Big August Transfer


 This week is the one that we were looking forward to. Yes there was excitement, but also a little fear. We were supposed to receive 27 missionaries. Ten weren't able to get their visas in time, so we got 17. Those 17 stretched the mission a lot though. I was talking to the assistants, and they were kind of grateful that we didn't get any more because there were barely enough trainers for the ones we got. Elder Mahoney said that "if we get any more visas approved, Elder Musser will have to go out in the field and train!" The scary thing is that we are supposed to get 18 missionaries in the next transfer already. Add the 10 from this transfer, and if all of the visas come through, we will get 28! Some of our newer missionaries are going to have to learn very quickly and be able to step up to the plate to be able to train! It is an exciting time. I was texting back and forth with a former AP who is home now, and he lamented that they prayed extra hard to get missionaries and didn't get them. I told him that his prayers have definitely been answered!

On Monday we were able to finish up the lion's share of reconfiguring the office so that we would be prepared for the transfer. There are still several aesthetic changes that Hermana Heckmann wants to make, but functionally we are there. One of those changes will be a neon sign of the mission logo for the wall of the office. If it turns out, it will be really cool.

Tuesday was the day that the "salientes" went home. It's always fun to see them on a spiritual high yet with fear in their eyes about what lies ahead. It's still hard to have to give them that final hug and send them on their way. Wednesday was the crazy day. I ended up driving to the airport 3 times to pick up and drop off, and then we had to do all of the training in the new office configuration. It worked out very well, and we are better utilizing the space so that we can accomodate all of those missionaries along with their trainers. It's kind of cozy, but definitely workable. 

We are also looking ahead to getting a big influx of senior missionaries in September. That means we have to get a couple of more pisos before then so that they will have some place to stay. Most of them will just be going into pisos left vacant by the couples that have left us recently, but not all. 

With all of these young missionaries coming, we had to put some companionships into pisos that haven't had more than one companionship at a time. Because of that, we had to drive down to Tarragona on Friday to put together a bunkbed for some sister missionaries. Sometimes I get a little jaded in just dealing with the numbers or having to wrestle with IKEA (they give you a box of toothpicks and an allen wrench and tell you to build a bed) that I forget how wonderful these sweet missionaries are. While we were in there working one of those sweet sisters put together a snack plate for us complete with cookies, fruits, and nuts. It was a super sweet gesture. We took them out for ice cream before driving home. Tarragona is a beautiful place by the ocean. We had a senior missionary conference there not long after we arrived. I wouldn't mind going down there again some time to see a little more of it. 

We absolutely love these wonderful missionaries. It is a privilege to serve with them. Even when it is obvious that they are still learning some basic life skills, their enthusiasm and willingness to learn is refreshing. As we "plus up" on the numbers of missionaries, it will be a wonderfully exciting time for all of us. The work is hard, but the rewards are out of this world. We are honored to represent our Savior, Jesus Christ, and to do our bit to help the work of His kingdom move forward. The Church is true! We love you all. Have a great week.

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