Our trainers, the Clouses, left for a quick family history trip to Poland. (Their mission officially ended Monday.) Friday we welcomed the new Mission President, Michael Youngberg, and his wife with our traditional greeting at the airport and picture with the flag.
The next day, Saturday, we enjoyed a quick tour of Stockholm with the assistants to refresh Pres. Youngberg with the city and introduce his wife to it. He served here 36 years ago. Each time I go, I see new things. Just like any city, there is much to discover!
Pres. Youngberg remembered a "really skinny" street in Gamla Stan. The elders knew right where it was! Obviously, no cars use it, but I wouldn't be surprised if a bicycle or motorcycle would go through it. They seem to go anywhere they want!
As we drove out of the city, I couldn't resist this picture of the stacked kayaks. I'm longing to get in one! Urban kayaking is definitely a recreation here.
And so is paddle boarding!
After our tour, we set up for our first party--a "A Little Farewell from Sweden" for the Clouses ...note the little Swedish flags on the tables. All 18 of the local missionaries came. The rainy weather that had been forecasted held off and we were able to grill and eat outside, just as the Swedes do on the weekends. The Youngbergs joined us, so it was an opportunity for everyone to get to know them, too.
The next day, Saturday, we enjoyed a quick tour of Stockholm with the assistants to refresh Pres. Youngberg with the city and introduce his wife to it. He served here 36 years ago. Each time I go, I see new things. Just like any city, there is much to discover!
After our tour, we set up for our first party--a "A Little Farewell from Sweden" for the Clouses ...note the little Swedish flags on the tables. All 18 of the local missionaries came. The rainy weather that had been forecasted held off and we were able to grill and eat outside, just as the Swedes do on the weekends. The Youngbergs joined us, so it was an opportunity for everyone to get to know them, too.
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I have been reminded this week the Jesus Christ is truly the head of this (His) church. Callings, releases and transition testify to me of his power and authority. First, we are called of God to serve. Of course, we have our agency to choose whether or not we will, but once we accept and are set apart by an authorized Priesthood holder, we receive the authority to function in whatever capacity we were called. When our time to serve is over, someone else goes through the same process and we step away to let that person serve. In the case of the new mission president, the former mission president and his wife had about 1 1/2 hours to orient the new president and his wife to their new home and the mission. Obviously, not much could be done in that time, but that is ok. The new president was set apart and given the authority to lead this mission before he arrived, so that when "his feet touched Swedish soil" his responsibilities began. He will receive the inspiration and revelation he needs. The former president and his wife gracefully step aside for the new leadership. It is impressive to me how smoothly the church organization works.
Also, I'm impressed with the sacrifice these stellar couples make to serve as mission presidents and wives. Imagine leaving your family, home, business, etc for three years to lead 150 young missionaries and a handful of senior couples, to teach, train and lead; to deal with problems that naturally arise; to work with the local church leaders and their units; usually to live in a foreign land, and often to speak a language you learned forty years ago. You are literally on the go everyday--planning, speaking, motivating, counseling, traveling, housing and feeding transferring missionaries--even weekends are often busy with meetings and speaking assignments. Some people mistakenly think that such callings are "glamorous," but truthfully, such callings are incredibly demanding--spiritually and physically. I have a newfound respect for those great couples who serve as mission presidents and wives!
