"We Are As the Army of Helaman"

Tuesday was Transfer Day in the Washington Tacoma Mission. That means all the missionaries were on pins and needles the end of last week waiting to see if they were moving or staying. Sister Harris and Sister Wilkinson had only been here together for 6 weeks and were working so well together that they were sure they wouldn't get moved, but Saturday evening after "the call" Sister Harris came to say goodbye. Both Sisters will be training brand new missionaries and Sister Harris will be in a new Zone.

Everyone is excited to go to Transfer Meeting! It is the only time you get to see all your old companions and the missionaries you came out with--and you can only go if you or your companion is being transferred. It is a coveted opportunity because you get to hear all the missionaries speak who have completed their mission , and meet the brand new "baby" missionaries who are introduced. The missionaries pray together, listen to each other speak, receive instruction and encouragement from President and Sister Blatter, sing together (music is big in this mission) and then they leave for their new assignments.

We hauled luggage for 3 departing Elders in our car to the meeting and returned with two Elders and their luggage.

One last group hug before transfers! The Sisters in the middle are Sister Harris and Sister Wilkinson.

It was while we were sitting in the meeting, watching the missionaries we knew and loved, that I realized how very much they were like the Army of Helaman. Their beautiful smiles were real, but there was a strained look on their faces and even a pallor in some as they headed out to new assignments with their new companions. You could see that they were having to "gird up [their] loins, fresh courage take." Their parents would have been so proud.

When we had our first interview with the Mission President he said, These are not your typical, "came out of a strong Church heritage, missionaries. Even though several of these missionaries are from Utah or Arizona, many of them come from difficult backgrounds and have had to fight for a testimony." We have heard some of their stories and find what he said to be true. We are proud of them!

"... and we will be the Lord's missionaries to bring the world His truth!"