TRANSFERRED???

We bet you thought that temple mission couples were exempt from transfers. We thought that too until last Tuesday, August 26th, when while going about our regular temple assignments we were called to the office  to receive a call from the office of the Area Presidency, in particular Elder Claudio Costa, area president.   After a few words of greeting and explanation of a visa problem, he said, "I am calling at the request of the First Presidency of the Church to call you as Mission President of the Sao Paulo East Mission,  to serve until July 1st, 2015.  Can you accept that call?"  We were both so shocked we could hardly breath. "Oh, yes," he said, "And could you be ready to leave on Friday?"  

So, Wednesday was our last day in the temple. Thursday we packed and Friday morning at 8:10 we flew from Recife arriving in Sao Paulo about noon.  We were met at the airport by the church travel service, driven to the mission apartment, where we met our office Elders and the outgoing President and his wife.  It appears that after their 2 years in Brazil, they neglected to renew their visas so they had to go home. So sad.

We are now in Sao Paulo by the area office, actually staying in our old apartment complex where they were so nice to put us up until we can set apart tomorrow by Pres. Costa and receive further instructions.  It's like coming home again.  We are sure that we are probably the oldest couple presiding over a mission in the whole world.

We are deeply humbled and will "Go forth with faith ..." knowing that "Whom the Lord calls the Lord qualifies."  (Pres. Monson)  

We will be at this apartment until Monday or Tuesday and then be able to get our telephone hooked up in the mission president's residence, which by the way has a pool and 2 extra bedrooms in case anyone wants to come and visit in the next 11 months.  Dad already is enjoying getting behind the wheel of our car, although not enjoying so much the challenging traffic here.  We will send more information and pictures in the next week or so.

We send our love and are so grateful for your continued love, support and prayers.