Russell and Eileen's Church Missions: SAYING GOODBYE TO THE GROBERGS

SAYING GOODBYE TO THE GROBERGS

This past Friday Russell and I prepared huge amounts of food for the missionaries in our district in order that we could have a going away party for President and Sister Groberg. The Grobergs have served in Indonesia faithfully for the last three years supervising the labors of all the junior young men and women (usually ages 19-22), and the senior missionary couples such as ourselves. During most of our mission the number of missionaries has been in the range of about 90 people. Considering the needs of so many individuals, and the huge amount of land space that Indonesia covers, the Grobergs have had a huge job. We have developed a great deal of respect for all they are required to do. They do it with patience and love. They sleep very little, complain seldom, entertain a lot, have missed a lot of family events back home, and do this all in a volunteer capacity.

For our party we received a little peek into what it must be like to have the Grobergs schedule. Initially we planned for 18 missionaries that are in our district, however some new missionaries came in 2 weeks earlier than expected so they were there also. None of the new arrivals had received their luggage, so wash needed to be done and they couldn’t be dispersed throughout the mission. We learned in the MTC "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape." Good motto to follow. The morning of the luncheon we learned that there would be 24 missioanries to feed.

We had chicken parmesan, spaghetti, salad with ranch, baguettes, watermelon, papaya, chocolate cake (made by Sister Lisk) and ice cream. I don’t think anyone left hungry. In answer to a question Sister Beaman and I used to ask ourselves, “was every dish used in that kitchen”? Nope, there are so many pots and pans in that kitchen we couldn't possibly use them all, yet we were doing dishes for a long time afterwards.

Some of the missionaries paid tribute to President and Sister Groberg. A hand-made card was made by one of the Elders and signed by all missionaries.

A few weeks ago we were asked to give a tribute at our couples conference to the Grobergs. I would like to include that tribute now.

Dear President and Sister Groberg,

We are sure you are more than ready to go home and see your family again. But before you do, we want to thank you for your service as our mission leaders and to the people here in Indonesia. As we thought about some of the qualities that you have displayed we came up with several that we thought were reminders to us of our time spent with you as fellow missionaries.

Dedication - President Groberg gave up his medical practice to come serve as mission president. Sister Healy can tell when she talks with him that he truly loves medicine. He not only came to Indonesia to serve for the three years now, but also throughout the years working with Perinasia with NRT. Sister Groberg has given up the opportunity to be with her 7 new grandchildren, including her daughter’s firstborn. That is something every mother wants to share with her daughter.

Energetic - You both seem to have unlimited energy. We will never forget the day that you showed up at our apartment for dinner sopping wet, with a huge smile on your faces. You were so excited that you had navigated the traffic in the dark, and walked to our place. You have been able to accommodate missionaries through late night and early morning departures, host numerous guests at your home, constantly feeding them, without every complaining.

Persistence - We will never forget your persistence in trying to save the life of the little girl that drowned at our pool. Thank you for your example.

Frugal - We thought Sister Healy was the person that got most excited about a good deal, and then she met Sister Groberg. Ever cost conscious you both are aware of spending the Lord’s money and use it wisely.

Patient – Sister Groberg has spent many hours waiting for President as he has performed his calling, yet she always has a smile on her face. President has somehow learned to be patient with all the problems that come along with serving as mission president without ever complaining. His duties are heavy and his hours are long. Elder Healy believes that President is the most patient man he has ever met.

Longsuffering - Who else would laugh when her feet were covered with pus infected mosquito bites, an automatic dishwasher that never worked for three years, or a home that was pulled apart during refurbishment because it was important to get ready for the next mission president? We wonder why these things were not fixed before now but we have never heard one word of complaint by you.

Love the Lord - Jesus said, “If ye love me feed my Sheep.” That is exactly what you have been doing for the last three years. Thank you for the excellent talks you have given in zone conference. Thank you for the direction you have given to the missionaries. Thank you for making doctors appointments for Sister Healy and showing up at the hospital at a moment’s notice to help us.

We love you both and wish you the best as you move forth in your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Sister and Elder Healy