GoodBye's to Elder Pointer and Elder Rydalch

Tuesday through Thursday November 18, 19, 20

Semana de cambios. Change week. In come the Oros and out go the Valientes.

As always it is bitter sweet.  As always we do alot of cooking.  I also prepare some cookbooks for the Valientes.  We had to say our farewells to Elder Pointer and Elder Rydalch.  :(

Elder Pointer and Elder Rydalch, both AP's

On Wednesday afternoon, tragedy struck for the Harris'. I was there when they received a phone call from their daughter.  I did leave their apartment and wait out in the foyer. But, the emotions of grief carried through the walls when they learned that their 14 year old grandson had suddenly left mortality.  Mike was not there, but already on his way back from moving Elders.  The temple group came over immediately with hugs and words of comfort. Sylvia and Martin both asked for blessings from Mike in English so that Sylvia could receive the full benefit of comfort and understanding.  The blessings were quite touching and powerful and good counsel given and with that they decided to return to Idaho and help their family. They will return in 3 weeks.  I had originally felt ackward being there, but Martin thanked me for being there as an immediate source of strength and comfort for them.  Another small miracle, because usually after cooking at the mission home, Mike and I go home.  He wasn't back from moving Elders yet, so I went over to Sylvia's to teach her how to write stories in familysearch.org.  She had 2 weeks off from the temple because they were closed for cleaning and she wanted something to do.  Cries of anguish always stay with me. I remember my dear friend Linda's cries of the same when her son also left suddenly.  I am so thankful for the comfort and knowledge of the gospel of Jesus Christ!

Thursday was high stress day for Elder Bekker, the head secretary. He prepares a wonderful packet of letters that the missionaries have written to and receive from the President. Somehow, he had lost 4 packets and did not have time to do them all over again. They searched the office, their apartment, their van and still nothing. I was making the cookbooks in the other room, so I said a quick prayer, asking for help because we had no time left. Mike came into the office not 5 minutes later and started systematically checking all boxes. They were found in the box, but with articles of clothing piled on top.  Prayer answered and thanks given.

Then there is the miracle of the school bus. Somehow communication breakdown between the office elders staff and no one had arranged the big van transportation that we usually have.  Elder Bekker saw 2 school busses parked across the street from the chapel. He decided to ask the owner if we could rent him and the bus. The owner said he couldn't legally do that for money, but he would do it as a person taking some "friends". Wow! Another prayer answered in less than 10 minutes.

Also during this week, Mike's left knee and leg have been giving him lots of pain and he is hobbling around. Too much of something is going on.