Our Assignment.

Wednesday, the 12th of January 2011, Tom and I arrived in Oakland, CA. We drove directly to the mission office and met President David Wade. He was about to leave for the temple with a group of departing missionaries and invited us to go with them. So we quickly changed and joined the group.

After dinner we met with him to discuss what he'd like us to do in the mission. President Wade is about our Susan's age. He's young, very bright and pleasant to interact with. He and his wife and three children have been here about a year and a half. During that time he has developed an amazing grasp of what the different units need and what talents the various missionaries bring. He had 6 priorities for us.

1st: Support the Chinese branch and help teach them English.
2nd: Support the Filipino ward.
3rd: Help the El Camino Ward (Spanish).
4th: ...the Bay Ward (English)
5th the Golden Gate Ward (English)
6th: Become ham radio certifed so that the mission home office in Oakland can stay connected with the San Francisco peninsula in the event of an emergency.
Oh yes, and we are to inspect 6 missionary apartments at tranfer time.

No doubt it would be easier to be assigned to ONE unit and to totally immerse ourselves in its concerns. This will require a lot of thought and divine help to know where and how to spend our time and energy.

Yesterday we attended our first English class. There were 11 students. I was very impressed with the diligence and engagement of the advanced group. It was very energizing for me to be with them and to help out a bit. Next Saturday, I get to teach the class. I can hardly wait.

Today, Tom and I attended the Filipino ward (Serramonte) first and then went to a different chapel for the Chinese branch (San Francisco 7th). All the meetings at the Chinese branch are in Mandarin, although many there speak Cantonese as well. Headphones were essential for the two of us.

What a welcome we received at both units. The Blairs, who we are replacing, were much loved. We have very, very big shoes to fill.