There are lots of things about mission life that are exciting, but there is nothing quite like transfers! Every 6 weeks there is the potential for change: change in who your companion is or in the area where you are serving and living, or in your assignment in a leadership position or as a trainer of a new missionary and sometimes you get more than one of the above at the same time! This transfer was a big one for the NYC mission. There had been a lot of anticipation on the part of the missionaries knowing that we would be further combining and integrating the former NY North and NY South missions, and I think it did not disappoint! It was so fun to see them gather with their lives all packed into suitcases and bags (that many of them drag through subway stations and on buses!) and joyfully greet their friends and fellow missionaries, find their new companion, and then head off again to their new area to keep working.

You can’t really tell in the photos, but it was a scorcher of a day–extra hot, sunny and humid! Sister Perkins (on the right) is the only one who thought about bringing her own personal shade 🙂 There were quite a few sun-kissed cheeks and noses by the end of transfers–and it only took an hour!

Arrivals and Departures

The biggest changes of all that occur during transfers are the arrival of new missionaries and the departure of the ones who are finished with their missions and are headed home! It is such a range of emotions. From the excitement, wonder, and nervousness of the arriving missionaries to whom it is all so new, to the deep emotions of love, gratitude, joy, and testimony of those that are headed home. They head home with many lessons learned and hard-earned and sometimes even harder to explain. They are excited to be reunited with family and friends and at the same time, so deeply committed to the work and so full of the joy that comes from service that they long to stay. We love experiencing it with them and are amazed at how deeply we have come to know and love and care about each of them in such a short time!

New Missionaries

We received 8 new missionaries this week and look forward to another 5 arriving in another couple of weeks. After getting up at 3AM to be to the airport for an early morning flight across the country they arrived tired but excited. After a short experience out contacting, they came back to the mission home in Scarsdale for dinner, a testimony meeting, and a good nights sleep. The next morning we took them to a chapel in Queens to meet their trainers. My favorite part was hearing their frequent expressions like, “Oh wow!” as we approached the city and they saw for the first time the Manhattan skyline!

Departing Missionaries

 

 

 

 

We had a wonderful session at the Manhattan Temple with this group of amazing missionaries who are going home! We love them all and are so grateful we got to serve with and learn from each of them. After the temple, we headed back to the mission home for a delicious Cafe Rio style dinner prepared by our senior office missionaries followed by a beautiful testimony meeting. It is humbling to hear them speak of their personal journeys of growth and faith over the past 18-24 months. They have a deep love for the Savior and the gospel and the people they have served.

Missionaries are called to speak in 7 different languages here in NYC including American Sign Language. We were privileged to have some of our ASL missionaries in this group.

A few missionaries have come and gone in between the regular transfer times and I don’t want to forget about them!

Sister Martin with Sister Jardine (SLC Visitors’ Center Missionary)

Sister Farr, Sister Draper, Elder Aguilera