DEPARTING DINNER & FIRESIDE FEB 2010

On Thurs. evening, the missionaries drive from the temple to the mission home for a departing banquet and then it is off to the chapel for a departing missionary fireside. This is a wonderful evening we get to spend with our missionaries who will be leaving much too soon. We had 28 for dinner-- ribs and the works. This fireside is such a special time. Anyone who is connected to the departing missionaries in anyway- investigators, ward members, new converts, etc can come and get to hear the missionaries final testimonys. It is a spiritually powerful meeting and very well attended.
Practicing for the musical number they will be singing at the fireside this evening.

Some basement relaxation while waiting for dinner. Elders Ross and Tye
Elder Sill
Elder Ray
Sister Carpenter and her mother (her family came to pick her up) and me in my apron getting dinner ready.
Elder Tye and his family who came to pick him up.

Elders McGill and Coleman

The gum is full after the fireside
Elder Packer
Elder Ross

Sis Carpenter

Elder Smith and Simmons
Elder Tye
Elders Ika and Tauofoo
Elders Tamir, Turley, and Chimee
Elder Ross
Elder Hall
Elder Ray

Elder Wilkey

Sis Carpenter
Elders Hill, Holmstead, Baraza, Wilkes, Metcalf, and Simmons

Elder Newton
Sis. Reid
Elder Newton and Sis. Ferry
Elder Newton

DEPARTING MISSIONARIES ATTEND THE TEMPLE

On Thurs. , Feb 4, we left from the transfer meeting and head to the temple with the missionaries that will be going home tomorrow. (I was not able to go this month due to some scheduling conflicts). The whole departing group: Pres. Albright, Elders Packer, Smith, Wilkes, Newton, Turley , Ray, Brown, Ross, Sister Carpenter, and Elder Tye.


Elder Packer
Elder Newton

Elder Turley
Elder Wilkes
Elder Smith
Elder Ray
Elder Tye
Sister Carpenter
Elder Brown
Elder Ross

THE MORNING OF TRANSFERS FEB4, 2010

On Thursday morning, after a nice breakfast and some more instructions, our new missionaries are ready to head to the church and meet their trainer-the first companions. The President considers the trainers one of the most important callings. The new missionaries are in good hands. From these trainers they learn the schedule, devotion, obedience, and enthusiasm for a mission. We take pictures before we leave the house and mail one to the parents as quick as we can we youknow they have arrived safely.
Sister Barrero
Sister Aulava
Sister Nichols
Elder Hancock

Elder Gubeli
Elder Jacobsen

Elder RothmanElder Bates
Elder Bowers
Elder Zapate
Elder Greer
Elder Chueng
Elder Choi

13 0New Missionaries Arrive Feb.3,2010

On Wed. the 3rd our 13 new missionaries arrived. The Assistants and President pick them up at the airport. When they arrive at the mission home they are treated to a special welcome dinner. (Pork lion, potatoes, and all the extras) The office staff is all there to welcome them and President Albrights counselors and their wives. So we had 27 people for dinner. Those 2 dinning rooms really were a great idea. 1st dining room: Elder Cheung, Greer, Sister Nichols, and Elder Hancock. Elder Ross, and Sill, and Sisters Barrero and Aulava
2nd dining room: Elders Jacobson, Rothman, Pres. Albright, Elder and Sis Cornder, Elder Bell, Pres. and Sis. Ward, Elders Bates and Bowers, Zapata and Gubeli
Paperwork and orientation training


Elder Sill
Downstairs meeting after dinner for training and testimonies.
Our office elders: Johnson and Scoble


Elder Johnson cooking breakfast the morning after the new missionaries arrive. The elders sleep in the basement where there are beds for 14 and mats for 6 more. the sisters sleep upstairs where there are beds for 6 sisters plus our room.
Elder Scoble
President and Elder Ross
Elders Sill and Bell give instruction

A winter wonderland.

In the middle of January we had this beautiful snowstorm. It left everything looking beautiful. Every branch of every tree was coated in snow. The only sad part was, we had 24 baptisms cancelled. And so the next weekend when it snowed, we went ahead with about half of the those scheduled that weekend. The decision about the baptisms is up to the stake Presidents and what the conditions are in their area. The front of the house.
looking out the front door
the back yard

Departing interview & Tie ceremony.

On Tues, the 2nd of Feb. the departing missionaries came to the house for their departing interviews. While they are here, they bring me a favorite conversion story for a book I am putting together. It is a wonderful keepsake. They also mark their favorite scripture in a set of scriptures we are compiling. And they bring their tie to hang on the banister. (They will be made into a quilt eventually). While Pres. interviews each missionary in his office, I get the pleasure of visiting with the others in the living room and have treats in the kitchen. It is a really fun, and kind of sad morning. It sets in that they are really coming home and have just about reached the end of their missions. They are here with their MTC district and are very close friends. I don't seem to have a picture of Elder Tye, I am so sorry.Don't know how that happened. Elder Wilkes
Elder Newton (tying backwards isn't real easy)
Elder Newton
Elder Turley

Sister Carpenter (of course the sisters participate)
Elder Smith
Elder Brown

Elder Turley
Elder Ray
Elder Packer
Elders Smith, Turley, and Wilkes
Elders Hall, Brown, Smith, and Wilkes
Elder Ray at the end of the table

Elders Ray and Brown
Elder Wilkes

Elder Packer and Clinger
Elder Packer and Brown

Elder & Sister Sowby entertain the Elders

We have a wonderful missionary couple, the Sowbys, who are here as CES missionaries. They are so good about feeding and taking care of the missionaries in their ward and zone. They had Elders Holmstead, Metcalf, and Whitaker over for dinner and shared these pictures with us.Elders Holmstead, Whitaker, and Metcalf with the Sowbys behind them.
Yummy dinner
4 guys doing dishes. Good job.

YEAR END STATISTICS

I Know we had posted our goals for last year 2009. 400 was the goal. Thought you would all like an update.

Our missionaries are incredible. They worked so extremely hard. They are kind, driven, and love the people. They are filled with charity and want to share the Gospel with everyone they see.

We had a 27% increase over the last year for both baptisms and reactivations. There were 262 people reactivated by the missionaries. This does not include those reactivated by members through ward efforts.

We had 397 baptisms. YEAH! This was wonderful since we had a week of weather that made it almost impossible to do missionary work. Instead our missionaries performed service by shoveling and helping stranded people. On the weekend we were snowed in, we had 21 baptisms cancelled. We know our missionaries did everything they could to reach their goals. Way to go Washington DC South Missionaries. You are the Best!

Return and Report Thur. January 21, 2010

We held Return and Report on January 21,2010. This is an opportunity for the recently arrived missionaries to come back to the mission home and report to us how they are doing after their first 3-4 weeks in the mission field. This group had really great reports. They had wonderful experiences to share and testimonies had already grown even stronger. We hold a meeting downstairs at the mission home. The office staff gives more detailed instructions on a variety of subjects: finances, rent, cars, health, mail, etc. Then Elders Ross and Bell gave very inspiring talks about setting mission goals and the importance of study time. Each new missionary then had the opportunity to share their feelings and experiences of the last month. Pres. and I conclude with some video clips from "facing Giants" and "The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier" with comparison to missionary work and working their very hardest and being diligent in the work. We then had Hawaiian haystacks for lunch. It was fun to visit and get to know them a little better. The newest group: Kneeling: Elders Kelley, Walls, Coleman, Tamir, Taufoou, and Bell

Back: Johnson, Ross, Stoker, Peterson, Espinoza, Ford, Allen, Barrett, Keefer,Scoble, Bolos, Malmberg, Franzwa, Gray, Shupe, Knowles, Stewart, Hansen, Sister and Pres. Albright
Elder Espinoza
Elders Taufoou and office Elder Johnson
Elders Coleman, Stewart, and Hansen


Elders Ross, Barrett, Gray, Stoker, Peterson, Allen, Ford, Franzwa and Kelley
Elders Bell, Espinoza, Bolos, Morill, Shupe, Keefer, Wall, Tamir, Scoble, and Knowles
Elders Ford, Keefer, and Franzwa
Pres Albright and Elder Knowles

Elders Ta'ufo'ou and Espinoza
Elder Scoble and Sister Malmberg
Downstairs getting ready to start the meeting

Visitor Center Performances 1-1-10

If you would like to see the DC South Mission performance at the Festival of Lights which was held at the Temple Visitor's Center go to YOUTUBE. Type in dcmissionmom , hit enter. You will have 7 videos pop up. ENJOY!!!!
Or click this link...
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dcmissionmom&search_type=&aq=f

SPANISH FORUM JAN 2010

Spanish Forum was held on Tues January 19, 2010 at the Ox Road chapel. The Spanish missionaries love to get together and feel the spirit of the Spanish work. It gives them a chance to discuss how the Spanish work should be done and share ideas with each others. It is a good thing the spirit is present because Pres. and I enjoy the day even though we can't understand anything that is being said. And the food is always the great. The spanish ward has phenomenal cooks and we get to try new authentic foods. The program included President Burton. I can tell that he is really super at Spanish because he has the missionaries apt attention and the love to hear him. Sister Johnson spoke about "Standing as a Constant Witness", and then they had 2 breakout groups. One was "Effective Use of Scriptures" by Elders Simmons and Kirkham and the other was "giving 2 minute Power Lessons" by Elders Johnson and Brogan. Elder Jeppesen gave a "language lesson". He is a very fluent and understands Spanish rules exceptionally well. Hermanas Alvarado and Larsen sand a musical number, Elder Williams talked about "An Attitude of Exact Obedience". Hermana Reid addressed "Loving the people by appreciating their culture". Testimonies were shared by Elders Newton, Wilkes, and Smith who are leaving with the next transfer. President Albright gave the closing remarks in English, and I enjoyed it immensely. These are all the Spanish speaking missionaries: Hermanas Larsen,Gwynn, Knutsen, Bay, Downey, Funch, Johnson, Reid, Ferry, Alvarado, and Burton. 2nd Row: Pres. & Sis. Albright,

Cuevas, Andrew, Tovar, Loppe, Barraza, Shupe, Jeppesen, Orme, Searcy, Cortez Larsen .

Back Row: Smith, Rex, Wilkes, William, Brogan, Johnson, Stewart, Allen, Peterson, Hansen.
Hermanas: Larsen, Gwynn, Knutsen, Bay, Downey, Funch, Johnson, Reid, Ferry, and Alvarado.

Standing: Sister Albright and Burton
The spanish members that fixed lunch
Singing in Spanish
Sisters Ferry and Alvarado
Sisters Larsen, Downey, and Reid
The Mexican spread
President Albright
Lining up for lunch:
Elders Kirkham, Shupe, Stewart, Barraza, and Brogan
Elders Cortez, Larsen, Johnson, Loppe
Elders Simmons, Peterson, Jeppsen, Cuevas, Simmons, Rex, and Smith
Sisters Gwynn, Knutsen, Bay, Larsen, Alvarado, Johnson, Funch and Downey

Sister Ferry, Reid,President Albright and Burton and Sis. Burton
Sisters Funch, Johnson, Bay and Knutsen
Pres. Albright speaking

President Burton charming the missionaries

Elder Cuevas
Sister Reid

Elder Wilkes

Sisters Alvarado and Larsen singing

STAKE BREAKFAST AT PRESIDENT WHEATLEYS' HOME

The Oakton zone had a Saturday morning breakfast at President Wheatley' s Home. Pres. Albright was able to attend and said it was a really great missionary meeting and they had a wonderful breakfast and lots of fun.

PRAY FOR OUR ELDER

One of our Elders lost his father this month. It was very sad and difficult. We love this young man and felt great concern as we headed to his apartment to tell him of his loss. We prayed all the way there and I felt a lump in my throat and in the pit of my stomach. How do you share such news with someone. There is just no easy way. After being told of his father's passing and getting through the initial shock and tears, he decided that going to work as hard as he could would be the best thing he could do. It has been 2 1/2 weeks and he is working hard and trying to be strong. Please remember our DC Elder and pray for peace and comfort to continue to be with him as he serves the Lord so diligently. Thanks for the prayers. I know they will help him.

ZONE CONFERENCE FREDERICKSBERG Jan 18,2010

The last Zone Conference of the transfer was in Fredericksberg on Mon, Jan 18. This conference was alot of fun. This group was very open and talkative and we had lots of fun participation. President Albright starts each conference out with stories about the mission and compliments everyone on how well the mission is doing. He told this story from Elder Lee.

He and his companion had all their appointments fall through one day and that was discouraging and so they spent hours tracting and hadn't had any luck. They were feeling pretty sad and sat down on the curb dejected. As they were sitting there a man who was obviously drunk came walking (stumbling ) up and sat down next to them. (picturing this is kind of funny). He asked them " so what's different about your church"? Who would of thought he would care? Well they visited with him, set up an appointment and he was baptized 2 weeks later. Elder Rusk and Walls had 17 investigators at Sacrament meeting on one Sunday. They are all people from Napal. They are having great success with this group of wonderful people.

The zone leaders are Elders Smith and Johnson. For their presentation on finding the one they jumped up and asked "what is one way we can get the One? and Elder Ross jumped up in a split second and roped Elder Johnson from clear across the room and he said, "Here's one way".

It was so funny. Everyone just laughed and laughed. Elder Ross is our mission cowboy. He is a professional rodeo roper and has set roping records. They talked about reaching the "Apostolic standard" each week and encouraged their zone with a commitment to "Be the Apostolic Zone"

The zone includes: Elder Johnson sitting, lst row:LaRochelle, Smith, Ockler, Thompson, Ross, Pomeroy, Logan, Sis. and Pres Albright, 2nd row: Knowles, Walls, Baldwin, Bales, Hutchinson,

Bell and Johnson. Back row: Scoble, Knechel, Rusk, Turley, Strong, McFarlane, Neilson, Wasden, and Kelley.
The ward that fixed our lunch was so incredible. They put on a Luau for us. They decorated everything like Hawaii and had all this wonderful food. We even were given Leis for everyone to wear. Even the bishop came and helped. they had a sign with the theme

MISSIONARIES HAVE GOSPEL FEVER!!!
We had district pictures in front of this Hawaiian backdrop. Elders Hutchinson, Logan, Lee, Pomery, Turley and Searcy. Hang Loose
attempting a little hula
Elders LaRochelle, Ockler, Kelley, Knechtel in front, Bales, Neilson, Johnson and Smith

Elders McFarlane and Wasden front and Walls, Rusk, Baldwin and Knowles

Elders Turley, Thompson, LaRochelle, and Smith
The Hawaiian cooks

Singing
Elders McFarlane, Ross, Walls, and Rusk
Elder Kelley
Elder Turley and Lee
Elders Logan and Lee
Elders Bell and Scoble learning the hula


The cooks join us for lunch
Elders LaRochell, Wasden and McFarlane
Elders Ockler, Hutchinson, and Knechtel
Elders Bales, Ross, Johnson, Baldwin, Scoble, and Knowles
Elders Cornder, Kelley, Neilson, Bell, Logan, Lee and Turley
Elders Ockler, Hutchinson, Knechel, LaRochelle, Wasden and Bales with Pres Albright
Elders Rusk, Thompson, Pomeroy, Smith, Walls and Johnson

The tables looked very festive and they had fresh fruit decorated and cut really cute in the center, the most delicious Pork, rice, homemade rolls, (we could smell them baking during the morning session of conference) and lots of great desserts
Missionaries Have Gospel Fever!!!

OAKTON ZONE CONFERENCE Jan 15, 2010

Oakton Zone conference was held Fri, the 15 of January. I was not able to attend this conference, but Pres told me it was wonderful as the rest. The zone leaders are Elders Sill and Giraud-Carrier. They gave a presentation comparing missionary work to fishing because we are fishing of men. They went into great detail about changing the bait, changing the location, changing the time of day that you fish, changing the type of bait and other things like leaving your hook in the water longer. Pres. said it was very effective. Another great Zone leader presentation. And the Assistants presentation continues to be really inspiring. Zone members include: Sisters Baxter and Carpenter, and Elders (they are too small to see)

Sill, Giraud-Carrier, Loar, Brazell, Packer, Clinger, Scharlling, Butcher, Wilkinson, Hoffer, Kirkham, Hansen, Jeppesen, and Peterson. Also pictured: Elders Ross, Bell, Scoble, Johnson and President Albright
Elders Schaelling, Butcher and Packer
Line up for "Called to Serve" which is sung to the Relief Society Sisters for cooking lunch
Sisters who cooked
What a great set-up. The tables in a square made it really great for visiting. Starting with the sisters: Carpenter, Baxter, Forsberg, Kirkham, Hansen, Clinger, Kirkham, Butcher, Loar, Packer, Ross, Bell, Scoble, Wilkinson, Hoffer, G-C, and Sill.
Pres. with Elder Schaelling


President Albright demonstrating proper etiquette. The European style of eating is not appropriate in America unless the host eats this way.

ZONE CONFERENCE ANNANDALE Jan 14,2010

The Annandale zone conference is in the mission home's zone and so it includes the office elders and assistants. This is a group we see more regularly. Our zone leaders are Elders Packer and Strong. They gave a great presentation : In order to find the one you must have finding skills. They asked, How does building Christlike attributes help you find? One great quote from them, "It is not the will to win, but the bill to Prepare to win" They referred to the scriptures found in Mark 6 :45-48 and D&C 98:1-3. And made an anology to the story when the disciplies were in the ship on the windy sea. These creative Elders point out things I have never thought of or applied to us. Verse 48 tells us that they had been "toiling in rowing" and the wind was "contrary" or against them and then in the fourth watch or after about 9-12 hours then He came unto them.They related this to the missionaries toiling and sometimes only after many hours or days do we get the help we need. It was very insightful. They said we have to "Pray and work until the Fourth Watch". Work and keep on working, Try and keep on trying. The Zone leaders always impress me with their ideas.

During Pres. Albrights presentation he gave a quote from Elder Bednar.

"Missionaries are full- time teachers and you I (speaking to the members) are full-time finders. Don't expect the missionaries to do your job". I just love that quote. If all the members took it to heart, imagine how much teaching the missionaries would be able to do. They would have so many investigators they would hardly be able to fit in the lessons.

Annandale Zone: Front: Elders Brogan,Johnson, Packer Middle row: Pres. Albright, Gray, Tye, Peterson, Allen, Loppe. 3rd Row: Elders Tamir, Ross, Cuevas, Bell, Barraza, Orme back Row:

Elders Strong Scoble, Forsberg, and Wethington

Sisters Knutsen, Bay, Gwynn and Downey
Elders Brogan, Loppe and Barraza
Elders Scoble, Peterson, Tamir, Tye, Gray, Bell, and Packer
Elders Cuevas and Allen
Elder Orme and Ross
The group lines up to sing
Sisters fix lunch


Elder Bell, Pres, and Elder Strong
Birthday celebration: Elders Cuevas, Peterson, Scoble, Tye, Sisters Bay and Gwynn

ZONE CONFERENCE ASHBURN Jan 12,2010

The Ashburn Zone conference was held on Tues the 12. This zone conference was powerful and productive. We enjoyed hearing each presentation and both the Assistants and the Zone leaders did a great job involving the zone in their presentations. We had a wonderful testimony meeting and felt the spirit as they each bore witness. After lunch we get to interview each of the missionaries. While one gets interviewed by Pres. I get to visit with the companion. This is a favorite part of zone conferences for me. I get to talk to them about their family and health, and feelings and just try to get to know them a little better. It is especially beneficial for meeting the many new missionaries that have arrived in the last few months. While we are interviewing, the rest of the zone is participating in workshops during the afternoon.

Ashburn Zone includes--on the floor: Elders Johnson and Lee. 1st Row: Pres and Sis Albright, Sisters Bennett and Jacobsen, Elders Ottehenning, Brinkley, Davie, Brunstad, Scott, Ross, Bell

2nd row: Elders Scoble, Henrie, Lewis, Garlick, Perkins, Keefer, Ross, Hadfield and Avertt

Elders Garlick, Perkins, Scott, Henrie, Ottehenning and Bell
Elders Brinkley,Lee, Averett, Keefer, Scoble and Johnson
Elder Davie and Sisters Bennett and Jacobsen
Lunchtime

A BEAUTIFUL STORY-Sanghai Lung & Three Angels

Sister Sanghai Lung is a sweet Chinese lady. She is 79 years old. One day in December three of our Sisters: Sister Bagley, Sis Kim and Sis Bertucci were out tracting. They had gone around a neighborhood without any luck and they went to their car because they had an appointment elsewhere. As they were leaving the neighborhood they found themselves in a dead end culdesac and turned around. As they were leaving the neighborhood, Sis Kim had a distinct impression that they needed to go back to that culdesac. They returned and knocked on the door of this sweet lady. When she asked what they were there for they told her they wanted to talk to her about God. She invited them in and was thrilled with their message. In only 2 weeks she accepted the lessons, the message and was baptized on Jan. 2, 2010. The beautiful part of this story is that Sis Lung had been desiring to know the truth about God and she had a dream one night as she slept. In her dream she had 3 angels come to her door with a message about God. And so when these sisters (they happened to be on a split and had THREE of them together) showed up on her doorsteps, she knew immediately that they were from God. They surely found a Golden one with Sis. Lung.

ZONE CONFERENCE WOODBRIDGE Jan 11,2010

The Woodbridge Zone Conference was held on Monday the 11th. We are into our 2nd week. The Zone leaders in this zone are Elders Wilkes and Williams. The exciting news we got to share at the first of this conference is that we had 16 baptisms this weekend. all 16 of the 16 scheduled took place. That is rare as something usually happens and only part of them actually take place. And here is Woodbridge a family of 6 was baptized this weekend. That is the best.

During Pres. Albright's talks he told about how much Nephi loved Isaiah. 433 verses of Isaiah are found in the BoM which is 1/3 of Isaish and 391 verses are about Christ. 352 of the verses of Isaish are found in 1 & 2 Nephi. They read through Isaiah 53 and how it gives prophecies of Christ. They missionaries really enjoy digging into the scriptures together and discussing their meanings.

When talking about Breaking Barriers the Assistants said "Many of lifes barriers come from within--set by our own beliefs. " Barriers to mission work can be overcome by believing what we can accomplish". The Zone Leaders emphasized Prayer when talking about finding the "one". They had different Missionaries tell about example of times when prayer had led them to finding.
Front row: Pres. Albright, Elders Ross, Hill, Simmons, Sisters Albright, Funch, Johnson, Wilkey, Johnson, Buie, Lee, Jones, Morill, Bell and Back row: Elders Scoble, Barnes, Stewart, Tovar,Willaims, Tamir, Wilkes, Rex, Coleman, Stockham, Beal, Bullock, Lawson, and Hunt.

Posing for the camera.
Elder Wilkey--thumbs up!
Birthday celebrations--Elders Wilkey, Bell, Barnes, Sis Johnson and Funch, and Elders Wilkes and Buie.
Singing to the Sisters (relief society who fixed lunch)
These sisters all come to fix lunch for the zone. They all love the missionaries.

Elders Lee and Tamir
Sisters Funch and Johnson
Elders Tovar and Scoble cleaning up while Coleman get his last bite.
The Sisters with Pres.
Elders Hill, Bullock, Hunt, Lawson, and Lee

Elders Wilkey, Bell, Tovar, Stewart, Williams, Ross,and Johnson
Elders Barnes, Beal, Jones, Buie, Tamir and Scoble
Elders Simmons, Cordner, Rex, Wilkes, and Morill
Lunch time
Musical number sung by elders

MT. VERNON IS A SPECIAL PLACE

On Saturday, Jan. 8th we took a little excursion to Mt. Vernon with the Assistants-Elders Ross and Bell, Office Elders-Elders Scoble and Johnson and 2 sweet Sisters--Arnett and Malmberg. Saturdays are the office's Prep day (although they usually work on that day also) and so we snuck them away to see Mt Vernon because non of them had visited there. We think it is a special, quite sacred place. It has a very special spirit about it. Anyway, it was pretty cold, so we all bundled up. We enjoyed the grounds, the home itself , the movies, and the museum. We took them to lunch on the way home and had a really nice afternoon. Then it was back to work.In front of Mt Vernon (it looks much different in the summer and winder). Elders Scoble and Johnson, Sisters Malmberg and Arnett, Pres. Albright, Elders Ross and Bell.
Elder Scoble, Johnson Bell and Ross with the Washington Family. Pres. and Martha Washington and her two children from her first marriage. She was a widow when she married George Washington.
Sisters Arnett and Malmberg with the bronzes.
Sister Malmberg, Sis Albright and Sis Arnett with the Potomac in the background
Four Dignified Gentlemen on the porch on the back steps of Mt Vernon overlooking the Potomac
taking in the view

this is the original
The movie about Pres. Washington
Lunchtime with Sis. Malmberg, and Arnett, Elder Johnson, Ross, and Bell with Pres Albright

ZONE CONFERENCE CENTREVILLE Jan 8, 2010

The Centreville Zone Conference was held on Fri, the 8th. The Zone Leaders are Elder Holmstead and Elder Metcalf. We followed the same outline as the other conferences. One thing I have not mentioned is we always have a section where I get to give some kind of instruction about health or behavior, etc. This time we had a discussion on 'Etiquette' . It was fun. I read to them some of the "Rules of Civility" outlined in Pres. George Washington's personal manual on how to behave. They had really strict and specific rules in his day. For example: "When you sit down, keep your feet firm on the ground and even, without putting on foot on the other or crossing them" or "Shift not yourself in the sight of others, nor gnaw your nails." and "Shake not the head, feet, or legs. Roll not the eyes, lift not one eyebrow higher than the other. Wry not the mouth, and bedew no man's face with your spittle by approaching too near when you speak." I assured the missionaries that we have much easier etiquette rules, like; "Put your napkin in your lap first thing". They asked some very good questions, like "What if someone asks you a question and your mouth is full? We went over the rules of how to hold silverware properly and how to use it when cutting food. We have witnessed a number of missionaries using the "shovel" method and reminded them we are in very dignified area of the country. It was a fun presentation.

The Zone leaders used Jerimiah as their basis for their thoughts. They talked about fishing: using the right bait, reeling in correctly, having patience. They asked What does it mean to "keep your line in the water" --being a missionary at all times, not just when scheduled. They reminded us that the mission call letter states that they "will donate all their time".That means even when tired, cold, and depressed. They reminded their zone to be hunters and fishers and look for the one everywhere. They gave a great presentation.

During President's scripture discussion, he talked about all the prophecies of Christ that are found in Psalm. It is hard to believe that the Jewish faith doesn't realize that these prophecies are fulfilled. I love the Presentation on Christ and His Life and Atonement. It brings a wonderful spirit before the testimony meeting. During the testimony meeting at this zone their were such beautiful testimonies shared. One elder said "Don't be afraid to fail--the Lord has to break you to mold you". Another said "A mission changes us--let it change you. I have become thirsty for mission work". A Sister said "We as missionaries are angels sent into peoples Gethsemanes with a message that changes their lives". Another said, when talking of the atonement , "Christ said, " I have engraven you on the palms of my hands" These marks remind him of us. The atonement is true even for those who don't know of it". What powerful testimonies these missionaries share with the world.
The Zone includes: kneeling: Sister Lau, LeSueur, Reid and Ferry, Elders Johnson, Brown, Holmstead, and Bluemel,and standing: Elder Scoble, Pres and Sis Albright, Elders Bell, Espinoza, Robbins, Wallace, Metcalf, Ross, Franzwa, Ford, Elder and Sister Maldonado, Elders Caresia, Ika, Markestein, Shupe, and Searcy.
Goofy
Learning the pose for the pictures
Elders Markestein, Brown, Bluemel, Ika, Caresia, Johnson, and Scoble
Elders Metcalf, Holmstead, Bell, Searcy, Shupe and Elder Maldanado
The luncheon had a snowman theme. Cute!
Sisters Reid, Ferry, LeSueur, and Lau
Sisters LeSueur and Lau
Sisters Reid and Ferry
Elders Searcy and Shupe
Elders Walace, Espinoza, Franzwa, Ford, Robbins, and Ross
Elders Espinoza, Franzwa and Ford (three of our new missionaries)
Elder Markestein is doing a great job!
Relief Society Sisters take the stage
Singing for our supper.

ZONE CONFERENCE MC LEAN Jan 7,2010

Zone conference for the McLean Zone was held on Jan 7, 2010. The zone leaders in this zone are Elders Egan and Ozaki. They are gentle yet strong leaders and do a wonderful job. Each zone conference follows basically the same agenda with small variations. It does seem like it gets better as we do it more and by the 8th one, we finally have it right. At this conference President Albright also told about Joshua and his challenges. "Be strong and of good courage, be not afraid, not dismayed". He continued with the story and told about "Achan". This was a man in Joshua's army who disobeyed and hid up treasures under his tent from the spoils of Jericho. No one knew about it, and after he did this the next battle was lost. When it was discovered that he had disobeyed, Achan was stoned, and then the Lord's spirit and help was able to with them again. A mission can be the same. Complete obedience by everyone helps the Lord's spirit fill the mission. And one disobedient missionary can do great harm to an entire mission.

The Assistants "break the Barrier" presentation was even more powerful today. When you have barriers in front of you, it often takes a "leap of faith" to work through them. To illustrate this they had 3 missionaries come to the front of the room. They had 2 of them hold a 8 foot long 2"X6" board at each end just about 5 inches off the floor. They blind folded the third elder and had him stand in the center of the board. Then they had the other two elders raise the board up higher and higher. The elder on the board held onto Elder Ross' shoulders for balance. As the board went higher, elder Ross eventually held the hand of the missionary. Finally, when they were up next to the ceiling they asked the missionary to jump of the board.

It took a leap of faith, but it was incredible to me that they were willing although very nervous. When they lept, they discovered that they were really only about 6-8 inches off the floor. (Elder Ross was just squatting down). This illustration was really fun and they were able to draw many comparison to missionary faith from it. The missionaries really have a lot of fun in their meetings and presentations and they are very creative.

Elder Ozaki and Egan presented a 5-step plan for Finding the One" -PPFTB or Prepare, Plan, Find, Teach, and Baptize. During the Finding step they said finding must be constant and to use the Escalator effect. (on an elevator you approach very few people and on an escalator you are constantly approaching people). Don't you love these missionaries ideas.

Our Car Czar, Elder Cordner, gave instruction and awards. Elder Page was declared one of the "Frozen Chosen" or Iron Man for riding a bike consecutively for8 1/2 months. This Zone conference also concluded with a beautiful testimony meeting. My favorite part.

Zone members include: front: Elders Bullock, Larsen, Cortez, Ta'ufo'ou, Sisters Banks, Hahn, Larsen Alvarado, Murray, Bolorsatkhan, Sister Albright, and Pres. Albright middle row: Freeland, Bell, McGill, Hall, Ray, Bolos,and Ross, Back row: Ozaki, Page, Egan, Scoble and Johnson.
Goofy around
This ward went the extra mile. They had the table all decorated and a mission theme. They had made signs about mission work and extra treats for everyone. It is amazing how good these wards are to these missionaries. They always fix wonderful meals.



Elders Ross, Freeland, Bullock and Johnson
Cute sisters table: Sisters Alvarado, Larsen, Murray, Bolorsatkhan, Banks, and Hahn
Elders Ross, Page,Bolos, Cortez, Larsen, Ray, and Hall
Elders Bell, McGill, Taufoou, and Car Czar Elder Cordner
Pres. and Elder Cordner
Cleaning up and getting ready to serinade the Relief Society sisters
Elders Scoble gives Elder Page a Neck grip

Elders McGill, Ray, and Hall
More distinguished now
Elders Cortez and Larse
Elder Taufoou
Sisters Banks and Hahn
Elder Egan thanking the Sisters and Brother who made lunch
On your mark...
Get set...
Elder Bolos and Ozaki
GO


Elder Cortez

ZONE CONFERENCE MT. VERNON Jan 5, 2010

I am really excited to start Zone Conferences again. With the visit from Elder Walker and Christmas Conference we have not had a "regular" set of conferences for a few months. It will be fun to visit with everyone and interview each of them. Our first conference was the Mt. Vernon Zone. The zone leaders are Elders Newton and Sackett. The conference was really great with themes on Breaking Barriers and Finding the One. The assistants did a super job of setting a new goal of 500 for next year with a motivating presentation about Roger Banister who broke the 4 min. mile. And then comparing his belief in his ability to break that barrier to the missionaries. Then the Zone leaders talked about Finding the one and having the courage to set a date. They said "No more hanging out, get dates." (This was referring to the advice given at BYU to not just "hang out" but to go on dates.)Pres. Albright and I gave a 45 min power point presentation on Christ and the Atonement. We wanted to start the year by sharing our love for the Savior and a reminder that our purpose is to bring others to Christ. Pres Albright also talked about the scriptures and told great stories. He used Joshua as an example referring to Joshua being told to "be strong and of good courage" and to "not be afraid". He encouraged our missionaries to be the same. I really think the missionaries love him. He has a wonderful way of making them relaxed and comfortable with him. And I know that he really does love each one of them. We ended with a testimony which is always the highlight of the day.The members of this zone are: Elder and Sis. Peacock,Sisters Malmberg, Arnett, Bagley,and Kim,Elder Barrett, Grundvig,Newton, Mechling, Geary, Karren, Bell, Pres. & Sis Albright,Doman, Reeves, Sackett,Stuart, Gillihan, Houggard, Bird and Ross.
Birthdays are celebrated: Sis Kim Elders Geary, Scoble and Elder Peacock
Zone leaders Sackett and Newton
Elders Sackett and Newton thank the RS sisters
We stand on the line and sing "Called to Serve' to the sisters who fix lunch for us.
Elder Johnson thumbs up
Elder Mechling standing with Elder Gillihan
Sisters Arnett, Malmberg and Peacocks, Kim, and Bagley
Elders Houggard, Bird, Johnson, Scoble, and Mechling
Elders Grundvig, Geary, Gillihan, and Ross
Elders Bell, Sackett, Barrett, and Reeves
Pres Albright, Elders Doman, Stuart, Newton and Fukui

FAREWELL TO ELDER GIFFORD 1-04-10

Elder Gifford's father came to Washington to pick him up from his mission. We got some pictures of when they first saw each other. It was very touching. Reuniting missionaries with their parents is a hard reunion to explain. I have experienced it twice and it is like Christmas morning for the mothers and fathers. I think it is more of a sureal and confused feeling for the missionaries. They have just completed the most wonderful and meaningful two year experience and they are usually wishing they could stay in the mission field, yet at the same time excited to see their families. I remember, as a mother, counting the days until my sons came home. If I knew then what I know now. Here comes your missionary, back to your care and really they have become incredible leaders and grown men and women able to run wards and branches, preach great sermons and and show love for so many kinds of people. They are excited to see their families and at the same time the adjustment is probably harder than when they came into the field. Sorry about all this rambling. It was just that we got to witness this reunion. It was fun to see a father and son be reunited after 2 years. We had them over for dinner at the mission home the night before they left. Thanks for all you did Elder Gifford. We miss you already..
Jan 4,2010 at the mission home
Elder Gifford and his father
Pres and I with the Giffords
5 minutes after the reunion
Elder Gifford sees his father and gives him a long hug.

MISSION HOME FIRSIDE 1-03-10

This mission home fireside was uplifting and spiritual. We invited Steven Nyambekyere from Ghana to be our speaker. Steven has an incredible story. He was introduced to the church in Ghana originally, but was not interested at the time. ( Statistics show it takes about 6 introductions to the church before someone responds)When he came to the US the missionaries knocked on his door and he only let them in because their tags said "Jesus Christ" on them. He listened to a lesson. Then he went to Texas for a couple of weeks and while he was there, he read the whole Book of Mormon. When he returned to Virginia, he walked 2 miles from the bus stop to the church on Sunday. When he entered he met Elders Leiser and Gifford. He told them he wanted to be baptize and about 2-3 weeks later Elder Gifford Baptized him. What a great young man. He gave a beautiful talk about his conversion and testimony and the truthfulness of the restoration

We had about 45 people in attendance, with lots of investigators and brand new converts. I love these fireside because the are so spiritual for the investigators and they hear from these brand new members about their experiences in joining the church.

Elder Gifford also bore his testimony. He will be leaving for home on Tuesday morning and so it was wonderful to hear him one last time. His testimony is strong and powerful and always brings a spirit. President Burton also spoke and gave a wonderful talk. Sis Hahn performed a beautiful musical number. She has a lovely voice.

Pres. Burton, Steven Nyambekyere, and Pres Albright
Pres. Albright, Bro. Gifford, Elder Gifford and Steven
The room is filling up
Sis. Hahn performing
Pres. Burton speaking

Elder Gifford bearing his testimony
Sisters Ward and Burton
Sis. Ward , Me, and Sis Burton
Chelsea Dinon visiting after the fireside
Sisters Hahn and Banks
Elders Ross and Gifford with Chelsea
Elder Bell, Luke (an investigator with a baptism date) and Elder Ross

Elder and Sister Cordner with Elders Gifford and Ross