go.

Sharing some delicious pizza with the Assistants and President and Sister Craig

Elder Rusch was one of the departing Missionaries this week.  He has a special place in Sister Roberts heart because he was her trainer.  We have enjoyed working with him in the office almost the entire time we have been in the Mission.