Russell and Eileen's Church Missions: A GOOD LAST DAY

The week before last was an especially busy one as we worked on five emergency humanitarian projects. Four were completed, while the fifth, and by far the largest, remained pending as we waited for additional information from the NGO. I (Russell) had sent an email outlining the details needed to move the project forward. Because it involved a significant Red Cross response to the devastating fires in Spain and would be reviewed not only in Frankfurt but also in Salt Lake City, the documentation requirements were understandably extensive.

As the new week began, we expected the information to arrive quickly, but Monday passed with no response. Then Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday came and went as well. With each passing day, our concern grew as we wondered whether we would receive everything needed to complete the project.

Finally, on Friday morning around 9:30 a.m., the file arrived containing nearly all the information we had requested. We immediately got to work. Eileen prepared the project in CHaS, the Church's humanitarian software system, while I worked on the slide presentation for the Presiding Bishopric’s review. We were grateful that we had been able to prepare in advance, allowing us to move quickly once the information arrived. After completing our respective assignments, Eileen reviewed my slides and I reviewed her CHaS submission. By 2:00 p.m., the project had been submitted to our supervisors and entered the approval process. We felt thankful for the opportunity to contribute and pleased with what we were able to accomplish together in just a few hours.

That evening, as we reflected on the day, we felt a deep sense of gratitude. What will likely be Eileen’s last day focused entirely on humanitarian work turned out to be a very good one. In recent weeks, she has become increasingly involved in her new responsibilities as the medical advisor for the France Paris South Mission. The physician currently serving in that role will soon be leaving, and Eileen will assume those duties while continuing to support our humanitarian work in Frankfurt whenever possible. Looking back on how everything came together that day, I felt the Lord’s hand in it. It seemed like a tender blessing and an answer to prayer that her final full day devoted to humanitarian projects was both meaningful and successful.

Last Sunday brought another blessing. We were able to listen to our grandson Cameron’s farewell talk before he enters the Missionary Training Center in a few days. We are grateful for his desire to serve the Lord and proud of the faith and commitment he is showing. Watching him prepare for this important step in his life filled our hearts with joy, hope, and gratitude.

As we reflect on these experiences, we are reminded of how blessed we are to serve together, to witness the generosity and compassion of so many people, and to see the Lord’s hand guiding both our work and our family. For these blessings, we are deeply grateful.

It is amazing that with modern technology we were able to hear our grandson Cameron give his mission farewell talk last Sunday.

We had Elder and Sister Clemes over for dinner last Sunday. They will be replacing the Muellecks in the humanitarian department.

Elder and Sister Nikopoulos arrived this past week. He is the psychiatrist for the area missionaries and will consult as needed.

Elder and Sister Murdock presented at our FHE. They were both in the Tabernacle Choir for many years. They gave a very interesting presentation. Elder Murdock is one of our Area Mental Health Advisors.

This photo of the eclipse was taken by our Area Medical Advisor, Elder Boud, this past week.

We have had a bad drought in Europe this past year. There are a lot of upset people complaining that their river cruise through Europe ended up being a bus tour.