Lasts and Last Minute

We have had our last transfer sending 23 missionaries home and receiving only 8.  This resulted, as you can imagine, in a few area closures. In the next two groups the mission will loose 18 and 30 respectively. These last few groups are those that came in on the "WAVE" after the age change announcement. We don't know at this time how many will come in.  This influx of returned missionaries trying to get back into college is effecting those who are trying to get into BYU as well.  It seems that the majority who are being accepted are those who went there before their missions.  It appears that the emphasis of "every member a missionary" will be much needed in maintaining the teaching pools of the mission.

Also on the list of lasts were the last leadership council, last interviews, except for emergencies, last minute transfers, last zone conferences, and last minute lunches with former missionaries from Belem and area secretaries, plus anyone else who we can squeeze into the last two weeks.

We participated last Saturday and Sunday in our last Stake Conference in Itaqua stake.  It was under the direction of the Area Seventy, Elder Leal, and was perhaps the best one yet.  The choir was super good and set the stage for a reverent, spirit-filled meeting. His teachings were direct and straight from his training meetings with the Brethren at the last General Conference. It is always such a humbling experience to speak when the Spirit is so strong.  Sunday will be our actual "last" Stake Conference meetings and last Fireside Sunday Evening.

 On May 28 the movers came to pack up our  4 bags and pictures which we were sending home instead of hauling them all the way to California and back to Utah with us.


 This week the painters are at the house sprucing it up for the new couple, so I guess all that is  left is to pack our bags, pick up President and Sister Silcox and head for California.

I had to take one last picture of

our Christmas Poinsettia.  It started as a little three inch plant in the house at Christmas.  Lia, our housekeeper planted it outside in February and it has continued to grow and brighten this corner of our veranda.  By Christmas it should be a wonderful addition to the holiday decorations.


We are so grateful for our wonderful, dedicated office staff  and APs that have taken care of so many details associated with the everyday workings of the mission as well as the changeover to a new president .  We can't imagine life in the mission without them.

Our appreciation and love also goes out to our wonderful housekeeper Lia who just comes and does her magic and leaves without any fanfare.  She has certainly lightened my load not having to worry about maintaining our wonderfully comfortable apartment.

So many blessing filled days in this short term mission!! This will probably be the LAST time we will write until we see you all again.  Thank you again for your love and support. This mission has been such a wonderful blessing in our lives!!!