Comings and Goings in the AMM

The days, weeks and months seem to fly by ... especially when measured by the frequency (or infrequency) of our blog posts.

Trish and I just celebrated realized that we passed our "Hump Day", the halfway point of our mission, last month. On one hand, it's hard to believe how fast the time flies; on the other hand, we miss our family back home so much that sometimes it seems a long ways off before we'll see them again.

The mixed feelings are strange: We can't wait to be with our kids and grand kids and hug them all again, but at the same time, we love serving here in this beautiful country with so many wonderful people.

Transfers are one way we measure time in the mission field. They occur exactly every 6 weeks. During transfer week we send home those missionaries who have completed their missionary service, and we receive new missionaries who are just beginning their 18-month (for the Sister missionaries) or 24-month (for the Elders) service. Last week was transfer week. We said goodbye to 8 wonderful missionaries and welcomed 10 new ones. Next month we will be welcoming 21 missionaries, which is a huge group. It's always hard to see them go, but it's a lot of fun to welcome the brand new ones with their fresh faces and wide eyes! 😥

Speaking of departures and arrivals, we sadly said goodbye to our wonderful friends, George and Kathleen Hyde, this past week. Elder and Sister Hyde worked in the mission office with us, so we saw them and associated with them just about every day.  They ended their mission service after one year, a little sooner than some senior couples, so that they could go to Indonesia to pick up their daughter who is serving a mission there. I think to say Elder & Sister Hyde are excited to see their daughter would be an understatement!

The Hydes were the ones that welcomed us and helped us get settled when we first arrived in Australia 10 months ago. They showed us the ropes, taught us to drive on the left side of the road and basically put their arms around us. Their strong testimonies of the gospel and example of faithful, dedicated service were a great example to us. Many of our fondest memories and choicest experiences here in the mission field happened with the Hydes and we will miss them very much!

But as I mentioned above, they go, but then they also come! About 10 days ago we welcomed Barry and Cassie Kennedy to the mission and to the mission office. Sister Kennedy will now be the Mission Secretary, replacing Sister Hyde, and Elder Kennedy is going to take over for me as the Vehicle Coordinator. (I am replacing Elder Hyde as the Finance Secretary, so I've got a lot to learn!)

The Kennedys are from California and we are already enjoying their friendship so much. I have a feeling we're going to have a blast with the Kennedys! 

I don't think I've written much about the Senior Missionaries, couples and singles, that serve here, but it is one of the truly awesome aspects of being in the mission field! We are making lifelong friendships and feel privileged to serve with such wonderful people.

When Senior missionaries depart, we usually get together at the Mission Home for a potluck dinner and just to socialize with one another. Here's a photo (with President Vidmar selfie included) of the Senior missionaries that attended the last get-together. What a great bunch!

There is no question about it, serving this mission is one of the greatest experiences Trish and I have ever had. It's not always easy, and it's tough being away from our loved ones, but there is something special and truly extraordinary about serving with—and for—others. And the opportunity to associate with (and perhaps even influence the lives of) the young missionaries is the best part of it all! What a blessing!