Busy Week

11 new missionaries came in this week. They bring such energy to the office. Though it makes for a very busy week we love it. But by the end of the week we let out a loud collective sigh!!! The senior missionaries are "all about" transferring their luggage, meeting them at Termini station (which is really where all roads lead) getting them together with their new companions and back on the train to wherever they are supposed to be. They all know where the pickup place is and they guide the newbies who are exhausted from the flight and look like deer in the headlights. Parking at Termini station is like everywhere else in Rome ... non-existent. So Anziano Marcucci just keeps circling the perimeter until they come out. I went into the station to "make" them get a move on which of course didn't work, because they are seeing each other after a long absence. There was a flurry of old and new companions. They have so much love each other. It is hard for them to drag themselves away. There were probably at least 30 people there, including the new missionaries, their new trainees and their trainers and their old companions. Needless to say there are endless details and people to manage. At least half of the new arrivals we had not met before, but somehow it all gets done.
The next day the Missionaries that are finished go home. President Kelly Interviews them all - old and new. Sister Kelly fixes all the meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner (Do you know how much Elders eat????) for the missionaries and sometimes friends and family. She never knows how many are going to be there. The pictures show all the comings and goings. You will recognize Grandview's very own Sister Miller who finally got to the city of Rome for her last transfer.