Transfers occur every six weeks. On Tuesday, new missionaries arrive from the MTC (we get most from Provo and a few from Mexico City). On Wednesday, the new missionaries meet their new companions and a large portion of the other missionaries in the mission get new assignments (locations) and/or companions. And then on Thursday, the missionaries going home are taken to the airport after having spent their last day with the President and Sister Sommerfeldt going to Adam-ondi-Ahman.
On Tuesday, after they land they are taken to the stake center next to the Kansas City Temple.There they are fed lunch, take pictures at the temple, and are interviewed by both President Sommerfeldt and Eileen. While Eileen has read their missionary papers closely for medical issues beforehand (and in some cases has even called their parents for clarification), it is here that she first gets to see the missionary/potential patient. It is interesting how often things just don’t quite get addressed in their missionary papers. Somehow, things like recent operations, cancer diagnosis, significant emotional issues, necessary medications, etc., just escaped the memories of the missionary, his/her parents and church leaders when they were submitting/being recommended to serve a full-time mission. Prior to their going to talk with Eileen (Sister Healy to them) they come to see me and I have a checklist of non-medical things we need to get or learn from them. Last transfer, this was an easy process as we had only three new missionaries; this transfer, we got 25. It was a sweet experience to meet the new elders and sisters, to feel of their excitement and witness their desire to serve God.
Now that I am no longer the vehicle coordinator, I do not participate (as Eileen does) in a training meeting with the new missionaries on Wednesday before they leave with their new companions While all three days are busy, Wednesday, transfer day, involves the most people in the mission. So when we got word that several of our missionaries would be returning home on Wednesday (SLC makes the travel arrangements for those required to go home early), I was the only one left available in the office who could take the elders to the airport. Other than one elder who wanted to talk to me about going to school and possible career choices, it was pretty quiet in the transit van on that trip to the airport. I felt sad for the elders who had to go home early because of their choices. But I mourned for their families and loved ones. I don’t think the elders fully understood the profound change this could end up being in their lives. I keep praying that they will quickly repent, but recognize that statistically, most will go inactive, which is tragic.
Sister Sheffield practicing with our missionaries for the Royals game next week where they will be singing the Star Spangled Banner.
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