Transfers and New Assignments Dec 29, 2010-

Everyone was "zonked" last night...the Elders in the basement, the Sisters on the third floor. This morning after breakfast, a few words from the President on guidelines and new assignments. Because of the wild schedules (the departing missionaries are on trains as we speak coming into the mission home), the Trainers are not able to come in and escort these new missionaries back to their new cities. So we gave them assignments, showed them pictures of their companions and made comments about their great opportunities. These were very excited missionaries.

First, was Elder Nathan Tanner. He is assigned to Katowice, with two Zone Leaders as companions--Elders Leimer and Dabrowski. What a great city and situation to be in.

Next is Elder Marsing who is going to Bialystok with Elder Davis. This takes two special Elders to be in this small but great city and branch.

Elder Waits is traveling all the way over to Warsaw l. He is companions to Elder Kalinowski who is a new District Leader and Trainer. This branch will love the excitement both Elders bring.

Elder Hancock will be in Warsaw ll with Elder Lundin. Elder Lundin is a New District Leader, new Trainer and these two are opening a new area in Warsaw. They will be at the end of the Metro line where there are tons of new apartments and young families.

Elder Johnson is going to Poznan to be companions with Elder Torke, the new Branch President there and new District Leader. This will be a great companionship.

Elder Vreeken is heading to Wroclaw to be with Elder Sheridan. Elder Sheridan is a new District Leader and new Trainer as well. Elder Vreeken with his excitement, along with Elder Sheridan will do wonders in this young new district.

Elder Fritzsch will be with Elder Nielson in Lodz. Elder Nielson is the District Leader and this branch has more activity going on than anywhere in Poland. What a great place to serve and what growth is going to take place.

Sister Leppanen is assigned to the Warsaw ll district with Sister Allen. Sister Allen is a new trainer, and she is exceptional. Both of these sisters are made for each other. This will be a blessing to this branch, district and entire zone.

Last but not least, is Sister Ellis who is heading to Poznan to be companions with Sister Bailey. Sister Bailey is a new trainer and absolutely wonderful. These sisters are both new to Poznan and will add to the great things that have been going on there.

As we finished the thrill of finally finding out where everyone was going, we took a minute for one last picture. Another outstanding group of missionaries coming into the Poland Warsaw Mission. Back row- Elders Marsing, Vreeken, Hancock, Waits, Tanner, Fritzsch and Johnson. Seated Sister Ellis, the Nielsons and Sister Leppanen.

The first trip to the Dworzec with the new missionaries. This group has the earliest departing trains- Wroclaw, Katowice, Poznan, Lodz and Bialystok. They just arrived and 16 hours later they are off again. Into the Transporter and excitement still ahead.

This transfer in the mission effected all branches and districts except Lublin. Everyone is on the move today. The changes included-

1 new assistant (Elder Garrett),

2 new branch presidents (Elder Stohel- Szczecin, Elder Torke- Poznan),

4 new zone leaders (Elders Augustyn & Hillyard- Warsaw, Buckner- Bydgoszcz, Dabrowski- Katowice),

7 new district leaders (Elders Lundin- Warsaw ll, Kalinowski- Warsaw ll, Murphey- Bydgoszcz, Kennedy- Katowice, Sheridan- Wroclaw, Klosowiak- Kielce, Torke- Poznan) and
9 new trainers- (Lundin, Kalinowski, Sheridan, Torke, Leimer & Dabrowski, Nielson and Sisters Allen, Bailey & Smith).

We could not be happier for the mission and for what these missionaries are going to do. The Lord has blessed our mission with great leader. Their excitement is contagious. Their testimonies are powerful and their commitment is to the Lord.

Now it's time to get ready for the departing missionaries who arrive here in four hours!