29 April

Zone Conference  :-)

Today I attended my first Mission Zone Conference since being out on my mission. It was a great shot in the arm for me. Granted the whole day was focused on proselyting which I don't do. This time I remembered to bring scriptures with me and not rely on my iPod. However, I also needed Preach My Gospel which I didn't bring, so I still used my iPod. Next time I'll remember. The conference helped me to focus more on the purpose of a mission. The spirit there was wonderful and invigorating.

We had four new mission presidents attending our conference, in training. President Cook had attended our Christmas Conference. At that time he didn't know where he was going, but all his material was in French. It turns out they are going to the Congo Mission and leave on June 30. President and Sister Anderson are going to the Pennsylvania Philadelphia Mission. They are from Hyrum which is just down the road from us.  President and Sister Curtis are going to the Idaho Twin Falls Mission. He is opening up that mission. They had been serving in Atlanta, Georgia, as Leader Support Missionaries. They came back to Utah for the birth of a grandchild in January and where called in to speak with Elder Ballard, an apostle. He call them to serve as the new Mission President for Twin Falls. The Curtis's had to return to their mission and let their leaders know that they would not be completing their mission in Atlanta. You could say they were extended three years (that is how long a mission president is called for). I also learned that the Curtis’s had been in the MTC the same time I was. We spent the first week together learning Preach My Gospel. They remembered me; unfortunately, I didn't remember them. There were only four of us single sisters in that group at the MTC. The Curtis's are from Tremonton which is just over the Wellsville Mountains and a little north of Brigham City.  I didn't get a chance to speak with the fourth couple. I think they were going to Zimbabwe, but I'm not sure.

After Thought

Elder Cook was telling me how poor the Congo is.  Their unemployment is 75%.  The returned missionaries (RMs) are being taught how to build the chapels and housing, so they will have skills and be able to earn an income.  They are desperately in need of education.  The Church's Perpetual Education Fund will be of great assistance there.  I learned from Elder Falabella last fall that the employment center and other welfare service units outside of the US and Canada will be called "Self Reliance Centers."  I told Elder Cook to just call and I'll come help with his Self Reliance Center.