February MLC Review

We met with the whole zone last Monday for our monthly M(ision) L(eader) C(ouncil) Review where our sweet Sister Training Leaders and Zone leaders teach us what they learned and discussed with all of the leadership of the mission during a council the week before.  It is always a very spiritual meeting and as usual, we are in awe of the confidence, skills, and love of these young missionary leaders.  How lucky and blessed are we to serve with them!

I caught this shot of the sisters (notice where Jena sits) while the sister training leaders--Sister Anderson and Sister Holding were teaching.

And look at these attentive elders.  We love them!

This was a particular tender time because it was the beginning of Transfer week and thoughts of changes--with the excitement and nerves--was apparent with most of them.  A couple of our newer missionaries--Sister Madden and Elder Bigelow who have only served in Ft. Smith--were on everyone's short list to be transferred.  Elder Miller was heading home on Saturday after the competition of his 24 months and one week mission.  They love each other and most of them are very open in their expressions of love to each other and to us.

We had to gather for our last zone photo before the transfer.  Unfortunately, Elder Thacker was sick with bronchitis so only his companion was on the phone screen held by Sister Madden. They propped the camera on the chalkboard with a 10 second timer, and then hope for the best.  In the middle of one of the shots, a picture fell to the ground right when the camera snapped the shot...and it captured this sweet shot of Sister Madden and Jena--the rest of the photo wasn't good, but Sister Holding chopped this sweet shot out and shared with the zone.  Sister Madden and Jena have shared a sweet relationship and we will miss her (as she did get transferred.) 
 

THE FT. SMITH ZONE-FEBRAURY 2024

Kneeling: Sister Holding, Sister Madden with Elder Baggiore, Jena, Elder Miller
Sitting:  Elder Moon, Elder Simmons
Standing: Sister Anderson, Elder Smythe, Elder Illguth, Elder Rigby, Elder Whetton, Elder McKee, Elder Hess, Gary, Elder Bigelow, me, Sister Savage