Today is Tuesday, April 7, 2020
Warm sunshine, cool breezes, heritage trees, and shrubs with a hint of green, and families with children laughing, riding bikes, walking, or playing soccer; and old folks resting on a ‘Darling Park’ bench scream SPRING IS HERE!!! Saturday before the first Conference Session, we had a delightful hour puttering in our yard, tidying up our few perennials, and tilling the loamy soil. Finding more tulips popping, and discovering brand new green growth after we trimmed last years old growth was relaxing and rejuvenating!
We are grateful to ‘get to’ do social distancing in the spring….can you imagine if we had to do ‘it’ in November, December, January, or February, and have to stay inside because it was -25? Everyone here seems to be mindful of the 2 metre rule; in fact we have police patrolling who give tickets to residents who aren’t mindful… One of our trios of sisters, who were out getting fresh air and exercise the other day were stopped because there were three of them together, but because they live together they were not fined…is that the definition of a police state?
Week six has rolled around again, which, before COVID 19, meant we should be receiving our new missionaries tonight…BUT… no fresh buns are baking, and no taco soup is simmering, and no new missionaries are coming….We anxiously await word when our new group will arrive…
Two sisters returned home Friday the 3rd, and this Friday, the 10th an additional 21 will depart.
Today we had our emotional farewell interviews/visits with each one. Richard has a zoom interview with each, and, so he can stay on his schedule, I continue my conversation over the phone. I love raving about how they have served, asking about their life plans - school etc. and then admonish each of them to keep in touch. We will so miss our obedient, consecrated group.
I mentioned last week about our empty apartments…With 31 Senior, and 30 young missionary apartments all furnished, and all vacant, we have been anxious to get direction on what to do…. The Stewart’s, our housing coordinators complete their one year mission the first part of June, and like us, are anxious to know what we should do with these apartments. Can you imagine emptying 61 apartments, and liquidating everything?? Apartments from Cornerbrook, and Bay Roberts, NFLD., to Sydney, Greenwood, Bridgewater, NS., to Montague and Summerside, PEI., to Ottawa, Ont., to many spots in Quebec…it is staggering to think about how to do this….we were stumped…so Richard emailed Elder Bassett from our Area Presidency, sort of thinking he would say to empty every apartment…BUT…we were thrilled, and relieved when he instructed us to keep them ALL!!! That means the plan is to fill those empty apartments with new or reassigned missionaries!! It is such a relief, and reassuring to know that our dwindled army will soon be replaced!! Hope is smiling brightly before us!!!
Before I end this short little epistle I need to report on the incredible work our missionaries are doing as they digitally-find in their apartments. Last week 38 new people that are now being taught were found, and 38 different people are on date for baptism, and are you ready…132 people watched Conference (attended Church!!) Amazing, focused, hardworking teams!!
General Conference was the real highlight of our week…a new Proclamation read in the Sacred Grove, 8 new Temples announced, participating in the Solemn Assembly, singing ‘We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet,’ and hearing it sung in several languages, hearing all the Brethren testify of the Divinity of the Saviour and His Gospel, and then having President Nelson give us an apostolic blessing which gave us such HOPE. And we get to participate in another worldwide fast.
MIssionary life is wonderful, even amidst the incredible challenges we find PEACE, HOPE, and have been blessed with so much LOVE for everyone around us.
We also are grateful for you…our loved ones, and thank you for your prayers for missionaries around the world. We certainly feel the power of those prayers.
With Much Love,
Richard and Gayle, Dad and Mom, Grandpa and Grandma
xoxoxoxoxoxox Keep Smiling!!
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