Russell and Eileen's Church Missions: WEEK 1

We arrived in Manila last Sunday night, so we have now been here a week. Things have been coming at us fast with last Monday being the first day the mission was officially open. Before I (Russell) address two specific subjects, I thought would note a few first impressions: (1) the weather is not that bad, hot? yes, but not unbearable; (2) the Philippine people may be the most easy-going and friendliest on earth; and (3) daylight driving, when the GPS is working properly, can be entertaining and fun, perhaps like unto a sport – Eileen thinks I am adapting too fast. More on driving in a future blog entry.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, President and Sister Alder conducted meetings with the missionaries in the west, central and eastern parts of the mission. Our being invited to attend all three, and speak briefly, was unexpected but greatly appreciated. During our prior missions we have not had a lot of interaction with the young missionaries due to the nature of our assignments. That is not the case this time! We have now met all the young missionaries and due to Eileen’s serving as the mission nurse she talks and texts with several each day. Just yesterday, by 7:30 AM on Saturday morning she had received texts from eight separate individuals. I believe Eileen is going to love using her nursing skills and being more interactive with the missionaries.

While I have enjoyed working with President Alder when I was on the Stake High Council in Centerville and have seen how well he interacts with the youth on Trek and Young Men’s camps, both Eileen and I were amazed at how well he and sister Alder conducted themselves during those first three meetings. You would have thought that they had been doing this for years. I was truly impressed with the instruction they gave, the love they expressed, and the motivation to succeed they inspired all of us with.

As with most new operations, the start of this new mission has seen its share of unexpected challenges – computer systems that don’t work properly, physical infrastructure issues, and new and inexperienced personnel (like me) who are desperately trying to learn their role while on the job and at the same time setting up files and implementing proper procedures. I know that I am making mistakes along the way and probably missing many issues that need to be dealt with. But you don’t know that which you don’t know. The experiences of this week have caused me to have more respect and less critical judgement of those who have had to start new endeavors with the Church. Joseph Smith, the pioneers, my ancestors who joined the Church, all were trying to do their best at implementing something they were asked by God to do with their limited talents and experience. Our Savior said, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Today I have a greater appreciation of His direction on this subject.