Gratitude

In an earlier blog we predicted that when we were released as seminary teachers and were asked to become the next zone leaders, we would be moving from being very busy to being much more busy. Well, that prediction could not have been more true. Now, not only are we busy in the evenings and weekends taking care of zone issues, but much of that has crept into our time at the office, when we should be working on our ATS (area Technology Specialist) assignment.

Since we have become zone leaders, we have dealt with

• water contamination in the apartment complex where most of the missionaries live.
• a government agency informing us of three apartments in our complex had devices that emit non-compliant frequency signals.  Each of those apartments were occupied by missionary couples.

These two issues have been talked about in previous blogs. None have been definitively resolved, but enough time has transpired that we know (assume?) that everything is alright now.

Then we have had to deal with some policy changes and other issues where we felt we would get some negative feed back.

• We decided in consultation with the housing people that when there is overlap between missionaries coming and those leaving, it will be the departing missionaries who will have to go to temporary housing instead of the newly arriving couple.
• We asked all missionaries to inform us when and where they are traveling, whether for business or pleasure.
• Fleet asked us to inform the senior missionaries that black boxes will be installed in their cars.  The black boxes would report traffic violations and GPS locations to fleet managers.
• Just yesterday there was a temporary power outage at the apartment building - meaning no elevator to the 11th floor or anywhere in between.  Fortunately that lasted less than two hours.

When we accepted this assignment as zone leaders, we were told that we needed to wear thick skins and that senior missionaries will do what they want and will not always comply and that they are not shy to express their opinions. However, we are seeing just the opposite.

As for the policy issues, we did our best to explain to the missionaries in emails why there would be changes and waited for the feedback. We were surprisingly happy over the responses. There were a number of missionaries who questioned how the change would directly apply to them. They weren't complaint, but concerns. We addressed each one privately. Then came comments of support and recognition that these changes made a lot of sense and gratitude that we were implementing them. Even one of the missionaries who express a concern earlier, later wrote and told us that they supported us and that the change made sense.

Senior missionaries are a wonderful breed of saints. They really have a heart and a desire to serve. That really makes them special. We feel so grateful to be able to rub shoulders with them.

We would love to tell you all the exciting things going on with our technology group pilot program. Not only have we seen the hand of the Lord involved, but it is overwhelmingly exciting to see and hear the responses of those participating in the pilot. They are truly grateful for what we are doing.Unfortunately, it is too early to tell you any of the details. Hopefully, in a couple of months, we will be able to report our experiences in one of our blogs.

Can't publish a blog without a picture! 

Sister van Hoff on an early morning walk 

in the Hauptfriedhof (Main Cemetery).

We love you all and miss you dearly. May God continue to bless you and watch over you.