ZONE CONFERENCE

I've often heard of zone conferences; now I've been to one.  For the parents of missionaries, let me share what temporal training they're receiving.

When I arrived, the parking lot was filled with bright shiny cars, hoods and trunk lids up, waiting for inspection by Elder Clifton, or "The Car Czar," as he's affectionately known.  He checks odometers, tire pressure, cleanliness of the entire car, including the glove box.  Winners get coupons for free sandwiches.  Elder Clifton's own vehicle is supplied with wiper blades and fluid, tire guages and other tools, etc.--a veritable NAPA on wheels.

In the meantime, Elder Scott, who's in charge of housing, had set up a mini-convenience store with free cleaning supplies, electric fans, and some cooking utensils.

Sister Lewis, the President's wife, had organized a clothing exchange.  Although some of the stuff was pretty well worn, some of the suits had actually only been outgrown and were good to pass down.  There was bedding donated, and white shirts were taken to give to investigators who don't have proper church clothes.  I helped hang the clothes, and I felt right at home.

Lunch was served by the local Relief Society sisters (and a few husbands).  Afterward, the elders were quick to put away the tables and chairs; then we filed back into the chapel where they sang to the work crew.  There weren't many dry eyes as they sang, "We are as the armies of Helaman..."

That's only the temporal part.  In addition, the missionaries spoke, taught, sang, led singing, and reported. 

It was a great day; I wouldn't have missed it.

NOTHING NEW

Not much to report.  Still no phone or internet service.  The only time anyone can call me is when I'm away from the apartment, and that means I'm often somewhere I can't conveniently answer calls.  Sorry.

Last night Sister Druyon and I had dinner with the mission president and his wife.  She's a fantastic hostess and a wonderful cook, but I've seen enough of their lifestyle that I don't envy either of them their jobs.  (Think being parents of 225 teenagers and young adults, on call 24/7.)

I've learned enough to be astounded at what goes on behind the scenes of a mission.  Purchasing and maintaining a fleet of vehicles is of itself a bigger job than I had imagined.    Brother Clifton has a section of the office that closely resembles a garage, with tools, tire guages, and spare parts for both cars and bikes.  There's a housing coordinator responsible for finding, inspecting, and maintaining housing.  The financial elder pays all rent and utility bills.  The medical couple take phone calls day and night from missionaries with physical ailments (real and imagined).  It's an impressive support system.

I'm getting to know the missionaries.  One of my favorite names is Elder Outlaw.  It makes me chuckle every time I read or say it.  As you would suspect, there are many missionaries from Utah.  We also have some from Samoa, Mexico, and the Phillipines, in addition to other domestic missionaries.  There are several companionships who speak Spanish, some ASL, Hmong, Laotian, Cambodian, and Filipino.  An interesting and diverse group.

Haven't seen much of Sacramento yet.  But with the weekend ahead, I'm going to take some pictures to upgrade the level of my blogging.

SETTLED IN

First the bad news.

--I get no reception in my apartment for internet or cell phone, so I can't answer calls, texts, or emails while at home.  Serious bummer.  I'll be calling TMobile to see if anything can be done.
--Had a bad day on Thursday.  First day on my own and I had to send more than a week's worth of mail and packages to the new addresses updated after transfers.  I estimate we get about 50 pieces of mail and 7 or 8 packages per day, so after a week we were awash in boxes and letters.  Being in the front office, I get all the visitors...and they want to visit.  This includes the missionaries.  I learned from my predecessor to announce, "OK, Elders, get out on those streets and talk to strangers!"  That same day I lost my favorite earring and found out about the reception problem in the apartment.  First down day.

Now the good news.

--I'm all moved in and have found all my stuff, including my camera.  I've also found which things I left behind by accident.  Luckily, I can call "Ben-Ex" and have my stuff sent.
--The apartment's not bad.  The apartment above us is occupied, but I've been told that the two units to the side of us are "uninhabitable."  And if you think you've seen spiders and webs, Ben and Chelsea, you're in the minor leagues.  I'll need to shampoo the carpets, but it's pretty well equipped.  There's a small washer/dryer, dishwasher, etc.  NOTE TO GRANDKIDS:  There's a swimming pool here, in case you want to come visit me.
--I've now seen the missionaries in action, and it's heartwarming.  Elder Tilley, a brand new trainer on the first day with his trainee, called to tell me that they had visited on a referral from the PA's a Romanian guy named Ted.  They taught him the second discussion, and he committed to baptism on June 2!  Can you imagine the high that new greenie is on?  I was pretty high, myself.
--I have a library card to the Sacramento Library and am sitting at the library to write this.  They also have groups I can join, such as Crochet Club, etc. in the evenings.  My companion goes to the Temple every day, so I'm free to find my own diversions.
--Although hot here, the mornings and evenings are wonderful.  Who knew that seawater comes this far inland?  Anyway, there's a delta breeze that cools everything off.
--The produce is fantastic.  I'm eating lots of berries, asparagus, etc. 

Things I'm glad I brought:

--MY CAR!  Can't imagine doing this without wheels.
--My Wii. As always, it makes me happy.
--My sewing supplies.  Haven't got to it yet, but it's comforting to know that I have a whole basket of unfinished projects.

Things I wish I'd brought:

--The quilt/bedspread that I thought was packed.  (Don't send it; I'm fine without it.)
--More P-day clothes, including Flip-Flops.  Easily remedied.

Incoming

Wow!  I'm so impressed by the kindness of others.

Today was transfer day.  This happens every six weeks, and each time it does the whole zone (35+ missionaries) is treated to breakfast by a ward member at a local restaurant.  Pete Hart is a retired military man and avid BYU fan who has season tickets and doesn't miss a football game in Provo.  He and his wife have no children, and they just love these missionaries.

Midday a woman came by the office with a big box of cookies from a French bakery.  She had noticed my badge last Saturday at the farmers' market, and she and her sister chatted with me for a few minutes.  She mentioned that she might drop by the office for a visit, and here she was, goodies in hand.

Before missionaries arrive in the field, their parents send them bicycles, unassembled.  When I arrived, the whole back room was filled with large packing crates.  Today 16 bicycles stood assembled and ready for their new owners, courtesy of a ward member who does this every six weeks.

Aren't people great?

(Picture of the rows of bicycles belong here, but I took it with my phone, not my camera, and I haven't learned to upload from it yet.)

As for the missionaries.  I haven't seen them in action yet, so I can only attest to how much fun they are on P days.  I've been treated to a magic showand more corny jokes than I can count.  I filled the office candy dish with a 2-lb. bag of Belly Flops (Jelly Bellies that didn't make the cut), and they emptied it in two days.

Tomorrow I'll take over my job in earnest and maybe even my apartment.  Maybe I'll find my camera?

Mother's Day

I've been thinking today of how grateful I am to be a mother and a grandmother.  Happy Mother's Day and thanks to those of you who have provided me with wonderful grandchildren.  They and you bless my life.

At church we were given chocolate and flower seeds....perfect!  Then I had dinner with the other "girls" in the mission:  two who work in the mission office and two who work at DI doing employment counseling.  I have met really nice people here, everywhere I go, especially when wearing my badge.

I forgot to mention that my first day in town, on the way to the office, I stopped at a grocery store to get something for lunch.  I was just getting out of the car when I was greeted with a hearty "Good morning!"  Some of you know I startle easily, and I did.  It was a woman with a copy of THE WATCHTOWER for me.  Made me chuckle.

On the Job

After a day and half on the job, here's what I know:
--I am, indeed, a mail clerk.
--I'm apparently an undemonstrative person...I've never been hugged and kissed so much in my life.
--No question that we're all brothers and sisters.  Everyone knows or is related to someone I know.

I met President Lewis today, who assured me that this would be "hard."  I need someone to define "hard" for me, because it's not evident yet.

While waiting for the departure of the sister I'm replacing, I'm staying with a single woman in the ward here.  She's a kindred spirit.  I wonder if I could just bunk with her for the year?

Last night eight of the senior missionaries and one young set of sister missionaries were treated to a salmon dinner in a lovely backyard overlooking the pool. See what I mean about it not being hard?

D-1. 

I'm in California, poised to begin actual check-in tomorrow.  My neighbor, Deanna Sumsion, rode with me and photographed the whole trip.  We're staying at her parents' home in Cupertino.

Stopped by the mission office yesterday to make sure I could find the place.  It is indeed in a chapel in Fairview.  The office staff welcomed me with hugs.  It's a relaxed, fun atmosphere.  Unfortunately, the "funnest" person is the sister I'll be replacing....so I'll have to step up and be the fun one.

After visiting the office we toured the Jelly Belly factory.  Note to grandkids:  Did you know they make jellybeans with flavors such as Barf, Moldy Cheese, Diaper Wipes, and Booger?  Watch your mailboxes for further proof.

It's already in the 90's in Sacramento, so I'm OK with not being out tracting but working in an air-conditioned office.