Elder and Sister Wilson: Departing Missionary Dinner

Today started the transfer process with the departing missionaries gathering at the Mission Office to meet with President Cusick and then meeting at the Mission Home for a "farewell" dinner. We didn't have to drive any missionaries, but we did take Elder Barnett's luggage. Elders Spach and Franklin are also departing. That is again a strong group of Elders. We get to know the missionaries in the Sarasota Zone (Stake) because we see them more often than the other missionaries. We develop a good relationship with them, so it is sad when they return home. But we know their families are excited to have them return.

Our mission nurse, Elder Young, is also going to be released in a couple of weeks. He is a local resident who is a service missionary providing health care to the missionaries. He has been a real help.

Renee's comments: Pictured below are Elders Spach and Milmont. Before the evening ends, President Cusick has those who want to give him suggestions for mission improvement and then bear their testimonies. Elder Spach mentioned in his testimony that he and Elder Milmont came out together and then served 2 years without seeing much of each other as they served in opposite ends of the mission. He said that even though they were both part of the Florida Tampa Mission their experiences were very different and that Heavenly Father has an individual plan for each missionary. I guess you don't have to go to an entirely different mission to have varied experiences! Love these Elders! Another group that is difficult to see leave. We especially got close to Elders Spach, Franklin and Barnett, again, due to many opportunities for interaction. They are an exceptionally fine group of missionaries! BTW, you will notice that there was only one departing Sister--Sister Rudd. We didn't see much of her because she did not serve in one of the zones we work with; however, she left a positive impression with us.