Week Ending August 17, 2008 Week #2

Now that I measure my life in 6 week increments the whole idea that the rest of the world thinks in monthly terms is beginning to be foreign to me.

This was a week # 2 with the first set of interviews starting again etc.

Specifics for this week – ending 8-16-08

Last weekend was very enjoyable. We went out to a baptism in Coos Bay / North Bend on Saturday and took two elders out to dinner with us that evening. On Sunday morning while Sister Macdonald prepared a bit more for her fireside talk that evening I participated in companionship study with the two companionships that attend the same ward house, and we then attended both ward sacrament meetings that day. We then visited with missionaries up the coast on the way to speak in Newport later that day. We visited a senior couple (the Taylors) in Reedsport and saw the missionaries serving in Florence. While there I gave a blessing to a sister, who has been a member for about 6 months, prior to her surgery on Monday. We then had dinner with the Bergshoeffs – another senior couple – and we then spoke in Newport that evening. There were about 125 people there, but unfortunately no investigators. After the fireside we overnighted at the Bergshoeffs and drove home on Monday.

Tuesday we drove first to Roseburg and spoke to and interviewed the 10 missionaries in that area, and then headed to Grants Pass and did the same thing with the 12 missionaries there. I found my prepared thoughts changed significantly and I spoke on the organization of the Lord’s kingdom both here on earth and eternally. It was enlightening to me, and I hope to the missionaries. Sister Macdonald spoke on Alma 3:27 and focused on the word “listeth” and explained the need we all have to lean towards the savior – she did great.

Wednesday we repeated Tuesday’s Pattern with the 18 missionaries in the Medford area and then drove home and on Thursday and Friday we did the same with three districts of missionaries in Eugene. In Eugene we had the closest district over to our house for lunch following their district meeting and interviews and enjoyed their spirit in our home.

The zone leaders are great and faithfully taught wonderful principles on Christ-like attributes from a pattern the assistants had given to them. I know I have said this before, but man-oh-man, these missionaries are SO much better then I was when I was out on my mission! The assistants are assisting me in every sense of the word and they - and the zone leaders - carry out their assignments as well or better then anyone I have ever worked with in the church. I don’t say that to take away anything from wonderful Bishops and others that I have worked with in the past – but rather just to say how great these men really are.
Saturday I was in the office for a while and while I was working I heard the assistants following up on all of the zones and their progress for the week. The idea of proper reporting back is great to watch in action.

Saturday evening Sister Macdonald and I did get out for a date and enjoyed a dinner and a nice visit. We stopped by and saw the Lyman’s on the way back home and had a nice visit with them.

Well that is the week in review. I have found this second set of interviews to be very enjoyable since I know the missionaries a lot more now. It is fun to go into the visit with them trying my hardest to have the spirit with me so I can try to help them and lift them.

I look forward to hearing from any and all of you and hope and pray that you have a great week.