Continuing Missionary Training

President Cusick met with the missionaries who will be departing next week.  He asked us and the Healey's to conduct a training session for their companions, who I termed the continuing missionaries.  President Healey talked about working with the members.  We asked Elder Lloyd to do some training on social interaction - listening and how to end a conversation.  He had them role play as part of his training.  We had them prepare some short lessons (simplify and intensify) on various topics which they then taught to each other.  At the end of the training, we had them write a letter to their companion telling him what they had learned and extending a commitment for them as they are released.  I will give the letters to the departing missionaries next week.

One of the missionaries, Elder Garner, who is departing is going to Brazil.  His visa was approved.  He met with us for our training before being driven to the airport.  He is a good missionary, and we are sorry to see him leave.  However, he has a good attitude.  He said he has loved his time here (almost three months), but he was called to serve in Brazil.  He plays the piano, so we asked him to play our prelude and opening hymn.

Elder Garner playing for us before departing for Brazil

After all of the meetings were concluded for the day, we took Elders Hawkes and Nelson to dinner.  We have enjoyed working with them and are sad that they will be returning home.