A Fascinating Time

 Our Mission Leadership Training meeting was today from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.  This one was a special one because the leadership of the mission (all young missionaries) put into place our goals for the next six months.  There were probably forty young missionaries there, two on each little window.

We had training from Dave, Deb, Dave's two counselors and the APs.  It was all excellent.  After lunch, (a half hour) we reconvened and the APs took charge.  They outlined 7 points that were made by our area authority last month, asking the rest of us to narrow it down to three.  They opened it for discussion which lasted about half an hour.  At the end of that time they asked for us to send in the top three we preferred. 

The top three were set, so they divided us into three groups where we discussed the point we were assigned and talked about ways to implement it.  In every discussion, it was conducted with absolute excellence.  They seemed so polished in the questions they asked, the follow up with each point and the summary at the end.  Every missionary participated with thoughtful comments.  

Look at these young men...they look like 13-year olds who have dressed up in their dad's suits!  The elder on the left still has rosy cheeks!  Yet the conducted our meeting, asking questions, receiving comments and reaching conclusions with the best of professionals!


I have to tell you that I just love watching these young people.  They are amazing.  They have served for 10 months now under conditions they never would have imagined.  With the new lockdown rules, they have struggled to learn how to find people who are interested, to teach, to baptize, to help get incorporated into the ward.  

We attended Institute this evening, which was also excellent.  The topic is "Emotions in the Scriptures."   The lessons have been very thought-provoking and I have loved hearing from the young adults who attend.

Our YA rep asked this evening on an internet chat for people to let us now if they will be returning to Oxford (or staying in Oxford) with all colleges shut down.  So far a few have answered that they will not be returning.  

These are strange times.....but historic times, which make these days - I think - a fascinating time to live.  

Will that fascination hold?  Ask me again in 10 years.


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