Such a joyous exit afternoon on Tuesday. Seventeen missionaries returning home honorably with experiences to cherish and refer to for a lifetime. Some had five different mission presidents in their two years and each had difficult adjustments to make. All had learned more about themselves but more significant was the time spent ‘walking with Jesus’ and serving his children. We were grateful to be included in their enthusiastic hymn singing and invited to share some words of advice. Mine: Your life is just beginning. Continue with the good habits you have developed. Move forward in your relationship with Jesus Christ by following Him and loving as He does. Tom mentioned our recent visit with the Sorhaïtz family, 56 years after attending the baptism of Sr. Sorhaïtz, and then at the Bayonne Sacrament meeting, being Introduced to her grandson, preparing to submit his mission papers. Seeds sown for generations to come. We served a lovely raclette dinner and all said their good byes. It is always a touching experience. Five hours later they were on a plane back to their different worlds.
The mission home has a beautiful yard with huge trees, a grassed area big enough for a pick-up soccer game and an in ground swimming pool. It also has 2 basketball standards,a pickleball, tennis, or volleyball court, a trampoline and a boules court. I especially enjoyed swinging on the patio where there are tables and seating for at least 30. It is a lovely space. When new missionaries arrive we feed them lasagne, crusty bread, a big salad bar, and ice-cream. Then they are interviewed by three people individually: Pres. Schow, Sister Schow and Tom. He goes through their medical info to find out if anything has changed or anything undisclosed. This week he found a sister who has been having panic attacks. Knowing this helps in selecting a companion who can understand the situation and be extra supportive. The sister has the opportunity to receive professional counseling as well.
I was very impressed with a new elder from New Zealand. He had worked at several different jobs to earn money, in a hospital, as a bouncer and as an artist. One could tell he had people skills. It is fascinating to meet these kids fresh off the plane and watch as they develop under the direction of their mission leaders. I feel the role of mission leaders is to relate or connect with each missionary as he or she build a relationship with Christ and through service becomes His disciple. Our role is to help those mission leaders in whatever they ask and however we can. I find the Schows extremely encouraging and motivating.
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| Elder G. helping |
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| A raclette celebration |
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