Getting ready for transfers!

This past week was our week to prepare for transfers which happen this week.  Until you do it you would never realize what all goes in to making a transfer happen.  First off, many prayers offered to determine where the Lord wants missionaries to go, and with what companion.  It is really quite a special thing to watch unfold as Steve receives guidance on this.  I am just always praying for him to receive the inspiration he needs!  And he always does.  Then, there is what goes on in the mission office--our senior couples there, the McNary's, Stephenson's and Elder Cushman get housing, cars, phones, arrival packets all ready to go, along with transportation on Tuesday for the departing missionaries and then again on Wednesday morning when they go to the airport and Wednesday afternoon when we pick up the new ones, and again on Thursday when many missionaries get transferred between the north and south!  It's quite a remarkable thing to watch!  We are so grateful for these couples and their hard work!  They are amazing.
We also held departing interviews for the missionaries leaving this week--this is always a tender time for them to have their last interview with Steve.  On Wednesday afternoon we were able to pick up a new Mandarin speaking elder, Elder Chan,  from the airport.  He is from the UK, and had completed his training at the MTC.  We were excited to get him here in our mission!
On Friday we held our New Trainer's meeting for the 9 missionaries that will be training the 9 new ones arriving on Wednesday.  Because the one sister that is training was ill with the flu, we had 8 elders at this meeting, and it was a great meeting.  They are all enthused about training and are committed to do their best.  We are excited for them to get their new companions this week.  A lot of trust is given to a trainer because they really set the tone for the new missionary.  We have full confidence in them and know they are called by the Lord to fulfill this assignment.
Saturday and Sunday we were able to participate in the Fish Creek Stake Conference in Calgary with Elder Eduardo Gavarret of the Seventy.  He was so kind and humble and taught us about taking time to take care of our spouses and our children, and to hold family councils and the value that can come from them.  It was a great conference and their choir was amazing!  And we had 3 of our sisters singing in it which made it all the better!
We are looking forward to this week of transfers!

The elders at our New Trainer's lunch

Love these bunnies at the Tipton Road Chapel!

Picking up Elder Chan at the airport!