Week 23

June 26, 2017

Dear Loved ones,

Monday night was the dinner for missionaries going home.  That included Sister Oliphant who was in my Ward when I arrived, and was the first Sister whose name I could remember. Also, Sister Jones who helped me on a “Just Serve” project. It was so wonderful to hear their testimonies in the meeting after dinner, but so sad to say goodbye. It was amazing to see their growth. In the picture of Elder Ieti in the mission president’s office he looks like a scrawny little boy everyone said how shy and quiet he was.  Last night he looked like a man and he bore the most powerful testimony.  I thought I was seeing a future Stake President.

In the past on Tuesday, President and Sister Hancock took the missionaries to the airport and picked up the new ones coming from the MTC. They were brought to the church building that houses the mission office where we fed them lunch and gave them an overview of what each of us in the office would expect of them. This month the departing missionaries flew out as usual, however, the Church has decided to send the missionaries to us by Shuttle on Wednesdays.  Sister Hancock was happy to have the day in between separating the farewell dinner and the welcome dinner.  The office staff was confused about how we should handle our part.  Instead of their arriving at noon for lunch, they didn’t arrive until 3:00 p.m.  We were told that they would be given a sack lunch to eat on the bus. So, we planned to just have banana bread, poppy seed bread, and bowls of cut up fruit for them to have a snack.  They arrived on time, but without having had a sack lunch.  They could buy snacks on the way up, but were obviously hungry.  We are rethinking everything before August when we will have fifteen new missionaries all at once.  It will be the first time since I arrived that we will receive more missionaries than we send home.  This is a much-needed boost to our diminishing numbers. This month we received 5 new Elders.  One is an Elder Funk from San Antonio, Texas.  His father is Air Force and I haven’t found out where is family started from, but he certainly looks like he could belong to Chris and Emily. When we needed someone to play the piano in our office staff meeting with the new Elders, he willingly volunteered, and looked like Chris playing. We had to rush through our meeting with the new Elders so they could get to the mission home for their welcome dinner and orientation fireside where they find out about their companion and where they will serve.  

Thursday, was Transfers with missionaries coming and going in the mission office throughout the day.  I came back from my lunch and saw a group of missionaries waiting for their new companions to arrive from the mountain areas. I asked them if they had lunch. “No, we don’t have any money.” I offered to go get some pizza – they suggested I go to Costco and get the 18” pizza that is only $10. While waiting in line, the man in front of me asked me where I was serving and what I was going to get.  I told him was getting a pizza for some missionaries.  When he went to order his own food, he added an 18” pizza for me to take to the Elders.  He was down from Soda Springs and said he likes to treat the Elders.  There are a lot of good people here in Idaho!

Friday, Cassidy went down to be with her family and to pick up Jeff.  He is in-between rotations and can be here for this week and next for the reunion. It has been so delightful having her here.

I can’t believe I will be seeing you all next Sunday. Remember check in is after 4:00 p.m. Bring food for your own breakfast and lunches and for the night that you are scheduled to cook dinner. The condos are supposed to be fully furnished.  We probably ought to bring big bowls or oversized pots. Read over the rules to remind everyone. Is there anyone that would have room to stop by my house and get long tables and chairs. One long table is in my bedroom with a box underneath of stuff for the reunion. The other is downstairs with sewing stuff on it. My card table for puzzles is behind the door in the TV room.  Sorry I can’t go get those things myself.  The little pink tent is in the fruit room if anyone is little enough to enjoy. I think Jenni Mella’s kids will be there. Looking forward to seeing all of you!

Love,

Grammie/Sister Shill

P.S. The Gospel is True!!