All Our Hermanas . . .

Specialized Training . . .

(You can view the large photos of all the photos used in this post by clicking the 

slideshow in the right sidebar)

Every third month we have an opportunity to do some specialized training of our choice with the missionaries.  Earlier this year we did specialized training in each zone meeting about using all the missionary tools to accomplish the missionary purpose . . . . We identified 10 tools that are important for each missionary.

Missionary Tools:

1.  Scriptures
2.  Preach my Gospel
3.  Missionary Handbook
4.  Missionary Agenda
5.  The First 12 Weeks
6.  Adjusting to Missionary Life
7.  Area Books (Carpeta del area)
8.  Retention Report (First 12 Weeks of an Investigator)
9.  Language Study
10. Personal Goals


We also had invited the Area Medical Authority to visit the mission, and did health and wellness presentations in the areas.

From July 21, 2014

Our most recent specialized training  . . .

was a wonderful event for all the sisters in the mission.  We held two training sessions for sisters, one on each side of the mission to minimize travel for the sisters to attend.

The role of sister missionaries has changed dramatically over the last two years from what it once was.  There are more and more sisters that are dedicating their 18 months of service to the Lord than ever before in the history of the Church.  The large increase in sister missionaries can be attributed to President Monson's landmark announcement made in October General Conference on Saturday, Oct 6, 2012.

"As we have prayerfully pondered the age at which young men may begin their missionary service, we have also given consideration to the age at which a young woman might serve. Today I am pleased to announce that able, worthy young women who have the desire to serve may be recommended for missionary service beginning at age 19, instead of age 21."

-- President Thomas S. Monson

From July 21, 2014

Immediately the ranks of sister missionaries began to swell . . . and with this increase in numbers of both sisters and elders came some additional changes to the well established missionary programs of the Church.  Each mission across the world would now form a Missionary Leadership Council which would meet monthly.  Council members would include the Mission President and Wife, the Assistants to the President, the Zone leaders, and the Sister Training Leaders.  A new leadership position for sister missionaries!

Elder David Evans from the Church's missionary department put it well . . .

"We are very excited about the new mission leadership council and this role for sister missionaries,” said Elder David F. Evans, executive director of the Missionary Department. “It will be a blessing to both missions and missionaries throughout the world, and better employ the remarkable faith, talents and abilities of all missionaries." 

From July 21, 2014

From July 21, 2014

From July 21, 2014

From July 21, 2014

Sister Missionaries in a Leadership Role . . .

This new leadership role for sisters give them responsibility for training and welfare of the sister missionaries that are assigned to their care.  The Sister Training Leaders continue to go out and teach in their assigned areas, but each sister in the mission has an opportunity to train with, and learn from a more experienced sister missionary once each transfer cycle.  They help them with questions and concerns they might have, and also help them in their adjustment to the missionary lifestyle.

Meanwhile . . .  Back at the Ranch . . .

We were talking about our specialized training . . . AND just recently our specialized training was to gather the sister missionaries together in two different areas of the mission to do training more specific for their needs and challenges . . .

Our focus was centered around the theme of President Eyring's General Conference address from October 2008.  "Our Hearts Knit as One  -  The Saints can accomplish any purpose of the Lord when fully united in righteousness".

From July 21, 2014

From July 21, 2014

From July 21, 2014

Our Hearts Knit as One . . .

Truly it is a great miracle of missionary work that missionaries from many many different circumstances and countries of the world can come united together to do Heavenly Father's work.  The prophets have always called for unity, and with changing worldly circumstances and worldly teachings surrounding the Saints more and more each day, it's important to be united in our efforts no matter where we serve in the church or leader in our homes with our families.  We know that greater joy and peace come into our lives when we experience unity as described in 3 Nephi 28:10.  The importance of revelation and humility as characteristics which lead to unity were discussed.  Seeking revelation to know the will of our Heavenly Father, and being peacemakers who can calm situations before the Spirit is lost are so important.

Much wise council from prior missionaries was shared concerning increasing companionship unity.

1.  People listen to you much better when you love them.  Matthew 22:30-39
2.  Find common ground.
3.  There is a blessing for you in each companionship, you need to find it.
4.  Be sure you are not harboring any negative feelings or thoughts.
5.  Listen, Listen Listen . . .
6.  Support your companion if anyone ever says anything bad about them.  Stand up for them.
7.  Learn not to participate in mission gossip.
8.  Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to dance in the rain.
9.  How does the Lord see your companion?  Pray to see her the same way.
10. This is real life, now is the time to learn patience, love and tolerance, the ability to get along no matter how different you are.
11. Put yourself in their shoes, try to see things from their point of view.
12. This is the time to learn how to handle human relationships.

From July 21, 2014

From July 21, 2014

Everyone  had a chance to participate . . .

Each companionship of Sister Trainer Leaders had an area to focus on and present to help the sisters enjoy increased blessings of health and unity that would bless their missionary service.  One pair prepared a presentation on the blessings of exercise in the mission and being obedient to the missionary schedule for exercise to maximize health blessings here in the mission.  Another partnership created a cooking demonstration involving several sisters to help us all learn to prepare healthy foods with a limited kitchen.  The third set of Sister Training Leaders spoke on how living modestly in language, behavior and appearance can help us radiate the light of the Savior in our Missionary Work.

Each presentation was well done I'm sure each sister came away with new notes, ideas and motivation to be a better sister, a better companion, a better missionary and follower of the Savior.

From July 21, 2014

From July 21, 2014

From July 21, 2014

Blessing of the Increased Missionary Force . . .

I am convinced that the increased service of sister missionaries throughout the world is an important inspired direction from our Heavenly Father.  I am imagining the increased strength of the mother's in Zion, who will be raising families, teaching children, becoming leaders in the wards and branches throughout the Church.  What an amazing work they will accomplish for good through out the world as this incredible influence begins to be felt and permeate countries across the world for good.  Truly a positive and glorious sign of the times to come.  When the challenges of the world will be more ever present . . . and the mother's of Zion will be prepared.

When President Klein and I look at each sister missionary we see a beautiful daughter of our Heavenly Father.  Each one has different talents and abilities.  Each one is so needed here in our mission, to share their important message of hope that we are all sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father.  We know each one has a specific purpose and calling to our mission.  They will see great and marvelous things come to pass in their lifetimes that will be direct results of their missionary service.

Especially, as they continue to serve . . .

with their hearts . . .

Knit as One.

From July 21, 2014

From July 21, 2014

Recipes from the Conference:

Day one recipes - 

Menu - Boiled Rolled Chicken Breast with Salad and Potatos

Chicken Breast meat

Carrots

Salt & pepper

Chicken seasoning

Wash all the vegetables with with purified water and a few drops of Clorox.  Thinly slice the chicken breast, slice the carrots thinly the long ways.  Wrap the chicken slices around the carrot slices.  Season with salt, pepper and chicken seasoning.  Boil over medium heat until chicken is done through, approximate 8-10 minutes. 

Wash the potatoes well with purified water.  Microwave in microwave for 2 minutes.  Turn over and microwave for 2 more minutes.  Turn and microwave for two more minutes.  Let stand for 5 minutes while you fix the salad.  Season with margarine, salt and pepper. 

Two Potatoes

Oil or margarine 

Wash all the vegetables well with purified water.  Slice the vegetables below, season with lime juice and garlic seasoning, toss all together.

Cucumber

Onion

Tomato

Limes

Garlic seasoning

From July 21, 2014

From July 21, 2014

From July 21, 2014

Day Two Recipes - 

Menu - Seasoned Ground Beef and Vegetables on a Tortilla with Guacamole

1/2 pound of ground beef 

2 green peppers

1 tomato

1 small onion (diced and divided in two)

Garlic seasoning.

Wash all vegetables well with purified water and a few drops of Clorox.  Chop peppers, tomato and onion.  Brown ground beef in a pan.  Add the green peppers, one tomato, and half of the diced onion. Continue to cook on medium heat until vegetables are tender.  Season with garlic.

Prepare salad from lettuce and the two chili peppers finely diced.  Squeeze lime over lettuce and peppers and mix.  Season with garlic seasoning.

Small head of lettuce

2 chili peppers

1 lime

Make guacamole from the avocados and tomato and chili pepper.  Dice tomato finely with the chili pepper.  Smash the avocado and stir into the diced tomatoes and chili pepper.  

2 avacados

1 tomato

chili pepper

Corn tortillas

Spread the avocado on the corn tortillas.  Top with a little of the meat mixture.  Top with the lettuce salad mix.  Enjoy!

From July 21, 2014

From July 21, 2014