Wow! An amazing visit to a family

A blessing of this calling is that you get to see how individual the gospel really is.  Arrangements were made for a pioneer here in Paraguay to meet in an intimate setting with Elder Rasband.  She and her husband were the first of the indigenous people in this country to come to know and accept the gospel.  Hermana Flores brought most of her children to meet with Elder Rasband.  Her husband passed away about a month ago.  Elder Rasband reminded her of the many lives she has influenced with her testimony and decision. The spirit was amazing as this family was visibly touched by the blessings of a living apostle.  Incredible!!

A day with an apostle

We have had the incredible opportunity to be with Elder Rasband this week.  He has been traveling through the South American South Area for the past wo weeks and Paraguay was his last stop.  He was accompanied by Elder Craig C. Christensen and Elder Mark Bragg as well as their wonderful wives.  This has been especially sweet for us as this is who set us apart in this calling.
We were able to gather our entire mission together for this.  This is probably something that we will never have happen again.  The morning of this meeting we gathered all the missionaries to the building which houses the office.  All missionaries were checked to make sure their best appearance was congruent with our expectations.  The shoe shine kits, razors and extra clothing were not needed thanks to an amazing group of missionaries who understand the significance of meeting an apostle face to face.

It is hard to get us all in one shot so a panoramic is the only way but we look a little distorted. 

10x their weight In gold

Were do you even begin to calculate the value of a senior missionary couple?  The Cranneys  are a senior couple who has served amazingly over the past year and a half in a district about four hours from the office by car....or by truck, as the roads are so rough you need a truck.  They are amazing and all the missionaries know the Cranneys are the best part of the mission.
We personally are already having anxiety over our loss as they are the ones who have come to stay with Travis when we have to be gone.
They came a year and a half ago thinking that they would work in the office.  They were asked to go to Horqueta and give up many comforts of life.  They are a incredible example of "I will go, I will do the things the Lord commands".   We have tried to talk them into staying but the thought of grandchildren and family is calling louder.  We hope that you enjoy every second because we will still be missing you!  Thank you so much!

Goodbyes

Lots of feelings!!

Goodbye Hermana Sanchez, Hermana Torres, Elder Flores, Elder Choquera, Elder Santiago and Elder Barrios

Hermana Añasco 

 Hermana May, Hermana Douglas, Hermana Trujillo, Elder Burge, Elder Libby, Elder Harder, Elder Struhs.  All of you have done amazing things in this beautiful country.  Never let it leave your heart! 

Last day

Six weeks is way to often to send missionaries off! These missionaries have a way of wiggling into our hearts and it is hard to see them leave.  Tradition calls for a session in the temple and a dinner at Paulistas.

I am not sure why I didn't get hose Elders on this picture but I defiantly got them eating.

A weird first day

How can these changes come so quickly?  This change has been especially different because we were only able to receive one missionary out of the 17 that we thought.  Visas were closed to any missionaries not from the country of Paraguay until further notice.  Elder Rossi is our solo missionary!  He was born in Paraguay and so he is coming home but we consider him a miracle. We love him!

While he has been waiting to leave he created the angle for the top of our mission Christmas tree.  Thank you for sharing some of your talents!

P-day!

We get a lot of traffic through the office on pday.  Maybe you can see someone you know :)