December 29, 2009 New Arrivals

On December 29 we received a wonderful Christmas gift...12 New Elders to add to the team of Missionaries in the Santiago East Mission. Every one of these Elders was eager to join the Santiago East Mission Team. We enjoyed their spirit of humility and their overwhelming desire to be exceptional Missionaries. Everyone who met them, commented on the "special feeling" that these 12 Missionaries have brought with them. We are absolutely thrilled to see where their Mission service will take them. We traveled right from the airport to the Temple where we took this picture. Then we took them to the Conference Room in the Obispado (Church Office Building) where we sat around the conference room table together and looked into their bright, shining eyes. We gave them a short orientation to the Mission and answered questions. Next, we walked over to the Pocuro Chapel next door where their companions were waiting. Their companions had spent the morning in the Temple preparing to receive new Missionaries to train. We had a short ceremony that President Laycock calls, "The Parable of the Geese." All of the chairs were placed in a V formation. Trainiers sat on one side of the V and New Missionaries sat on the other side. President Laycock taught about Geese and how geese are 70% more efficient when they fly in their formation. If one is tired or injured, two drop out and help the one until he is able to rejoin the formation. We Missionaries are like Geese. We fly together. We take care of one another, and we are efficient!!! We love these new Missionaries. We are thankful for families who have taught and prepared them. We are thankful for the testimonies they bring. We are thankful for their humility. We are thankful for the consecrated efforts of all who have made it possible for them to serve with us in the Chile, Santiago East Mission.