My birthday was just before Christmas and the missionaries celebrated it then. I just haven't had room to put pictures in until now. I had complaints that their card wasn't on the blog. There's a long story behind it which I'm not going to tell. The dragon fly is saying, "I'm back, I've been looking everywhere for you!" Below the picture it says: Just some old friends wishing you a happy birthday! Then the card is signed by my loving (teasing) missionaries.
They put trick candles on my cake. I had to resort to wet fingers pinching the ends of the candles several times over to put them out. Notice they were kind and reversed the 5 and the 2.
We both really enjoyed this round of Zone Conferences (Tuesday in Medford, Wednesday in Corvallis, and Thursday here in Eugene.) Of course we have enjoyed the others too, but some how this one felt like we had turned the corner and we were now doing “our” zone conferences. I think we had been here long enough that we would have felt it last time too, but with a general authority here we really didn’t get to do very much teaching. This time we taught and the missionaries really seemed to respond well to it. I love it when Sister Macdonald teaches. She holds the missionaries spelled bound as she quietly teaches gospel principles. This time she spoke on consecration, and borrowing a line from Elder Maxwell asked the missionaries “Is it this?” that keeps me from giving my all. She was great!
I love the chance to do role playing with the missionaries and work with them to build them up and help them be better. One thing I remember from the MTC is the need to ask the group what the participants did well in their role play, and then to ask the two who participated what they might have done different. It is a nonthreatening way to help them improve, after their peers have already told them what they did well. It works great.
This zone conference I spent some time answering questions submitted by the missionaries. One recurring question was the process for making transfers. It was good to explain it to them and let them know how much the Lord guides those decisions. I believe that all committed missionaries are always a bit sad to leave an area, but at the same time are excited to start in their new area as well.
We don’t often transfer out both missionaries at the same time (called "white-washing" here in the field) but sometimes it is necessary. This time we are white-washing in one area because we have more sisters and need to open a sisters area. Hence, both Elders are being transferred. One of the Elders thinks he must have failed in some way to be white-washed. I called him and talked it through with him and I hope he understands OK. In truth, as a young missionary myself, I never thought that hard about it and I am a little amazed why he would be disheartened by it.
In the New Year many people set resolutions that will help to make them kinder, more productive and happier people. In the mission field we get that chance every six weeks with a new transfer focus, new goals, and perhaps a new companion or area. I think this regular reminder to set goals of improvement is a unique opportunity missionaries have to be reminded to better themselves. I know I certainly need it, and find joy in the regular reflection.
I love the chance to do role playing with the missionaries and work with them to build them up and help them be better. One thing I remember from the MTC is the need to ask the group what the participants did well in their role play, and then to ask the two who participated what they might have done different. It is a nonthreatening way to help them improve, after their peers have already told them what they did well. It works great.
This zone conference I spent some time answering questions submitted by the missionaries. One recurring question was the process for making transfers. It was good to explain it to them and let them know how much the Lord guides those decisions. I believe that all committed missionaries are always a bit sad to leave an area, but at the same time are excited to start in their new area as well.
We don’t often transfer out both missionaries at the same time (called "white-washing" here in the field) but sometimes it is necessary. This time we are white-washing in one area because we have more sisters and need to open a sisters area. Hence, both Elders are being transferred. One of the Elders thinks he must have failed in some way to be white-washed. I called him and talked it through with him and I hope he understands OK. In truth, as a young missionary myself, I never thought that hard about it and I am a little amazed why he would be disheartened by it.
In the New Year many people set resolutions that will help to make them kinder, more productive and happier people. In the mission field we get that chance every six weeks with a new transfer focus, new goals, and perhaps a new companion or area. I think this regular reminder to set goals of improvement is a unique opportunity missionaries have to be reminded to better themselves. I know I certainly need it, and find joy in the regular reflection.
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