This week was change week so we received 8 new missionaries. Early Tuesday afternoon we received Elder Palma from Mexico and Elder Robayo from Sweden. A couple hours later Elder Butler from Layton ,Utah, Elder Chatterley from Reno, Nevada, Elder Henrie from Panguitch , Utah, Elder King from Logan, Utah, Elder Love from Mesa, Arizona and Elder Singson from American Fork, Utah all arrived. We spent the day in orientations for the newly arrived elders, they all interviewed with President and then we had a dinner at the office. We had our testimony meeting there also this time. Because they arrived later that most groups we arranged things a little differently this time. We were so impressed with the language abilities with the north Americans in this group. I think as a whole they were better prepared with their language and were able to express beautiful testimonies in Spanish. They must have had some great teachers at the MTC!
Wednesday the new missionaries went to sign their legal papers and then we had our meeting with the trainers. The new missionaries joined us and they were introduced to their companions. By 10:30 am they were all off to their new areas to get to work! The rest of the day was spent with the leaving missionaries going to lunch and the temple, followed by a testimony meeting at the mission home. Elders Clyde, Lizondro, Guitarra,Warner, Packard,Bonilla, and Escarate have all served well and bore sweet testimonies. We love them and will miss them! Thursday we went to the airport 3 times to say goodbye to them all.
Friday we met a new missionary couple that are here serving with the Perpetual Education Program . The Lucas’ also will be helping a bit with medical needs. She is an RN and he was an EMT so they are here to answer questions when we have them along with the area medical advisor.
This week we are thinking about our many blessings as we think about Thanksgiving. We are so grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are grateful for the restoration of the true church. We are grateful for the Book of Mormon and other scriptures. We are grateful for the sealing powers of the priesthood that bind us as families and friends to Heavenly Father and the Savior. We are grateful for the atonement of Jesus Christ and the opportunity it gives us to repent and improve each day. We are grateful for our wonderful family and the good things that are happening in their lives. We are grateful for our 187 wonderful missionaries who are here serving and learning to love the people of Paraguay and sharing the wonderful gospel message with them. We are grateful for the things we are learning as we watch them work and grow in their testimonies of the Savior. Life is good! We hope you all have a great Thanksgiving!!! Love, Mark and Sandy
We are grateful for many of the same things. I love reading your messages and think of you often.
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