Transfer Madness

April 5, 2014
Just when I thought transfer week was going to be a breeze... Monday was not too bad, Tuesday we picked up one Elder that arrived from Spain. Then Wednesday all the Americans arrived. Thursday is when the madness began. We did all day trips between the train station and the mission office to transport the trainers, new missionaries, and of course the old missionaries who were going home. After we wrapped up the departure dinner at Presidents house, we cleaned up a bit and I went to work at 9:00 PM. President was having a mission counsel meeting with all the zone leaders the next morning on Friday so I had to stay up will 1:30 AM in the office preparing everything for the meeting.

President's Chair

At  4:00 AM we woke up to drive the departing missionaries to the airport. It was sad because I have known all of these missionaries for so long. Maybe you know some of them? Anziano Davis, Anziano Johnson? I did about 5 scambi with Anziano Torgerson and Sorella Harward was in Muggio with me when I was there.  I think it really hit me there unloading the bags and the departure area that I’m next, and that’s ok with me. It doesn’t seem so weird, or overwhelming, or super exciting or sad. It just feels normal now. The group was too big so we had to do 2 trips. On the way back on the second trip I had Anziano Johnson and Sister Lyman who were both flying into Idaho Falls together. We dropped them off and headed home. As we were pulling up at the office we got a call from President saying “Elder Benson, go immediately back to the airport! Elder Johnson's flight just got canceled and will be staying another day in Italy.” So we went and brought them back to the office and then took them back out today again at 4:00 Am.   

"Get to Work Elders"

So we had some fun with Elder Johnson in the office and later in the evening. We went out and did some missionary work.  The last family we saw before returning back home for the night was an inactive member! He is Peruvian like Bendezu, and his wife is not a member. They have a little baby and so we are hoping that we will be able to teach them.  Maybe we needed Anziano Johnson one last day in Italy for this.

Well all is well and we are doing great. We are not doing anywhere near as much missionary work as I am used to, but as the phrase goes in the office, “your office work and your health and sanity are more important than proselyting. Unfortunately that’s the way it goes too, but it’s the best we can do. We do missionary work when we get around to it. We have a million other things to do for the President and we often stay long into the night doing them for him.

All is well.  I love serving and it’s been a great experience here in the office. I look forward to seeing my family very soon.