HOME, OR GOING HOME?

With two missionaries going home early each of the last two weeks, I (Russell) really didn’t think things could get more eventful this week; but they did.  In addition to having three days of zone conferences this week, during which I and some of the senior missionaries dealt with cars in the pouring rain, we once again had two more missionaries return home early.  The first of the two, we were asked to escort to SLC where the missionary was met by parents and other family members.  We had only to wait a few hours after dropping off this missionary before Eileen received a call from Missouri, forecasting the first of this coming week’s challenges.

 

The sister missionary we accompanied home had been taken by ambulance to the hospital just a week before.  Others, far above our paygrade, decided it best that she return home, where she could better access the medical help she required.  Normally, only Eileen would have accompanied the sister missionary.  But since Eileen is having problems with her foot and in a boot, and the sister needed to have someone push her in a wheelchair, I got to go along. Although disappointed at having to go home early, the sister was delightful. By the time we got to SLC she was asking Eileen to come to her wedding someday (no current boyfriend).  As we approached the place where she would meet her family, I asked her if she wanted to continue in the wheelchair or be walking when her parents would first see her.  She said she wanted to try and walk.  Eileen helped her stand up and then the sister locked arms with Eileen, wanting her to be right by her side until she got to her parents.  After hugging her father, the sister sat back down in the wheelchair.

 

The second missionary that went home this week was an elder that we have both grown to greatly respect.  He had been diagnosed several weeks ago with a problem that could require him to go home.  The doctor here felt the problem needed to be addressed soon, while our Area Medical Advisor and another doctor in the Missionary Department thought it could wait until after the elder’s mission was finished.  The decision was made to try and see another local doctor for second opinion.  When we went with the elder for the second opinion appointment, the office couldn’t find his appointment that Eileen had made.  As the elder and his companion had driven an hour and a half to get there, Eileen was not happy.  The office suggested that we see a different doctor the following week at a location in Kansas.  While Eileen was frustrated, the elder said that he felt after praying about it, that he was going to have to go home, and so he was not as much frustrated as resigned to that expected result.  The next week, we and the missionaries made the long trip to the appointment on the other side of town. We were seeking the second opinion from a partner of the doctor who gave the first opinion.  This doctor had a unique specality directly applicable to this Elder’s situation.  He told the elder and Eileen that he disagreed with his partner, that the situation was actually more serious than first diagnosed, and that it did need to be addressed as soon as possible.  The doctor knew that this was a second opinion, and when told where the elder was from said something to the effect of, I know of a doctor at the University of Utah who specializes in this.  With his referral, the elder’s parents have been able to arrange to get the elder in quickly following his return home.  Eileen was commenting how she felt the Lord had led them to the second doctor, which would have only occurred if the first scheduled second opinion appointment had not taken place.  It was as if God was saying, “Good job Eileen in seeking a second opinion, you’re just not seeking it from the right doctor, let me help.”

 

As we were driving away from the SLC airport Thursday evening, Eileen asked me, “Does it feel to you like we are coming home or leaving home (in Independence)?”  It was strange that both of us felt like home was in Missouri.  Even after sleeping in my own bed for a night, I felt like I needed to get back home to deal with problems there.  Yes, there are problems ahead, and no, I still don’t love cars; but it is the concept of “back home” that pleasantly surprises me.

 

We did get to see our son Jon for a few minutes.  He is doing a great job of taking care of the house, for which we are very grateful.   

For our Monday Senior Missionary FHE, we went to the Midwest Genealogy Center. I was told it is the largest public genealogy library in the world. There are mounds of documents and microfiche there. I (Eileen) found it quite fascinating. Russell was not able to attend.

I found this 1955 phone book from Boulder, Colorado. I lived in Boulder from 1964 until marriage

This book is over 100 years old and is one of the books our records preservation missionaries are scanning.

Elder Christiansen, who is one of our missionaries working in this library, showing other senior missionaries a book from 1914.   Elder Christiansen served as a young missionary in Indonesia about the same time that Russell did.

When we first got here, I was dismayed at how many missionaries did not respond to my requests regarding their health. I figured instead of being negative, I would label certain missionaries gold star missionaries. Russell thinks it is like being in primary, but indeed our missionaries are only 6 years out of primary.  When they truly take the effort to be diligent about their health and report back to me when requested, they become a gold star missionary for that transfer period.  I write them a customized note praising their effort and they get to pick out something out of my gold star box.  One missionary grabbed the bottle of Tylenol PM in the box and said excitedly, "I need this so badly."

                                         Our young missionary returning home. 

 

 

TWO EARLY RELEASES AND DOG FLEA BITES

Yesterday morning as we were cleaning the apartment, Eileen asked me if I had any ideas for the blog this week.  At that point the week had looked a lot like the prior week.  We had two more missionaries return home early and a visit to the emergency room.  We now have had 25 percent of the missionaries from the group that arrived shortly after we did go home early due to health reasons.  

 

On Thursday evening, we had just gotten back from the gym when Eileen got a phone call from a distressed sister missionary. She was justifiably concerned about her companion’s health and Eileen recommended that she call an ambulance (how was that for my being non-descriptively discreet?).  After getting cleaned up quickly, we headed out for the hospital, arriving just as the ambulance did. While Eileen was in the room with the sister, I was out in the waiting room with her companion.  After talking for quite some time with her, I realized that the two young sisters had, one now and the other previously, the same rather rare health issue.  Both Eileen and I were rather amazed thinking, what is the chance that these two sisters would be assigned to serve together?  As Eileen wrote to our mission president, “I don’t think that it was just a coincidence that these two sisters are companions.”  And what she didn’t say to our mission president, or the young sisters was, and what is the chance that those two sisters would have a nurse that also had experience with that same health issue.My role here with the vehicles is not one that lends itself to a lot of spiritual experiences.  However, Thursday night, in an emergency room, I had one; clearly seeing God’s hand in taking care of His missionaries.

 

I (Russell) decided that I wanted to go see where the missionaries are living outside of the Greater Kansas City area.  I also wanted to see what driving conditions were like out in the country. Driving a truck with an Orbcomm device (aka TIWI) in it, would let me experience what they are going through every day. Eileen was interested in seeing what the health care was like out there, so I drew up six one-day trips that we will take over the next few weeks. Our housing coordinator is also new and wanted to join.  On Friday we took our first trip to Atchison and Leavenworth, both in Kansas.The trip was both informative and fun as we took the missionaries out to lunch.  Eileen and Sister Hunsaker (housing) were quite surprised when making a turn at 5 miles per hour, the Orbcomm device’s woman’s voice shouted out at me, “Watch your speed!”  I really don’t like that lady.

 

Once a month we go with the other senior missionaries to an afternoon temple session.  It was great to both not have my phone tethered to me and to experience the wonderful spirit in the temple.  As I was sitting there I thought, maybe I could do like several other senior missionaries and serve as a temple worker, maybe a Saturday evening shift.  Eileen and I have both been told by our predecessors that since we are on call 24/7 that we could never do that.  That thought stayed with me as I left the temple yesterday and persisted for about an hour, at which point I got a call telling me that two of our sister missionaries had been in a car accident.  For the next several hours I dealt with the ramifications of the event which ended with our meeting the tow truck at a body shop where we left the vehicle.  I’ll go on Monday morning and get the repair process started.  I am grateful that neither of the sisters were hurt.  But the apparent message in answer to my pondering of could I serve as a temple worker on Saturday nights was loud and clear – NO!

 

Shortly after we got home about 8:30 last night, Eileen got a call.  It was from the sister missionary who was bitten by a dog last week and had a visit to the emergency room. Turns out she and her companion had been to a new member’s home.  That member also had a dog, not one that likes to bite people, but one that has fleas that like to bite people.  The sister was covered with bites and was calling for medical advice.  After telling the sister how she should deal with the bites, Eileen suggested that the sister best avoid dogs altogether.  

We visited the elders in Atchison, Kansas, birthplace of Amelia Earhart. It seems quite rural, so when I saw a sign for a hospital we decided to check it out. I was excited to see not only a helicopter pad, but a medic-vac helicopter coming in for a landing just as we arrived. 

                      Sister Megan and Sister Anderson are currently serving in Leavenworth.

We have 4 missionaries stationed in Leavenworth, Kansas. As we passed this building I wondered what it was. Turns out it is Leavenworth penitentiary,  The walls are 40 feet high and 40 feet below ground. 

TWO EARLY RETURNS AND A DOG BITE

The past two weeks have been difficult ones for Eileen, our mission president and his wife, and several of the missionaries.  She wanted to talk about one situation last week but I told her she needed to wait a week, until after that young sister had returned home. I (Russell) did not contemplate that we would actually have two return home early in the same week.  I have heard it said that 80 percent of a mission president's problems are due to 20 percent of the missionaries.  From what I see it is more like 90-95 percent due to 5-10 percent as being more accurate.  The vast majority of our young missionaries are happy and hard working, truly striving to do their best.

Last week I said that the medical issues of the missionaries here were about 50 percent physical and 50 percent emotional/mental.  Upon closer review, the physical medical issues are more like just 30 percent.  The emotional toll involved with these cases are not just limited to the individual missionary, but also their companion, the mission president, and my companion.  It is hard to watch all of them struggle with these difficult issues.  While I am not directly involved, I do see and hear a lot. Last week we had two sister missionaries come to our apartment to talk to Eileen.  After they were on their way, Eileen got another call from an elder who had similar serious emotional issues that needed immediate attention.  Since we couldn't be in two places at once, Eileen had to call the mission president and ask him to deal with the second case.  My guess is that I may be writing about that situation next week.

Through out all this, the other senior missionaries have been very supportive.  One couple took the sister who came to our apartment midweek and let her stay with them for 24 hours until transportation home could be arranged.  Another recently released senior sister missionary accompanied the young sister on her flight home the next day.  Normally Eileen, as the mission medical advisor/nurse would have accompanied her home.  But President Sommerfeldt nixed that idea quickly.  We have too many other similarly critical cases/situations right now and he would not consider letting Eileen leave.

Thursday we had a sister get bit by a dog.  They were delivering a book of Mormon that had been requested.  The bite required stitches and involved a lot of emotional angst suffered by the missionary and her companion.  Eileen spent quite a bit of time with helping the sisters and talking to the missionary's parents. After much discussion and review of the situation it was determined that the sister should receive the rabies vaccine, which she is now getting.

This was a very nasty dog bite. Frightening for the sister missionary and her companion. 

             It's amazing how missionaries manage to get flat tires. This was pretty unbelievable. 

             I guess you know rain is a novelty when you have never seen bags to hold wet umbrellas.

Twenty three new missionaries arrived  on Friday. We were supposed to have four more, however the other four were visa waiters and they had their visas arrive before their departure from the MTC.

                                   

                                                       Newly arrived missionaries

Lots of packages were waiting for the missionaries from home. If it does't fit in the suitcase I guess the parents ship it. 

We went to the 200th year celebration of Moroni appearing to Joseph Smith. This photo shows copies of the Book of Mormon in different languages with President Forsyth there to answer questions. He is the president of the historical sites here in Missouri. There were displays and speakers by other denominations who also believe in the Book of Mormon. 

    Books of Mormon were on display from throughout the decades. Also a replica of the golden plate

Polynesian dancers entertained at the celebration. We are not sure what this had to do with the 200th anniversary, however the dancers were very good. 

PROGRESS

We must be adapting to our work load.  This week we were able to go to the gym four times after work, and then on Saturday morning go to Adam Ondi Ahman for a few hours.  Now that is not to say all was quiet during those times.  Eileen received a call just as we walked into the gym before she started her workout Thursday. She ended up returning to the apartment and spending the evening working with missionaries. I got a call Saturday morning after being on the road only five minutes. But that is still progress!

Today during sacrament meeting, both our phones rang.  We are supposed to have them with at all times so we can be available to help the young missionaries.  Eileen's call was about a young elder and then a text about a young sister. Both were important.  My call regarding a vehicle was not urgent, but the caller thought it was.  

In the Philippines it seemed like the bulk of Eileen's work revolved around physical ailments of the missionaries, here it seems to be about 50% physical and 50% emotional challenges. While reading the medical histories of the 28 new missionaries we have coming next week, Eileen noted how that many have a history of emotional issues.  That prompted her to look back at the current missionaries we have serving.  It turns out that approximately 40% of our missionaries had something of this nature noted in their pre-mission papers.  Combined with those who have been first diagnosed here in the field, it seems half of our young missionaries have had or are currently experiencing emotional challenges.  We figure that more are sent here because we have access to Church Family Service's counselors next door to our mission office. I believe we are fortunate to live in a time and place where such resources are available.

It was one of the counselors that called Eileen this morning during church.  Last week that counselor mentioned to Eileen that it used to be that young people first experienced being away from home while away at college or in the military.  Now with young men serving at age 18 and young women at 19, the mission field is where many are first experiencing living away from home and having to deal with its related challenges.  I used to think it was odd that missionaries seemed to have more emotional issues now than when I served decades ago.  It is probably just a result of both missionaries serving at a younger age and emotional issues being better identified and openly addressed than when I was young. 

Sister Louder (L), Eileen, Sister Gillette, these sisters are our sister training leaders. They are awesome!

The area known as Adam-ondi-Ahman is located 70 miles northeast of Independence, Missouri.  It is 

a place of beginnings, departures and returns. This is where Adam and Eve first dwelt when they left the Garden of Eden.  Three years before his death, Adam called his posterity together, blessed them , and the Lord appeared unto them.  It is the place where Adam shall come to visit his people, or the Ancient  of Days shall sit as spoken of by Daniel the prophet.  (Taken from the Ensign Peak Foundation website).

Signs are posted on many of the trees warning of poisonous snakes

                                                 

                                                    We saw several deer while at the site.

Down a path from Tower hill there is a very large stone perched on top of another stone.  We don't know if this has any meaning other than being unusual.

Adam - ondi - Ahman is the only mission in the church which is presided over by the prophet. There are several couple full-time missionaries serving here, they are responsible for taking care of the grounds and making sure they always look beautiful.

THE LAST WAGON

We thought this weekend would be the first during our time here when one or both of us didn’t have to go into the office and work.  We actually went to the gym and made it to 10:15 AM before things happened which required Eileen to go into the office.  Fortunately, we were able to pick up what she needed quickly, and she has been working on the ‘project’ most of the day yesterday and today. 

 

We were able to watch General Conference, and yesterday two talks resonated with me (Russell).  Elder Bednar referenced a talk given by Elder J. Ruben Clark in 1947 which centered on those he called “they of the last wagon.”  Elder Clark “praised these anonymous and uncelebrated heroes who, day after day, week after week, and month after month, choked on the dust stirred up by all of the wagons rolling in front of them – and who overcame the relentless obstacles they encountered along the way.”  

 

Perhaps Elder Bednar’s talk resonated with me because over the last six weeks I have thought of myself more like the Street Sweeper character from the cartoon Peabody and Sherman.  It’s funny how I remember things from when I was very young.  The image of this cartoon character following behind the parade, sweeping up the mess the parade made, depicts how I see my current role at times.  However, in the cartoon I don’t remember this character ever saying anything; unlike me who has done more than my share of ‘murmuring’ to my companion and muttering to myself.  I need to repent.

 

Elder Rasband’s talk at the end of the afternoon session yesterday also struck me.  Instances where a General Authority has commented on senior missionaries in General Conference are fairly rare and an Apostle just devoted his whole conference talk to all to it.  The story he recounted of his parents serving a mission and helping to bring a family into the Church was touching and having had an experience during our last mission of doing something similar, I could relate.  And appropriately, he addressed the fact that most senior missionaries are called to do a wide variety of things, many not directly associated with bringing the gospel to non-members.  Elder Rasband said, “Dedicated service to Jesus Christ will inspire and bless one’s family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.”  That promise alone, from an Apostle of Jesus Christ, makes this worth it.

 

I’ve mentioned to Eileen that our roles here in the mission are in someways similar to utilities, which if they work properly nobody notices.  My role being a bit like that of the electric utility, which if it does not work properly is a great annoyance to all and hindrance to the missionary work.  Eileen’s role is more similar to that of a water and sewer utility, which if it doesn’t work correctly is a crisis and mandates a relocation. As I read my grandson Andrew’s letter to his family yesterday, I thought of Friday afternoon when I was taking a car to the shop because some elders had hit a few cones on the highway and I was also dealing with another missionary’s gas card that had fraudulent transactions on it, I found myself hoping there would be someone who would similarly help him as he serves in Wisconsin.

 

                                Russell feels sometimes like the proverbial street sweeper

Twice a month we have a senior missionary FHE with a guest speaker. This month it was Brother and Sister Freestone. They had some very interesting stories about their time as mission leaders in Greece.  The photo below shows the location Moroni in Greece.  Brother and Sister Freestone are now serving in the Kansas City Temple presidency.

I (Eileen) brought work home for the weekend. We have 28 new missionaries coming in on the next transfer. Seven are waiting for visas to other countries. I go through every single missionary recommendation and set up doctor appointments for those who need to have medical management, document any allergies or concerns and then call the parents if I have questions.  Fortunately we have an LDS doctor who has been great to work with and will see the new missionaries and do Telehealth visits when they get transferred. I make the appointments online for the missionaries even before they arrive in the mission field. I definitely don't want a missionary to run out of meds or have a serious medical issue shortly after they get here and not have them set up with a primary care physician. (sorry it is such a mess, I didn't realize Russell would be taking a photo of my desk as I stepped out of the room).