Transfer Day

Because of the 19 new missionaries, this was a large transfer.  My guess is that 3/4 of the mission was affected.  Because so many would be coming to the transfer meeting, President Cusick decided to do more training than usual.  He has received the videos from the New Mission Presidents Seminar held in June.  He mentioned to me that the training was impressive, and he would be using it with the missionaries.  For this meeting, he focused on teaching.  The message was to simplify the message and keep the lessons short -- what we have termed simplify and intensify.

Following the meeting, we had the sad task of driving Elder Nordin to the airport.  He has some health challenges, and the missionary department decided that he should return home to hopefully have them resolved.  This was sad because he is a good missionary and really didn't want to return home.  But I think he realizes it is the best course for him.  He has a good attitude and is hoping to be able to return and complete his mission.  He has lived in our apartment complex for all of his mission, so we have gotten to know him better than the other missionaries.  His flight was cancelled because of mechanical problem, so he had been rescheduled on a flight leaving tomorrow morning.  The airline had arranged for a room for him in the airport hotel.  After getting him settled in the room, we were both emotional as we left him.

We then drove to Bradenton for a special consideration interview.  Following the interview, I texted Pres. Cusick who immediately gave his permission for the baptism.  It is great to be able to help in a small way as people are striving to change their lives.

Elder Nordin in our car headed to the airport.