Our Elders got double transferred out this week and our District Leader got transferred too. The YSAs all sign a shirt for the Ball State Elders when they leave. Lots of shuffling going on as the mission grows and more leaders and trainers are needed. We got 28 new missionaries and only 5 went home. Our zone got Elders in two towns that haven't had missionaries for four years. There must be some choice people ready in the one town because there has already been lots of opposition directed at the Elders there!
Our new Ball State Elders are Elder Ustach from S. California and Elder Burt from Idaho Falls. Good guys-working hard already.
Gary taught the Tuesday Munch & Mingle lesson on the scourging and crucifixion of Christ (pretty graphic Bible video) and Brenda taught Friday about Christ's body laid in the tomb and the angels telling the women on Sunday morning that He Is Risen. We had 15 students Tues. and only 8 Friday - although we had enough lunch for 16. We never know who or how many will show up! Brenda taught the Thursday night Institute lesson. It was Nacho night - their favorite refreshments.
Gary got an email this week from a guy he taught in Primary 45 years ago as a missionary in Scotland. The boy's aunt, a stalwart in the Branch there in Elgin, is turning 80 and he was requesting birthday letters for her. She always fed the Elders. Gary remembers her and her nephew well. That boy is married and has a son on a mission (and other kids). Good mission memories.
The mailman delivered a box full of green this week - a J. Garcia tie for Gary with green stars on it, lots of great green treats- including a bag of Mother's brand jungle animal cookies (green ones and white ones), and key lime cookie mix and key lime icing. Thank you Julie!
Friday evening we headed to West Lafayette and were able to celebrate Alyssa's 6th birthday. She was happy and cute - sharing her birthday treats with everyone. Unfortunately Grandma & Grandpa didn't close the garage door when they come in and someone stole things out of Kevin's and Dacia's cars during the night! Saturday morning we saw Bryson play his final basketball game of the season - and steal the ball and make a layup first thing! Due to spring break
his team had only 5 players - so they played the whole game against a team with 11 players. He didn't win his basketball game but he cleaned up on Seafarers! We got in lots of board game playing before heading back to Muncie Saturday evening.
cupcakes and lime sherbet!
A lovely feast with friends.
After discussions with some of our students this week, my advice is to make sure, before you marry, that you both understand and accept your roles as explained in The Family: A Proclamation to the World. And avoid unnecessary debt. Sure would prevent a lot of heartache and problems! Happy Birthday to Dad - 86 years old.
