First week of 2018

The year 2018 has started off with a big bang.  We were working in the mission office all day.  Monday through Wednesday was "Transfers."  We had lots of new missionaries arrive on Monday, late afternoon.  Elder Swendsen and I got to have dinner with them at the Mission Home with President and Sister Shields.  Each new group coming in is filled with amazing young missionaries.  After dinner, we all shared our testimonies and sang a few hymns.  Elder Swendsen and I then collected all of their legal papers and headed back to the mission office.  We photocopied all of their paperwork and I sent a letter to all of their parents letting them know that their missionary had arrived safely.  It was a late night - we got home about 10:30.  It was such a great night.  We so love these young missionaries with their enthusiasm and love of the gospel. 
Tuesday morning started early (7:30 am) with orientation of all the new missionaries at the Brampton Stake Centre.  This is done by the three office couples.  The Donnellys (medical staff) and I then head back to the office.  The others have to stay and help with some other things.  Late morning and most of the afternoon is what I call "The Swarming."  Missionaries come and go - checking for mail, getting a few supplies and just visiting for a bit with their extra grandparents (the office staff).  It is a super wonderful time. 
Wednesday was the sad day as we had several of our wonderful elders and sisters go home as they had completed their missions. 
Thursday was another early morning as it was the monthly Mission Leadership Council (MLC).  We had to be at the Mission Office just before 7 AM to start preparing breakfast for about 42 missionaries.  We make waffles and have fruit, yogurt and juice for them.  We get some as well.  They have training all day till about 3 PM or so.  Then it is another "Swarming" time.  It was a wonderful week.  This all happened with three of the office staff being sick (Sister Anderson, Elder Swendsen and myself).  We did survive and are all slowing recuperating.
Sunday evening I had the opportunity to teach a Family History class at our stake centre.  It was about writing stories about your ancestors.  Those, who came, seemed to enjoy it and were able to learn a few things.

This is President and Sister Shields.  They are awesome.  They work very long hours to help the missionaries and help the work go forth.  We love our valiant leaders.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is true.  The Book of Mormon is the word of God.  We are saddened by the passing of our dear prophet, President Thomas S. Monson.  He will be missed.  President Nelson will carry on and the work will continue as the Lord would have it.

Serving a mission is such an exhilarating experience.  We love serving the Lord.