Home Sweet Home

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.

The MTC- the good, the bad, and the ugly

Susan drove us to Provo to begin our training at the MTC. There were many good things about last week: we were assigned to the Marriott Hotel in downtown Provo; so every day we had clean sheets, towels and the suite was spiff. We enjoyed it. Our classes were good, The young teachers were fun, skillful teachers and very energetic. We met lots of nice people and really bonded with one couple in particular. Paul and Sue Traxler from Colorado drive us to the MTC each morning, ate every meal with us and drove us back in the evening. They were very kind to us.

Paul and Sue Traxler-going to Vancouver, BC

The cafeteria offered so many options and I had to try them all: so I am more round now than when I entered the MTC. That is bad. And now on to the ugly. The first day at the MTC I wore dress boots, the second day I was in professional heels and by the third day I was wearing ugly flats. It didn't take me long to wear down. As a matter if fact, I purchased two pairs of shoes at the MTC emergency clothing outlet. Yup, my feet needed relief.

Friday night, Susan, Trent and girls came to pick us up. We went to the Carl Bloch art exhibit on BYU campus. The paintings were spectacular. I'm so glad Susan suggested we attend.

Saturday morning all the Banks clan were up early to say goodbye. It was a tender time. We flew to Portland and had lunch with Karen, JR and girls. And then we had another goodbye. Two is too much for one day.