Some ninety degree days this week, after all the rain we were having were welcome for me.  I love the feel of the sunshine and the warmer temperatures.  Of course, too much heat makes getting out of doors a bit of a challenge, especially in the afternoon.  Today was a glorious day with temperatures just touching ninety and clear blue skies.  We had a guided  nature walk planned for today, but by the time we called they were booked, so that didn't happen.  It was for the best because we were able to get some small odds and ends taken care of.

This past week was one of extremes.  Transfers were pretty crazy with all our new missionaries coming in.  We ended up with 36 incoming, mostly sisters.  Lots of tender testimonies were expressed by our outgoing missionaries.  We had two sisters and two elders going home, plus a set of senior missionaries.  We also lost one of our former AP's.  He's going to the new Georgia mission.  Lots of tears were shed. 

From left to right is Sister Brand, Sister Allen, Sister Putnam, Elder Lash, Elder Heywood, and in the back is Elder Putnam and Elder Powell.  Elder Lash is the new AP in Georgia.

We always look forward to this part of transfers.  All office staff get to go to the temple with the departing elders and sisters.

Our departing missionaries with President and Sister Holm.

 

Once transfers are over...usually at between noon and one, we go back to the office and try to work for a couple of hours before leaving for the temple.  It is often very nearly impossible as there is so much activity with new companionship's coming in for one reason or another. 

 

In this picture we have several of our missionaries trying to put a bike rack on the car.  It was 100 degrees outside and they are getting pretty hot.  We went through at least a case of cold water that our overheated elders definitely needed.  At long last they did get the rack on properly.

Elder Phillips, Elder Lash, Elder Brimhall and Elder Cardon contemplate life together in a quick conference in the front office.

Elder Lash is the recurring artist in the mission and we never know when he is going to feel inspired. 

Because this was drawn on a white board, a picture is the only way to save it.

 

 

Sister Allen, one of our departing sisters, Sister Rothman and I at the stake center for transfers.

 

After all of the activity surrounding transfers, the day was finally over.  New missionary companions went to their new homes.  It's an exciting and exhausting day for everyone.  The next two days were spent in the office and picking up several donations from the Lexington Wards.  Friday we all had plans to go to Marion to see a concert at the Opera House there.  It was a long day because it took an hour and a half to get there and coming home involved a several mile long back-up on the freeway from construction.  But the concert was wonderful and it gave us an opportunity to do something simply social together. 

We're so grateful for times like these.  We all love this special time that we are sharing together.  This mission, at this time, for each of us is a once in a lifetime opportunity.  We are in the mission field at a historic time in the church.  Church history is being made and we are all a part of it.  What a blessing for each of us.

We love our mission!!

Have an awesome week, y'all!!