Adventures in Paradise Volume 2 #44

Kia ora!  Our excellent adventure continues with a backstage look at the inner workings of a mission. Most of us who have at least a rudimentary knowledge of missionaries are aware that the young elders and sisters do not spend their entire tenure in one place or with one companion. While there are many reasons for the transfers, the process of each particular change is a monumental undertaking and requires great orchestration.

This week, Ward and I had the rare privilege of participating in this ritual and we were both touched and overwhelmed by what we observed. Every six weeks approximately one third of our mission force faces reassignment. Young people who have learned to love not only the people that they serve in a particular area, but hopefully, their companions, are given a new directive and they are expected to pack their meager possessions into two suitcases and face new challenges. Some will be given new leadership responsibilities and most everyone experiences a case of jangled nerves to one extent or another.

I have, I will admit, a love-hate relationship with transfers. While I am always excited to meet new young people and I welcome that interaction, I am at the same time so sad to say goodbye to those whom we have learned to love. These sweet kids depart from Gisborne, knowing that they are taking a piece of our hearts with them. Our bonus this week, was that we were asked to transport two sisters back to Hamilton where all of the exchanges would take place. We looked forward to a six-hour drive and the opportunity to interact with them a little longer. We smiled as we observed these two sisters as they spent last precious moments saying goodbye to their companions. There was laughter and tears and it was a touching interlude. 

I might mention here, that Gisborne is as far away from the mission headquarters as you can get, so our mission president has the extra concern during transfers of assigning the most trustworthy and diligent missionaries to this area. So, as we drove our six hours, we had the unique opportunity to gain a little more insight into the emotions that were running so high with our young sisters. By the actual day of the move, everyone knows where they are going and with whom they will be working, but questions concerning the new areas and the personalities of their new companions are still a mystery. The best way that I can describe the tension is that it seems to be a cross between nervousness similar to that of anticipating a blind date and the excitement surrounding Christmas Eve.

What is not apparent at this juncture is the process that has led up to the transfers. The mission president starts the process by fasting and praying for Divine guidance in meeting the needs of the missionaries, the people and the new areas. He must also consider medical needs of some of the missionaries and personalities. On a more mundane note, he must also consider who is allowed to drive in New Zealand and who is not. Often, finding a driver for a certain companionship is not easy. And while many of the missionaries are expected to bike, some areas are just too large and spread out to make that feasible. It is a daunting process that President Rudd repeats every six weeks!

In addition to the process of assignment, there is the challenge of actually moving young people, their baggage, bedding and bicycles from one place to another. Rental trailers are arranged for and the hope is that all transferring missionaries have remembered to pack everything. In our district, everyone meets at our home for a treat and last minute instructions. The stress became evident, for example as one sister remembered at the last moment that she had forgotten her bicycle! Add one hour to travel time! Wednesday, one Elder realized that he had forgotten his suit, so he had to go back to the flat for that! Then he was hungry, so as we all waited, he stopped for a little lunch on the way back to our house. I remarked to Ward that I really don’t feel like I have retired from teaching high school, as I seem to again be dealing with young people who still need a little (or a lot)  mothering!  Finally a prayer is said and the caravan was off and I spent the next hours at the end of the caravan praying for the safe passage of teenagers who have only been driving for two years or so! 

In Hamilton, at the chapel we find organized chaos. The parking lot has been sectioned off into districts with the accompanying trailers. Old friends and former companions are calling to each other and there are many tearful reunions. We were so happy to be part of several of those encounters and we found ourselves struck by how much so many of our young friends had grown. In between the hugs (Elder to Elder, Sister to Sister), handshakes and back slaps, suitcases were being transferred and bicycles were scooting across the parking lot only to be reloaded in another conveyance. The whole scene reminded me of a very happy street fair.

At some point, it became time to find new companions and settle into the chapel for a few words from the president.There is an introduction of the new missionaries, who I will admit, resemble deer in the headlights. At the end of his remarks, the president invited everyone to enjoy the lunch that has been provided and then to “Get outta here”.  President knows that there will be more hugs, handshakes and back slaps and while he appreciates the affection behind it, he is also concerned that everyone arrive at their new destinations safely and before dark.

Finally and very gradually, the crowd thins and tearful goodbyes turn into waves from departing cars. The ride home for us involved getting to know two more lovely young women who have chosen to spend time far away from families in order to represent their Savior. It did not take our six-hour car trip  home for us to begin to love them. And so the cycle repeats itself and we are back to life as we know it.

As always, we are happy and trying to work hard. We have a greater appreciation for the many hours and prayers that go into the planning and implementing of each transfer. We also have a heightened sense of the power that these dedicated young people possess as they go about each day of their lives in the mission field. We love them and we are grateful to have to the opportunity to get to know them. We have many of those same feelings where you all are concerned. We are grateful for the relationships we have with you and treasure our associations. These young people are the best and that can be said of all of you as well.

Love, Ward and Susan     Elder and Sister Belliston, serving in Gisborne, New Zealand 

The organized chaos of relocating one third of the mission. Think of the cost of the trailer rentals alone! Transfers happen every six weeks.

Old friends and companions have a few moments to reconnect. It is a happy time.

It's always amazing that everyone ends up with the correct luggage in the correct trailer.

The bicycles hang over the front bar of the trailer. 

 We were thrilled to see one of our favorite missionaries as we hadn't seen him for about six months.

These sisters are being transferred and we were fortunate to be able to spend time in the car with them on our trip down from Gisborne.

Sister Anderson on the right just met her trainee. They will be working in the visitors center. According to mission lore, where ever you start your mission is where you were born  and where you end it is where you die. Your trainer in your mother (or father) so here is Sister Anderson with her new daughter.

Elder Meek on the left, and Elder Mills served together but hadn't seen each other for several months. Elder Mills is Elder Meek's "son".

Good friends saying goodbye for now. We will miss them.