In July 2012 we had fourteen wonderful missionaries leave us and as always it was hard to say goodbye. We become really close to these elders and sisters and they leave a hole in our hearts when they go. We realize that we may never see them again. However, it balances out because we are also always excited to meet the new missionaries and see the great potential each of them brings to the Canada Halifax Mission.
On the physical work side, we put together a booklet for each missionary to take home with them which includes some of their mission information, their letters to the president and some pictures of different experiences they have had while serving. There is also a place where they can write their testimonies, things they have learned while serving and set future goals. They really enjoy these booklets and they are well worth the work.
For the missionaries arriving there is also a great deal of paperwork. We make files for them, put together training binders, and when they arrive, we have to copy their drivers licenses, passports, etc. We also participate in training them, although they are usually so tired and overwhelmed I am not sure how much they retain.
Elder Heggie and Elder Redd's last transfer lunch
Elder Gibbs, Sister Rust and Sister Riddle ready for first assignments
Always good food and good coversation at the transfer lunch
Oh how those missionaries love to be together
On the day before the missionaries go home after the transfer lunch, the
missionaries attend a special temple session with President and Sister
Leavitt. That evening there is a dinner and testimony meeting for them
at the mission home. We, along with the Assistants to the President,
have had the privilege of taking part in these events. It is hard to
describe the beauty of seeing these missionaries whom we love all
dressed in white and sitting in the House of the Lord. Their
testimonies are so strong and they are so valiant that they have had an
immense impact on us and on our testimonies. We know they will be
future leaders of the Church and will be well prepared.
The Last Supper
Enjoying the surprise of their Mission Remembrance Booklets
Our wonderful Assistants to the President
Elder Biddulph and Elder Tongish
The group that is leaving us with Sister Leavitt and the Foleys
The Whole Happy Group!!
We will sure miss them but wish them the best
The other senior missionaries become our good friends. We don't see
some of them often because of their assignments but we have regular
contact by phone and get to know them and love them. President and
Sister Leavitt are planning regular pot luck dinners for the senior
couples who live close enough to attend. The first was this past Sunday
and it was truly delightful. In addition to the couples in the area
they invited some friends visiting the Robinsons, the temple president
and matron, and Brother and Sister Fox and Brother and Sister MacLennon,
members from the Dartmouth Ward. The Foxes and the Maclennons both
joined the Church in the late 70's. Their conversion stories are
wonderful and very faith-building. They have been stalwarts in the
Church in this area and there are now Fox and Maclennon children in
leadership positions throughout the stake. It was stories like theirs
that helped us to see the beautiful outcome of missionary work. We love
what we are doing. We know the gospel is true and find joy in seeing
others brought into the fold.
Brother and Sister Maclennan, Brother and Sister Fox and Elder Foley
President and Sister Robinson (temple president), Elder and Sister Baines (temple missionaries)
Front Row: Sister MacLennan, Sister Tiffany, Sister Leavitt, Sister Baures, Sister Fox, Sister Foley, Sister Edwards, Sister Robinson and friend
Back Row: Brother MacLennan, Elder Foley, Elder Baines, Brother Fox, President Robinson and friend, Elder Tiffany, President Leavitt, Elder Edwards
It's perfect! Fun to see all of the missionaries who's lives you touched. They were so lucky to have you and you to have them.
ReplyDeleteI love this! That's a lot of work for those missionaries, but as you say, it's such an important work! I agree with Heather, they were lucky to have you!!
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