May 29, 2014

We had such a wonderful day yesterday I decided to write it so I wouldn’t forget!
The elders found out Fri. that they were being transferred.  Timmerman and Kofford were being sent to new areas, Reedhead and Smith were staying here but just each got new companions. It was pretty sad to tell Kofford and Timmerman good bye.  They were such wonderful elders, every time they got out of an appointment or out of the car they would say I love you guys.  The two sisters we just baptized were pretty sad. I kept thinking of Addison and Taylor soon trying to tell everyone on their missions good bye.  What a wonderful experience it is to be missionaries, with Harrison’s personality, he will bring as much love to his mission has these two have.
When they left our house from dinner on Mon. they gave us a wonderful book about the Savior. Elder Timmerman had written in it so lovely, that will be a real treasure for dad and I to remember.
Tues. we went to the mission office because it was transfer day.  They (over 150) of them line up at two ends of the culture hall, then they put a slide up of one elder and match up his new companion on the other side of  the screen.  They then both come running to the middle of the cultural hall, embrace each other with big hugs and pats on back and smiles, and yells.  It is quite a sight to behold, the Spirit is so strong in the room, everyone is crying, laughing and the energy is so strong.  These missionaries really love one another.  Pres. Anderson them tells them that this is how the Lord wants them to be matched, he goes through quite a process to get it all lined up the way the Lord wants it.
We were so glad we got to see it. What an inspiring experience! Dad and I were so glad we got to stay together and neither of us got transferred!
Elders Timmerman and Kofford got the highest in the mission last month for the most contacts and lessons. No wonder Dad and I get tired!!! Hope these new ones keep us just as busy.  This is what makes missionary work so wonderful. I know all we missionaries get much more out of it than the investigators.  We are so happy to be out here, we love the people, our branch and just everything about it.  Thanks to all of you for our support, you are all so good to us, we can truly feel of your support and prayers.
Yesterday, Tues. our little Tammy Edmonds from our branch called dad and wanted him to take her down town to a Dr. apt.  We couldn’t because we were on our way in another direction for the transfers.  Anyway, she was crying on the phone because she was having chest pains and no money for bus fare.  Dad felt so bad that he turned around and went down by her house and gave her money to  get on the bus and get some lunch.  She is the one that got kicked out of her house two weeks ago. They lived in it for six weeks without electricity, they have no car, she has no husband, poor health and just lives from day to day.  I don’t know how some of these people survive.  I have been blessed with so much, our entire family has. I hope Dad and I are grateful enough for all our blessings.  I know our eyes sure have been opened!