Zone Training With Young Missionaries

We have had so many busy days with our daughters Brenda and Marla visiting we almost feel like we need a vacation to recover from their vacation. We received word mid morning that they finally arrived home, and we are thankful for their safe journey. We feel very blessed to have had them come visit. Now we need to get back to work.

Today was Zone Training Meeting with the young missionaries, we decided to attend and bring treats for their break. We picked up Big Apple Donuts this time.  It is pretty amazing to watch these young missionaries lead out and teach each other the skills they need to be successful. Discussions today included a change in procedures with their daily schedule, bicycle policy, dress standards, mosquito protection, as well as food and nutrition. Each apartment received a blender to help encourage them to eat more fruits and vegetables, even if it is in smoothies.

We had to leave zone meeting early and head to our apartment for a scheduled Skype meeting with Elder and Sister Harrison in Malaysia. We had a great visit and we are amazed at how much we keep learning from the other senior couples throughout Asia. We hope they enjoy the visits as much as we do, but these calls give a connection and support to others with the same calling. Each country is so different, yet so many needs are the same. One common need is for the people they are teaching to learn to better manage money. Much of the Asia Area seems to be cash-based cultures and have not learned to save or budget.

Back at the office we had a few report deadlines today, and we also needed to finish putting together our lesson plans for tomorrow's institute class. Being in the office for two days doesn't quite make up for being out of the office for over a week.

Friday is usually when we go out for dinner, but tonight we just wanted to eat at home. We have eaten out more in the last two weeks than we usually do in two months. We made a quick stop for groceries and had a simple salad for dinner, and were glad to spend the night at home. The bonus was the beautiful sunset from our apartment window.