Thought for this week: This comes from our experience of this past Monday and I wanted to share. We met in Newberg with our mission president and the Portland mission president, the office couples from the Portland office and ours, and two of the couples who will be working in the new Salem office (which - altho none of us really understands why - is actually in Newberg). We met for the purpose of making sure we were all aligned in our preparations for the new mission. Later that evening a picture came into my mind of all of us seated around that large table - I think there were 18 of us - and I thought of how wonderful the Lord's way of accomplishing things is. There we were, most of us well into our 60s and 70s, all of us here in Oregon at our own expense putting in countless hours of unpaid labor to further the Lord's cause. Then, multiply that by the number of existing missions and ones being created and think of it. I think it is amazing... and wonderful. And as I listened at that table I was constantly impressed with the character of the discussions. Oh how I look forward to the day when this whole earth is governed in the Lord's way!
Recapping the week in the mission office: Monday we labored diligently in the morning at our various tasks and then left for Newberg at 1 pm in the mission van (extremely hard to climb in and out of for 2 of us - me and Elder Rout. I have decided to check out the cost of renting a mini-van the next time we all want to go somewhere together!) I believe it was 9:30 p.m. or so when we finally pulled up into our driveway for our apartment and we were pretty tired. We had a great meeting though and then were treated to dinner at Elmer's by the president before heading back to Eugene - which is one reason we were back so very late.
Tuesday through Friday were Zone Conferences which involved Elder Terry and Elder Rout traveling to each one to do vehicle inspections and also involves getting packages and materials to there from off the supply shelves. Lots of physical work and plenty of mental too. We were invited to the Eugene conference on Wednesday which is always special and a fun thing to participate in. At the office there were a number of medical "emergencies" with some of our missionaries which kept Sister Young and Sister Rout and the phones quite busy. As for me, just doing referrals and mail take up most of my time, but then had to fill in the spaces with checking on the luncheons which were to be provided at each of the conferences, writing thank you letters afterwards and getting our financial secretary (Elder Oliphant) to give me checks to reimburse the ladies for their food costs:). I also managed to make up new mailing label sheets and put them in a notebook for all of our addresses being transferred to the Salem Mission. Glad to have that done. A neat blessing that came to me from our Monday meeting was the idea of putting the "Please Forward" right on the mailing labels... up to now we have been stamping that on with a rubber stamp. The Portland mission uses large labels and we use small ones, but I tried putting it on and it works beautifully. That is going to save us so much time in the future!!! I think we should have regular meeting of all the mission offices in the world so we could share how we do things. Probably won't happen any time soon - but think of how much we could all learn from each other!
Today (Saturday) has just been a sleep in late and get started on things slowly kind of a day... did go to the grocery store but that is about all. And laundry - that reminds me there is laundry waiting for me so I will go take care of it.
Now it is Sunday; we went to Sacrament meeting but then came home because I seem to be fighting some kind of bug. Managed to sleep most of the last 4 hours or so and am feeling a little better now. We are about to eat Dad's Father's Day meal - this time it is barbequed ribs instead of pork chops and fried apples:). Later he will get his chocolate pudding cake:). Dad is enjoying his day - just spent an hour on the phone with Steve and really enjoyed it. He is opening his cards & presents right now. A special thank you to those who sent the popcorn - you know your Dad's loves:)! And the cards are so special...thank you from your mom because it was so fun to see your Dad open and read them. And, of course, Emily's Facebook post:)! As I finish this he has finished up with two more fun calls, from Emily and Charlotte.
Just something to share... One of his cards came from an Elder in our mission from Tonga; he sent a package to the office from where he is serving - the postage was $6, which I thought was a lot of money on a missionary's budget - and it held a card for each of our Senior elders . Each card (I'm sure - altho of course we only read Dad's) had a beautifully handwritten note and a Cadbury chocolate bar. This from a missionary whose record says: father - unknown. Raised by his mother and grandmother.... Here is what the Star on the candy bar said: "Elder Oliphant, you are a star to all missionaries serving in this mission. You are a great and a bright star in these last days. Love, Elder Taumoelau." And the note on the card said: Happy Fathers Day Elder Oliphant my friend. You and Sis. Oliphant are as sweet people as this chocolate bar and I have loved both of you and am thankful for all that you do. Before I came on my mission and since its my first time in the United States I thought "If you go out looking for friends you're going to find they are very scarce. If you go out to be a friend you will find them everywhere and that I have learned from both of you. You're wonderful examples of just being a friend with everyone around you with your sweet spirit have impacted me to learn to become more like both of you. I want you both to know how we as misionaries adore and admire your hard work and dedication to the Lord's work. May our Heavenly Fathers choicest blessings be with both of you. Elder Oliphant you are like a father to all of us and so we pray that you will have a happy Fathers day. Love Elder Taumoelau, Elder Michelson"
That one should keep us encouraged when things get hard:)! (which is often!)
Thank you to all for making this Fathers Day a great one for your Dad!!!
Gosh - just realized I didn't do any Family Notes. And Dad has done all the talking (or most of it) so I'm not sure I can remember much to share. Jim and Jeanie & family are leaving Wednesday for their vacation; I think maybe Chris and Christi have started their house re-model? Adam's birthday was today and I think his whole family came to his house to celebrate it, along with Fathers Day:)! Steve and Holly had a good vacation in Florida and Steve got to see where she grew up. Charlotte & Seth went camping...I remember that. Mary is in Minnesota trying to work out problems for a new Sub Zero store; kind of lonely I think. Not much news from Sara but I noticed she was supposed to be having a horse-y overnighter on Friday; it is fun to look at her Facebook page and website. Actually I think everyone is doing well and are busy doing the things they should. Love to all - keep up your good work:)!
At the end of this blog are the promised pictures from our visit to the King Estate Winery and Restaurant last Saturday...they are mostly taken from the restuarant area and are OK, but really don't even begin to show the majesty of the landscape - you just have to be there so see it! Unfortunately they seem to be very dark - don't know why. But at least they give you an idea.
No comments:
Post a Comment