We have new Missionaries!

Tuesday, August 21st, is a big day...it marks the beginning of a transfer that will affect most of the mission. Today we pick up 11 new missionaries...20% of our mission! President and the Assistants (3!) are ready to get this transfer started. (LtoR): Elders Jensen (New 2nd Assistant), Myler (who will be transferred back out into the field this transfer) and Basha (1st Assistant).Of course, we arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. It has become a tradition that when we go to the airport to pick up new missionaries, we always 'break out' a kinder-egg (the toys help pass the time! This time it was a 'Kinder-JOY' egg...something very special! (Yes, Elder Basha has a KitKat in his mouth...he is allergic to nuts, so 'Kinder-Joys' are not on his menu!) Elder Myler is thrilled with his treat. Elder Jensen...well, he's not sure what to think! This was actually my first 'Kinder JOY'....it was good!
Our trips to the airport are always full of surprises, and today was no different. See the lone black bag in the middle of the floor with no one around it? That was causing all the commotion. Security had blocked off the exits from baggage claim and had roped off the area. Guards were all over the place. Soon a police dog came in and sniffed the bag. Next a bomb squad guy came in and went through everything in the suitcase. Nothing unusual was found. It looks as if someone just forgot their suitcase. Security was extra high today, so I am apologizing in advance for the following pictures. They had to be taken very quickly so as not to annoy the guards.

Well, let's meet our new missionaries of the Poland Warsaw Mission: First out the door was Elder Baranowski (Salt Lake City, UT). He made it just fine....his bag was another story. We will see what we can do about getting him another one tomorrow. He was followed by Elder Harris (Riverton, UT.) and Elder Garfield (Centreville, VA.). Elder Godwin (Phoenix, AZ.)was out the door next with... Elder Tingey (Meridian, ID) following close behind. These Missionaries did not even look tired. By the smiles on Elder Weir's (Nepal, Bahrain, Oman, Abu Dhabi, Tanzania, Maldives, Thailand, Qatar, Netherlands, Virginia, Arizona) face ....

and on Elder Wilson's (Rock Springs, WY.) face, you can tell they are ready to start preaching the gospel! Elder Vernon (Highland, UT.) is ready to work as is... ...Elder Cieslak (South Jordan, UT.) . Our one and only Sister is making her appearance through the sliding doors. Sister Packard (Yakima, WA.) has been keeping up with these Elders for 9 weeks. In the MTC, she was companions with Sisters going to Bulgaria. Elder Neuner (Kaysville, UT.) is the last of our new Missionaries to come out of the airport. (and security made me stop the picture taking...) Here they are! Don't they look great? We are so excited to have these 11 new Missionaries in our Mission. Now....it's back to the Mission Home for short interviews with the President, some dinner AND some sleep! (Lto R): Elders Weir, Harris, Godwin, Wilson, Tingey, Sister Packard, Elders Garfield, Baranowski, Neuner, Cieslak and Vernon. Sitting down to their first meal in the Mission Home....and probably their first served on Polish Pottery! Where are the Assistants? You mean they have to do all that work, and they don't even get fed? Don't worry! We take very good care of these hard working Elders. They had all the food they could eat.....we were just short a few chairs!

It's very late and all our missionaries are sound asleep. Tomorrow is a big day for them...their first complete day in Poland! It will be full of legal work, questions answered, contacting and some Polish Pierogi....PLUS they will meet their Trainers! Stay tuned!