Traslados

This week the mission had another transfer. Last time we had only been here for a couple of weeks and so we still had the missionaries that were training us. Hermana Borup and I have a big part in the welcoming and the training of the new missionaries. We teach them about how their money will work and how to send and receive mail and packages as well as introducing them to the rules of the mission. Hermana Borup takes blood pressure and weight, gets clothing sizes for the temple and takes pictures of the new missionaries with their companions and the Mission President and his wife. I would like to say we were flawless in our part but I can't. I will leave it at that.

Transfers are never simple here. The main group of missionaries have been in the MTC here in the Dominican Republic. We pick them up at the MTC at 6:00 am and bring them to the "Transfer Chapel". The transfer chapel is where almost everyone being transferred meets and then they are sent to their new area. Sounds easy right? Well it is in theory however there are always missionaries that come from other MTCs and they get here at different times. One of new missionaries came form the Brazil MTC and came in on Monday (transfer day is Tuesday). He stayed with us Monday night. One missionary was scheduled to come in from Provo on Tuesday afternoon, long after the training for new missionaries was complete. We thought we were getting one missionary Tuesday afternoon, but when the other office couple went to pick him up there were two missionaries.

Hermana Borup gets updates on all the incoming missionaries from the travel department of the church. The let her know things like who will be delayed due to visa problems etc... About 3 weeks ago she got notice that Elder Young will be delayed, then she was notified that he would wait for his visa in Logan Utah, then she was told that he would not be going on a mission. Well, He came. The biggest problem with this is that he came on Tuesday after the transfers had been made. This can create a cascade of events that changes companionships that were just created. However, with a a delay of a couple of days President was able to put him with a great and experienced trainer. During those couple of days Elder Young was my companion. I'm sure he's glad that wasn't for long.

I just want to say something about the missionaries who are chosen to train new missionaries. This is the most important role in the mission. The training missionary will have a huge influence on the whole mission of that new missionary. President has been praying and studying to know who these trainers should be since he got to the mission. When Hermana Borup and I finished our part of the training with the new missionaries in the chapel, there was a small brake. During that brake the trainers walked in, mostly as a group. There was an amazing feeling of Power that came in with them. I had a witness that these missionaries were called by revelation from God to one of His servants. As they sat together before the meeting where they were going to meet their new missionary I went and shared with them the feeling I had experienced. As I did I got very emotional and felt the spirit tell me again what a special powerful group of missionaries they are (Elders and Hermanas).

Our P-Day this week was another adventure. Since we have had our bikes we have met several triathletes. In the city there is not very many places to ride a road bike. It just so happens that about 1 mile from our house is the place they do it. There is a 5km section of road that is closed in the morning and evening for runners and cyclists. It goes through the park called Mirador Sur. It is four lanes, the runners are on one side the cyclists on the other. SO you go one way 5 km and then turn around and go the other way fro 5 km. This makes it easy to meet others. Back to P-day, a couple of the triathletes told us there was a place to swim close to the airport. We had to make a trip to the airport on Saturday so we decided to find the spot. with some persistence we found the place.

The "Spot" now called the Caleta is our new favorite spot. Most of the coastline in and around Santo Domingo is rock and corral cliffs from 10 to 30 feet high. There are a couple of places in the city where there are small brakes in the cliffs but the sand and water are dirty most of the time due to the way the tides push rubbish from the port nearby. La Caleta is a 50 foot break in the cliff but is about 20 km from town. the sand is amazing and the water is very clear. About 30 years ago it was set up as a notional marine park but has net been kept up very well. It is mostly used by locals to swim and enjoy the beach and ocean. There are some buoys setup about 250 meters apart which is perfect for swimming. One of the best things about going to the beach in the Dominican Republic is that everyone is in the water. The temperature of the water is very pleasant so you never get chilled. They go to the beach, get in the water and then stay there. We go out there with them and practice our Spanish. Everyone in the office is going to wonder why we are always volunteering to go to the airport. If they ask we'll tell them we found a good place to practice our Spanish.

Today in church the Branch President called me into this office and called me to be the Young Men's Secretary. The miracle here is that I understood what he wanted. The district wants to build the priesthood so they can become a Stake. President Santos told them to start with the youth. As the youth program improves more young men will serve missions which means more strong returned missionaries. They are taking it very serious. I am very excited to be a part of this effort. I start by teaching the lesson next week. It will be my first lesson taught in Spanish. Another thing I am very excited about. Hermana Borup has already made a big impact on the primary it is my chance to try to make an impact also.

A random thought: What is the Lord trying to teach me? To assignments as secretary. Maybe it was so funny the first time He thought it would be funny again. I guess I need to get some order in my life.

I could go on and on about our week. I hope someone is still reading these posts. We love the work here. Did I ever tell you how busy we are? Well we are. We hope you all have a wonderful week because we will. We just don't know how that wonder will happen.

Your friends

Hermana y Elder Borup