EASTER SUNDAY

Today we celebrate the most important event in human history, the atonement and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Helping to share that message, the good news of the gospel, is the reason we serve as missionaries.  While our current calling to serve in the office and health care of the Missouri Independence Mission may not be at the forefront of preaching the gospel, we are grateful for the opportunity to serve those who do.

Next weekend is General Conference.  As I (Russell) thought about it, I remembered that four years ago on the Sunday before conference, we were flying back from our mission in the Philippines.  And 12 years ago, on the Sunday prior to conference, we were on the last leg of our flight to our mission in Indonesia.  Today I’m wearing the same suit I wore that day 12 years ago.  While the tightness of the waistband tells me I have expanded a bit, I hope that I have grown spiritually also.  At times it seems that what I am learning is really how much I don’t know, and recognizing just how much a struggling work-in-progress I truly am.

Last Fall, we had a rash of young missionaries who were suffering with emotional challenges, several of which had to return home.  Statistically, very few missionaries who go home early, come back to serve the remainder of their original call period.  This week we had the pleasure of picking up three missionaries from the airport. All three had gone home for medical reasons during our period here, two for operations and the third with a debilitating illness.  It was wonderful to welcome them back. 

Two weeks ago, Eileen started getting sick with a respiratory illness.  This last week she finally gave in and I took her to see a doctor.  It is great to live in a day and place where we can access good medical care.  While she still has a deep cough, she is feeling much better.  The curious part of this story is that during the last ten days, Eileen’s phone has rung far less.  We both began to wonder if the missionaries suddenly all got healthy.  Now that Eileen is feeling better, it will be interesting to see if the volume of medical calls increases back to normal.  Regardless of what happens, I will count the ten-day period lull as a blessing.

What a beautiful message we are reminded of this Easter weekend, that of the Atonement and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

Our daughter Heather sent us these Easter eggs with our family member's favorite scripture about Christ          and why we loved that scripture. 

I (Eileen) went shopping for a couch with Sister Creer.  We went to a warehouse near the office.  She needed to find a couch which was not quite so worn out by other missionaries. 

Sad tears at transfers. The sister in the black coat is going home early for a knee injury. 

It is getting warm enough that transfers were done outside in the parking lot.

Sister Noorda, Elder Clifton and Elder Wilhite beat the odds and all came back after having to go home for medical reasons. I was quite involved with their care prior to their return home.  It was wonderful to see them back. 

Newly arrived missionaries.  We send one group home and get the next group an hour later. It is not much rest for the Sommerfeldts.

New missionaries having just been assigned their training companions. I was pleased with the assignments and the inspiration which I knew went in to assigning each missionary their trainer.

 Inside our favorite local restaurant (Hacienda Vieja).  We try to go out  each Saturday night for date night.  We always bring back enough for another meal.