The Big Day Has Arrived. No not Tlusty Czwarek but Transfer Day.

The first morning in Poland, after a good nights rest. We had breakfast, a quick picture on our balcony overlooking the backyard, and the a 10 minute walk over to the Mission Office.

The weather was outstanding and they enjoyed the nice walk on Wiertnica.

In the conference room, Elder and Sister Richards explained to them their MSF (Mission Support Funds) cards and how all of that works (money for living expenses). The Office Elders (Taylor on the left and Darowski- the unknown- on the right), gathered the information on each missionary and prepared the applications for their Residency Cards. President Nielson is now their Landlord, and he can take the paperwork and submit everything that is necessary. This will save the missionaries from traveling around the country and worrying about this.

Everyone filling in the papers, making sure they have their passports... AND...

making sure they sign their names within the boxes and the other forms that are needed.

The jet lag is setting in. Elder Hooker has had it! This is after filling out paperwork in the Office, eating at their first 'Milk Bar' and "whiteboarding" and "contacting" on the Rynek. Many placed copies of the Book of Mormon, made appointments and spoke to many about the Chruch and why they are in Poland. Eveyone did outstanding! Their Polish is excellent. We had dinner tonight followed by a testimony meeting. This is the first group that everyone shared their testimonies in Polish. They were worn out and went to bed quickly after writing down their personal goals and last minute packing before the Big Transfer day tomorrow!

Today in Poland is what is called "Tlusty Czwartek " or "Fat Thursday". This is when the "Paczki " are sold cheap and everyone eats "Paczki" (or doughnuts) to celebrate. We have been told that the record in the mission for eating "Paczki" in one day is 17 and held by Elder Strobehn. We thought about having a mission competiton and then thought better...

Elders Hooker and Myler help me at the corner store buy our "Paczki" for breakfast. This is a little corner store that was packed today with "Paczki" for the celebration. These are the two sweet ladies that take care of me and help me.

  For breakfast we began our celebration of "Tlusty Czwartek "...

...and demonstrated just what you do on Fat Thursday. After Breakfast, came the Big Moment where all the missionaries found out where they would be serving and who their first companion (Trainer) would be. In the next 15 minutes, their lives will never be the same. First up is...

Elder Bode, will be serving in Lublin with Elder Lewis. Lublin is about 2 1/2 hours away by bus. Elder Bode will love Lublin and Elder Lewis.

Elder Basha will be serving in Bydgoszcz with Elder Murphey. He will be traveling with Elder Nielson who is coming from Lodz and will be the new Zone Leader in Bydgoszcz. Elder Basha will do well in Bydgoszcz, and that branch will grow.

Sister McAdams will be serving in Warsaw l with Sister Stay. That companionship will be excitment plus. Sister Stay is a new Trainer and on her way up from Katowice.

Sister Mann will be going to Katowice and her companion will be Sister Smith. Sister Smith will be staying in Katowice and training again. Great things are going on in Katowice.

Elder Fletcher will be going down to Krakow and serving with Elder Davis. Elder Davis will be the new District Leader. He is coming from Bialystok and will pick up Elder Fletcher in Warsaw where they will travel together. There will now be four Elders in Krakow.

Sister Garcia will be with Sisters Steadman and Marshall in Lodz. Sister Steadman is there now, Sister Marshall will travel with Sister Garcia, and they will all be in attendance for a family of four being baptized this Saturday.

Elder Myler will be going to Szczecin and his companion will be Elder Stohel. Elder Tanner is with Elder Stohel now and they will be together until March 16 when we will have a mini transfer (Elder Gladun comes in from the Preston England MTC). Elder Myler will be traveling alone from Warsaw to Szczecin, a short six hours. He will love Szczecin and Elder Stohel will teach him how to speak perfect Polish.

Tall Elder Hooker will be going to Katowice to be companions with tall Elder Kennedy. This will be a great companionship. Elder Hooker will be traveling with Sister Mann as they both are heading to this great city.

One last photo before everyone packs into the Transporter and to the Train Station. This is another outstanding group. The President sees the leadership in this group. These missionaries will again continue the tremendous tradition of the Best Missionaries being sent to Poland. We Love Them!

Now, clean everything up, get dinner going because Sister Hulme and Bautner are coming in four hours as this is their last night in Poland.