31 December 2013

When we first arrived, there was one other couple in the mission, and they were going home soon.  They were the Fullers.  They were the Mission Office couple.  We didn't get to know them very well.

One of our first days in the mission, I was talking, in the temple, with one of the Presidency of the Area, Elder Cornish and was lamenting that we were the only senior couple missionaries in this mission, except the Mission President.  I commented that there were about 40 couple in the Santo Domingo Mission, many serving in the temple, and so many others.   He replied, "You have a blessing, being the only couple there.  Your influence can be so much greater, and touch so many more lives since you are the only couple." I learned a lesson.

Last Summer, another couple who was originally assigned to Santo Domingo, arrived to be the second couple in this mission.  Their name is Elder and Sister Wegener.  They are assigned over the Perpetual Education Fund, as well as the Employment side of the mission.  We have grown to love these people.  They really supported us in our robbery, even helped us in acquiring a new computer. They come from Salt Lake, Pepperwood area in Sandy.

The next couple to come was the Fagerstens.  They told the church they didn't want to be an office couple.  They were assigned to a city, La Vega.  In the La Vega area, there are branches, not wards, thus they need the help to strengthen the area to become a stake rather than a district.  So, that is what they are doing.  We have grown to love them also.  These two come from Iowa.

The final arrival of senior missionaries are Elder and Sister Carroll.  They have been assigned to work in the office.  They take care of coordination of things with Salt Lake, the affairs of the mission, and everything else the Mission President needs. They are also a great couple.  This couple comes from Salt Lake Area.

We have grown to love these couples.  They are helping in specific needs of the mission. We all have our own responsibilities and once in a while get together for activities.

As our time grows close, it is sad to relate that Salt Lake  has not called our replacements yet.  They report that it is hard to find couple that speaks Spanish, willing to come down here.  The Institute waited about 18 months senior couple-less before we arrived.  Who knows how long it will take before another Institute couple is called, and arrives here.