Kind Words

Dear Family and Loved Ones,

     The past week went by too quickly as did this transfer. We are already at the end of our transfer which was a week longer than a normal transfer (It was adjusted so we didn’t end up with a transfer on Christmas day). The weather has been extra beautiful, which we enjoy and wish we could share with all of you!

     Tuesday we received a new Elder who has been reassigned to our mission. This was an unusual transfer with four reassigned Elders coming in the middle of the transfer, of course all on different days :) that meant lots of trips to the airport. Of course we can’t complain since the airport is so close and small it makes picking up our new missionaries easy.

     Wednesday we went to the Los Angeles Temple with eight amazing Elders who finish their mission Tuesday. They are all extra special and have been missionaries we could rely on to strengthen other missionaries, to be patient and diligent. We could really use their maturity and dedication with so many new missionaries arriving in the next two months!

     Wednesday night Ted made leadership calls. The decisions had been made over the past several weeks but he made the phone calls to inform the Elders and Sisters who will be training and the Elders who will serve as Zone Leaders and District Leaders. He also called a new Assistant. He has put a lot of thought and prayer into these calls (especially our new Assistant) since many of these Elders will be the leaders who will in place when the new Mission President arrives in July. Ted is amazing at looking ahead and planning for the future. He also is truly inspired to make the decisions that bless the missionaries and our mission.

     Friday was training for the Zone Leaders, District Leaders and trainers. I took lunch to the mission office for the Zone Leaders. We had sloppy Joes and Krispy Kreme doughnuts. They are so easy to please and seemed happy with their very simple lunch.

     We said goodbye this week to our amazing office couple the Warburtons. They have been with us nearly every step of our mission and it was VERY hard to see them go. Thanks to their tireless work we have never worried about cars, apartments, referrals, supplies, bedding for new missionaries, etc. More importantly their loving, kind natures set a beautiful tone for the mission office. We noticed that missionaries would often drop by the mission office even if they didn’t really need to. We considered restricting when missionaries could come to the office but as we thought more about it we realized that these missionaries were just looking for some reassurance. The Warburtons and our other office secretaries provide that encouragement and with a few thoughtful words they have blessed many missionaries.

     President Monson said, “In this marvelous dispensation of the fulness of times, our opportunities to love and give of ourselves are indeed limitless, but they are also perishable. Today there are hearts to gladden, kind words to say, deeds to be done, and souls to be saved.” The Warburtons followed this admonition and were a blessing to us, our missionaries and the ward they served in.
     Tonight is our departure fireside, tomorrow is our departure dinner and testimony meeting and Tuesday our departing missionaries return to their families and 22 new missionaries arrive! Keep your prayers coming - we need them :)



We love each of you,

The Long Beach Buberts