So, the news for transfers ... nothing. No change. Well, actually, no one has talked to us yet, so we aren't sure what is going to happen. The way transfer calls work is that President will call you IF you are being transferred. We didn't get a call. Therefore, no change. Ever onward!
Next week, I will be emailing on Tuesday because we have Elder Claudio Zivic of the Seventy and his wife touring the mission and speaking to us at Zone Conference on Monday. That will be a fun experience!
Wednesday was our Ward Halloween Party for the primary. It was a lot of fun! Sis. Snyder and I were in charge of decorating the door while the Elders provided the candy. We (aka Sis. Snyder) drew pictures of tombstones and ghosts then cut out the words "All Hallows Eve" and stuck it on the door. I'll send pics eventually. Also, we had two pumpkins sitting outside the door ... one we carved of a dragon, and one the Elders carved of the Orlando Temple. Unfortunately, we carved them on Monday, and in the Florida humidity, pumpkins do not last long so they were already falling apart. We threw our pumpkin away after the night was over. Sis Snyder and I dressed up like dragon fairies because there was a cute inside joke between us and a 6-yr old member in the ward. We found out that night that her family had moved away the week before... :-( But it was fun!
On Halloween, we were able to offer service at the CrossPointe Church trunk-or-treat over in Lake Nona. We were the candy runners to supply the cars with candy when they were running low. We helped out for two hours and it was a lot of fun! We did not dress up as dragon fairies that time. We both had on white shirts and put scarves around our necks like ties - so we dressed as Mormon Missionaries. :-D People kept asking us if we were dressed up. We did match - in a way - but the name tags quickly showed them that it's just what we wear.
This last weekend was Stake Conference and it was great! Saturday was focused on missionary work (Pres. and Sis. Hall spoke) and Sunday was focused on temple work (the new Temple Pres and wife, Pres. and Sis. Halverson spoke). I loved Saturday night! It was amazing! Sunday morning was great as well - but I had to interpret the whole two hours for one of the hard-of-hearing members. It's exhausting work...
So, a new transfer as we continue to work with the members to build up the Lake Nona area. It's going to be hard, but we are already making progress and coming up with ideas. It'll be fun because Thanksgiving is this transfer.
Oh, so I've been trying to focus on taking all my talents from underneath the bushel... so I've started playing the piano for District Meetings. Also, Sis. Snyder likes to crochet during meals, planning, and before bed so I thought I'd give it a try and I got directions from the yarn label to make booties. I needed to do something for my new nephew, so I tried to make some ... guess they worked! But during that time, I learned that crocheting is not a talent to develop on the mission because crocheting is not a short project. Therefore, I'll set that aside for a few months ...
Tender Mercy: We are really trying to focus on serving people in the Lake Nona area. Every time we are able to help with an event, I notice how much they really do appreciate help. It's fun being able to take some stress off their shoulders and help the event go a little smoother. It makes me want to make a goal that each event I attend, I should show up early and volunteer to help for set-up, maybe even help during the event, and even to help take down if needed. There is so much stress that goes into an event, especially when there aren’t enough people to help. I like as missionaries having the time and ability to spend the whole time to help relieve at least a bit of the stress off the leaders’ shoulders. Also, it gives me the opportunity to get to know more people and improve my social skills. Honestly, even after my mission, I should have the time to show up to an activity at least thirty minutes early to lend a helping hand...
‘Make no small plans: They have no magic to stir man’s souls.’ This is the vision I have for the South. I believe that one day the South will baptize more people into the church than all other English speaking missions in the world together. There are great hosts of marvelous Baptists, and members of the church of Christ, Methodists and Catholics who are honorable people, and have faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and love him. As they see their church veering off to the right or to the left of these basic teachings, they will begin to search for the truth. And as pivotal teachers come into the church and have influence, we will see the time when we baptize hundreds and thousands, tens of thousands. In your day you will see a million members of the church in the South. There will be Temples plural in the Southern States. What a great call you have to serve with these marvelous people. ~Spencer W Kimball (1974)
