The Mission Office - Busy like a beehive, special training and more

The office was very busy this week with Zone Leaders flying in for Mission Leadership Council, New Missionaries arriving, and a few departing for home (a bitter-sweet parting).

Elder Waimila (departing home for Fiji Sunday), with Sister Talakai and Sister Baum

Sister Baum and Sister Aviata with Sister Talakai in the background

Sister Martin and I talked to the new missionaries about a few office details. Sister Huni, Sister Wahlquist and Sister McBride are the new arrivals to the best mission in the world - The Micronesia Guam Mission.

Sister Martin with Sister Wahlquist and Sister McBride

We left the office just in time to see the conclusion of a beautiful sunset. This is the view to our left as we leave the mission office. Sometimes, Sister Martin will say, "Turn Left" so we can drive towards the sunset instead of towards our apartment...taking the long way home.

We had the Mangilao Sisters for Dinner. Sister Kuau, Sister Wahlquist (waiting for her flight to Pohnpei) and Sister Kichiro

P-day for the Guam Zone had a volleyball activity. A lot of action and energy. They are each energetic and diligent servants of Christ - in finding, teaching, reactivating and baptizing.

It was our P-day Saturday but we were in the office in the afternoon preparing our presentation for Mission Leadership Council on Fast Sunday.

Elder and Sister Guercio asked us if we were going to the Mango Festival and we said "Yes." So we pried ourselves away from the office and picked them up at 5:00 pm.

Mission Leadership Council was held at the Mission Home on Sunday afternoon. The part we attended went great.

After our office training, Elder and Sister Guercio talked about potential problems with bugs in our tropical island paradise. They gave practical advise on how to protect yourself from these critters. 

Sunday evening after Mission Leadership Council is a valuable time to go to the office. While the zone leaders are calling for Key Indicators or stats, Sister Martin and I can talk to some of them about needs in their areas, like replacing 72hr kits, apartment issues, car issues, financial questions, etc. 

Elder Kim, Elder Bunn (serving on Pohnpei) and Elder Jonas (serving on Chuuk)

Elder Heim (serving on Chuuk) and Elder Holmes (serving on Guam)

 Elder Bunn and Elder Peterson discussing things with Elder Martin

Elder Orton (serving on Saipan), Elder Becraft and Elder Mott (serving on Yap)

Elder Bush and Elder Striplin (serving on Palau)

On May 28th, President Zarbock asked all of us to come to special training for the Guam Zone. He taught about how we need to be "Firm and Undaunted", Alma 57:21. He reminded us to address everyone as "Sister" and "Elder" and not use first names, and also avoid acronyms like "AP's" instead of the proper way, "Assistants". This was part of his, "Careful and not Casual" instructions. He asked us to read 2 Nephi 28 and beware of Satan's tools that deceive and discourage us. It was all very uplifting. I like these shorter, under one hour devotionals.

Sister Zarbock made cookies.

Elder Murdoch and Elder Fabiano enjoying the cookies

Hello Sister Guercio

Sister Rock, Sister Bulewa(front) and Sister Kuau

Sister Thomas, left, trying to catch a photo opp

Elder Canakaivata, Elder Schroath, Elder Fabiano, Elder Murdoch, Elder Ferguson in a break-out session after

Elder Ferguson, right, served in Kosrae

After the cookies and break-out sessions, President Zarbock interviewed some of the missionaries, including a few finishing their missions and going home. Many converged on the Mission Office  and President Zarbock gathered them together to sing their favorite mission song: "What a Great Day!"

Sister Martin standing on her desk to get a good picture

Sister Muamoholeva, Sister Rock, Sister Misinale, Sister Baum, Elder Wright, Elder Matalolo, Elder Schroath, Elder Fabiano, President Zarbock, Elder Arcayan, Elder Waimila

Sister Ta'ase, Sister Kuau (left) joined the group with Sister Aviata (up high)