Mission Tour, grandbaby blessing, transfers,visitors, PA beauty and P Day

 

 We had the great opportunity to have a mission tour with Elder Alan D. Haynie and his lovely wife Debra.  We had two zone conferences instead of three which was fun to bring each half of the mission together for a day.  The first day we were in State College and the second day in Cranberry.  We had a short mission leadership council and a senior couples dinner and meeting also.  We had a wonderful time getting to know them.  We are so grateful for their wisdom, counsel, humor and testimonies they shared.  They took the time to shake hands and visit with each missionary. We thank them for inspiring us all to greater heights!

State College- Altoona, Harrisburg and Williamsport Zones

Cranberry - Pittsburgh, Pitt North, Pitt West and Jamestown Zones

MLC

 

NEW ARRIVALS FROM THE MTC!

Trainers and new missionaries are shown the map of where they will be assigned.  Some will be fifteen minutes away and some have a four hour drive.  Some will be in cars in urban areas some on bikes or walking or in a bus area like downtown Pittsburgh.  Our mission also takes in part of New York, Ohio, and West Virginia!

WELCOME!!

Transfer day is always a crazy day, we have two meeting places in the mission, one is State College for the eastern half of the mission and the other is Green Tree on the west side, where we train the new missionaries so we get to see some of those that are transferring and witness old companions running for a quick hug or saying goodbye to the missionaries going home.  We try to keep it moving swiftly and urgently as possible. If it is raining or snowing it happens much faster!

Those coming from the east meet in State College and caravan out with a trailer full of luggage to the Green Tree chapel which takes three hours and then they get into cars and drive to their area, which could be ten minutes or 3 more hours. Missionaries waiting for a new companion, spend the time at state college OYMing (Open Your Mouth). It is a long day.  Most of the time things get where they need to be but not always! The assistants do an incredible job with logistics for each missionary who is moving, telling them where to be, how to get there, what time to be where and what to remember to do before leaving-like leave the apartment keys or the sim card for the area phone and then more instructions for how to get to the new area.  It really is mind boggling to us!  Once in a while someone might not get in a car they need to or forget to take their luggage out of the trailer, but overall it is a miracle!!  We are always grateful at the end of the day to hear that all is well!

Sister Lynch, our secretary keeps all those supplies and mail moving and so much more!! We love her!

Elder Waite, our assistant at the desk one last day! We will miss you!

Elder Hale and Elder Stratford, our awesome assistants!

I just had to put these  three pictures in, this is an old Catholic school that the church bought and turned into a Branch building many years ago.  The branch was recently closed, so as we had our last interviews in the building, I stepped into the chapel for one last look and to see the amazing pink tile wall that is original, and saw the last song sung open in the songbook.  It is, I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go.  I thought it was a touching example of a congregation who has the faith to continue as members in a new ward, following their Savior wherever he wants them to be.  Thank you McKeesport branch! We love you!

Elder and Sister Fronk had to return home to Idaho early because dear Elder Fronk was delivering bread and fell and broke his ankle.  He needed more surgery, so we and the Mansfield Branch had to sadly say goodbye.  We love you!

Our departing group!  The elders in this group were actually in the MTC with us and arrived four days before we did, two years ago!  It was sad to see them leave, but we are so proud of all of these wonderful missionaries and grateful for their service! We love you!

Right before the transfer, we had a wonderful gift, our son Craig, his wife Brooke and three girls came to beautiful Berlin where Brooke is from.  They blessed Baby Callyn on Father's Day, and it was the best gift any grandpa Steve (campa) could ask for!

A fun visit from friends back home, Julie and Russ Randle! Thank you for taking the time to visit us! We love you guys!

We had another fun visit and lunch with Sister Sarah Bowden Peterson and her new husband Joseph who were traveling through the mission!

Awards from some sisters- Strike out? Foul?

Two years ago we landed in Pennsylvania, a little less gray hair and wrinkles back then, but oh the things the Lord has blessed us with and taught us! We are looking forward to our new year!

Farewell for six weeks, on to a new transfer!