This was transfer week. There are a lot of missionaries going home or returning to their original mission assignments. Transfers also bring a lot of changes with getting new apartments as Elder Robinson is working to upgrade the quality of apartments. Some of the apartments have had missionaries there for 10+ years without any refurbishing. Many of the furnishings and supplies are worn out too. With decreased travel because of Covid there is some extra money in the budget to use for improvements. So that is a blessing of Covid in being able to focus on the items that sometimes have been overlooked. Plus Elder Robinson really likes making the missionaries happy as he shops for apartments and supplies. He has had several missionaries call or send a note thanking him for the things he is doing for them (especially having a nice bed to sleep on!).
We took some zone leaders shopping for supplies since they are moving in to a new apartment. One of the elders reminded me a lot of Zack. With his mask on and just looking at his eyes, the shape of his head, his haircut and mannerisms, I kept thinking that is what Zack will look like on his mission. Can you tell which one I’m talking about? Outside of the store with his mask off the resemblance isn’t as clear. It just made me think of my grandkids that may soon be missionaries. We love taking care of the missionaries and know that there will be someone kind caring for our grandkids too when they are able to serve a mission.
With Covid, the missionaries can’t gather together inside the mission office, so on transfer day they all meet together in the parking lot. They are so happy to see past companions and friends. I think as they work together, look out for each other, study together, and rely on each other through good and hard times, they develop a deep friendship. It is good to see how they grow over time and by the end of the mission they have lifelong friendships.
We enjoyed going to Westchester Lagoon on the west side of Anchorage this week to see people enjoying being outside. The city clears off the lake and it is the biggest ice skating rink I have ever seen. There is an area for hockey, a huge oval and open areas just for skating. There is a trail around the lake where people bike, run and walk. Interesting sight seeing a lady using a type of snow walker scooter. It had two parallel runners that you could push off of like a scooter and slide along the trail while holding on to a walker frame. It looked really fun for older people like me! There was a fun playground too. I so enjoy seeing how much people like being outside in Alaska, even in the winter. People also like to talk and interact. I don't know if it is loneliness from Covid or just an outgoing nature but usually when we go to the store or outdoors people are eager to engage in conversation.
It has been a warm January so snow has been melting and freezing making roads very icy. You can see how icy it is by the storage units we go to frequently in Anchorage. I'm so glad for Yak Trax on my boots.
In Homer some missionaries slid off the driveway as they were leaving their apartment and slid down an embankment into a tree. Not much they could do to prevent the accident except put more sand down on the driveway. So we are driving to Homer on Monday and Tuesday to switch cars so theirs can be repaired. It is a 4.5 hrs drive to Homer. We also take items that other missionaries need on the way. So it is like a mail/supply run too. We enjoy getting out to see the missionaries and the towns they are in. Homer is a port on the tip of the Kenai peninsula with a lot of fishing. It is also very scenic. We are hoping to find a good seafood restaurant (even though it is off season)! So better pictures next week.
This was a sad week as we learned about the death of Guy Madsen's 27-yr old son in a car accident. Guy has worked with Elder Robinson for over 30 years and is helping manage Elder Robinson's business for him while we serve our mission. We are so sad for their family to go through this tragic loss. Phyllis Rosen's mother also passed away. She was 93 and felt ready to go. She had such a sharp mind and a fun, happy outlook on life. I noticed she always had something to do and found ways to make friends with those around her. I really enjoyed getting to visit her with Phyllis. I know she was prepared to go but I will miss her.
This week is Larry's birthday on the 25th, Dale's birthday on the 28th, Kate's on the 29th and Maggie's on the 31st. My mom was born on Jan 26 and would have been 95. Such happy memories of each of you. We love you all!
I am more grateful each week for the blessing of family and friends. We love hearing from you, sharing our experiences and hearing about how you and your families are doing. Thank you for your encouragement! We are so grateful to have this chance at this time to serve a mission. We see miracles each week in being able to meet the needs of the missionaries, seeing the difference a mission makes in the lives of others (the missionaries and those they help), and seeing the difference the gospel makes for us. With all the challenges around us we are grateful for the love and peace that gospel truths provide. We are so happy to be here. Plus we are learning a lot!
Hope you have a good week too. Learn new things, enjoy the people around you, make someone happy.
Love,
Elder and Sister Robinson
Alaska Humor: This license plate made us think of Jed, Zack, Jack, Ruthie, and Alex (let me know if anyone else should be on the list too)
I love you guys
ReplyDelete