June 25, 2023

Each week I start out wondering if I will have anything to post about the coming week and then suddenly the week becomes full! We started out the week having the Larson's and Sister Incze over to play games on Father's Day so we wouldn't feel all alone on a holiday. We taught them to play "Swoop," a new card game Matt's family taught us last year and a fun time was had by all.

On Tuesday we had another Sister's Devotional. I think I finally figured out we will have these prior to each transfer because it is a chance for the sisters in the area to share with one another what they have learned during that transfer. It was at a member's home about an hour away. The home and yard were beautiful and after threatening rain it turned out to be a beautiful evening. We played some cornhole, had s'mores, and visited around the fire pit. There was even a Big Foot! I almost cancelled on going because it was so far away but in the end was so grateful I went. Each sister in the group shared something she had struggled with during the transfer and how relying on the Savior had helped them through the challenge. It was so inspiring and I came away committing to turning my insecurities over to the Savior too. Yes, even as Sr Sisters we still have insecurities. Mine tend to be about not being outgoing enough, fun enough, etc. As I have prayed about it all week and asked for help, I have felt the Savior boost my confidence and make me better than I could be on my own. The Savior loves us and will help us even with the small stuff if we are humble enough to ask!

Our (6) wk cycle started over again this week only this time the Larson's and us were all on our own. On Sunday night the missionaries learned who was being transferred and where. Then on Thursday the big move happened with people moving to their new areas. In our mission whenever someone goes to Bend, Oregon it is referred to as "Over the mountain." Elder Rowan and Elder Larson help the Assistants move those who are going "over the mountain." The Assistants transport the missionaries in our big 12 passenger van and Elders Rowan & Larson haul all the luggage in our truck and trailer. It is a long day. They start at 6:45 in the morning and don't return until after 5:00 that night. They drive 3.5 hrs each way with multiple stops along the way.

Then on Friday morning the missionaries departing get taken to the airport and again Elder Larson & Rowan transport all the luggage in the truck and trailer. This transfer we had (7) missionaries leaving. We had grown close to (2) of them, Elder Bain & Sister Allred so it was bittersweet to see them leave and move on with their lives. I guess we better get used to it.

Once they drop off the departing missionaries then they wait at the airport for the arriving missionaries and bring all of their luggage back to the office. We got (13) new missionaries this transfer. The President & his wife take them to the temple visitor's center on their way back to the office and then they arrive back at the office for training and to meet their new companions. In the meantime Sister Larson and I are back at the office getting to hang out with some of the new missionary trainers and preparing dinner for all of them. It is a fun day! The President invited us in to witness the new missionaries meeting their trainers. He has the new missionaries stand one by one and calls out their trainers name who then runs forward to give them a big hug and welcome to the mission. It is a sweet experience. Here is a picture of our trainers for this transfer.

Saturday Elder Larson asked Elder Rowan to help him close one apartment and move all the furniture to a new apartment. They had the help of a few missionaries so that was good but it was still a long day. They left at 8:00 AM and got back at 8:00 PM. The Sr Sisters did not want to sit around all day waiting for them so we packed up the car and drove over to Lincoln City to see the Kite Festival on the beach. It was a beautiful, windy day just perfect for kite flying. We loved it and tried not to feel too guilty!

On a sad note, Amy's sweet mother, Bonnie, passed away last night. We have spent most family gatherings and holidays with Ed & Bonnie and we will miss them. Ed passed away about 1.5 years ago and now Bonnie is gone. We are glad that she is out of pain and reunited with her sweetheart but know this will be hard for their family. We are so grateful for the gospel and the knowledge we have that families can be together forever! There is a good chance Parker will get his missionary call this week so our throughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time. I just want to be there to give them a big hug! It is hard to be far away!