Mission: Busy Times

The last two weeks have been quite filled!  We prepared for transfers the first week and then last week we had zone conferences.  Three of them.  There are nine zones in out mission, one for each stake in the mission.  Each zone is divided into districts and areas.  Districts are several areas.  There are two or three districts of missionaries in each zone. In each area there are two or three missionaries, ideally, two missionaries.  These areas coincide with the local wards or branches of the Church as the zones coincide with the stakes.

For zone conferences, three zones which are in relatively close proximity to each other meet every six weeks (the period of the "transfers").  The same three zones meet together each time and rotate the meetings to the three stake center buildings over a period of three transfers.  So, there are three days of zone conferences.

Things that happen at zone conferences:

1.  The missionary  cars are inspected.
2.  The missionaries meet together for instruction, admonition, and learning.
3.  All the missionaries have the opportunity to share good things that are happening.  It is a very uplifting time.
4.  The Relief Society of the stakes provide a nice lunch.  (This week in the zone conference we attended lunch was Thai Spicy Pumpkin Soup, Olive Gardens-style Toscano Soup, Chili, and at least one other. I had a dab of the Toscano and went back for a dab of the Pumpkin.  They were both really good.  The sisters in charge promised to share the recipes but I have not seen them yet.  Sad.  Also there were several kinds of breads including corn bread, salad, and brownies, cookies, and ice cream for dessert.  That was a great lunch and all the missionaries loved it. The bread and sweets were certainly tempting but I managed to abstain.  Soup and salad was enough.)
5.  After lunch the missionaries, in about five minutes!!, take down the tables and chairs and put them away then line up for a group photograph.  We did not stay for the photo this time, feeling we needed to get back to the office.
6.  In the afternoon the young missionaries remain until about 3 PM for more instruction/learning.  We have not stayed for this, though I guess we could.  I feel the mail and the phone calling me...
7.  This zone conference flu shots were available to everyone.  Dear One had one there. I had had one at the doctor's office a few weeks earlier.

The missionaries love the spiritual uplift they get from being together and learning from the President and his wife, from the Assistants to the President, and from the zone leaders.  It is wonderful to see these leaders teach and encourage the young missionaries.

This time there was instruction on improving teaching skills.  Senior couples were invited to participate in a role-playing activity.  We enjoyed it.  Teaching was done, then three different sets of missionaries  taught using the various techniques to the senior couples.  Two sister companionships and one elders companionship taught us.  One of the elders had been in the field one week!  He did a good job, but was flummoxed by a question Dear One asked.  This was a good thing since he will be asked that same question many times during his missionary time.  It was great that he was questioned in a friendly situation.

Listening to the investigator, clarifying the questions the investigator has, and teaching a gospel principle were what they practiced this time.