What a great week with all the missionaries in zone conferences. Along with the normal training to be good missionaries, Sister Turner taught them how to make some stars they can use when they proselyte, to start a conversation about the wonders of Christmas. The season is clearly upon us and the missionaries are using the season to highlight the central figure, Jesus Christ in their work.
We're still trying to figure out if the elders enjoyed the crafts more than the sisters...
In an attempt to emphasize a focus on creating a strong foundation before developing into a great missionary, the Assistants had each district try to build a tower with a number of Tupperware-type containers and place a soccer ball on top of it in less than two minutes. The winners were told they'd get their picture on the blog. The energy increased and efforts improved. Here are your successful engineers:
Who says training can't include some fun competition and healthy peer pressure?
Sister Training Leaders provided training as did zone leaders.
Some of the training required some team work. They were pretty funny!
We had some cameo shots taken with the camera. It just runs off on it's own...
The weather has really turned cold and the gear they wear when it's 15 degrees F to keep working outside is pretty amazing. Can you find Sister Turner?
More run-away shots.
After one conference, a zone had an activity where they did stickerboarding while caroling and chatting with people on the streets. We were Lighting the World in a very cold environment. Oh what a great time they had. The number of people stopping to take pictures, selfies, video of the missionaries was pretty impressive. We took a group photo afterwards.
We recorded a few moments of the activity. It was fun to have two violins going with the singing. They sacrificed their hands and fingers for the greater cause.
For the first time, the Bucheon ward had a special Christmas lighting ceremony with their new building. The stake asked the missionaries in both zones to come sing. They stood in the 10F weather for an hour practicing, doing mic checks and then performing. They were marvelous. They are willing to do amazing things.
A nativity was set up in the front lawn. This building is on a main thoroughfare in the city and draws lots of attention. The lights will be lit every night until the end of the month.
Interviews have started this week as well. We visited one zone of 16 great missionaries. Many ask us what the favorite part of being president, wife is and it is always "just being with the missionaries, whether one on one or in small or large groups. They really lift and enlighten our lives!
Terri and I had a great week together. We had a visit from four of our previous missionaries who live close enough that they can swing by once in a while. If one comes into town from far away, they tend to get together and spend just a few minutes with us. Food seems to always be involved and sometimes just wanting to act like they are with their mission parents again. Oh, how we love them!
We had our first experience with Dalk Galbi this week. Made up of chicken, cabbage, rice cake pasta, spices and olive oil. It was amazing, especially on a cold night!
We even had a moment of reflection together. Only a moment!
It's cold, but hearts keep us warm. We're surrounded by so many warm hearts. We love them. Thank you for sending and supporting such wonderful young men and young women!
