April Showers us with Blessings!

We had our two zone conferences at the end of April, and the subject was "Becoming Exceptional Missionaries." They were two of the most spiritual zone conferences we have experienced. The missionaries were brimming over with success stories in finding and teaching, and the testimony meetings were non-stop wonderful. I gave two presentations--one about some practical pointers that I've been thinking would help the missionaries (do they ever listen?), and one on becoming self-directed and disciplined. Marty gave some tips that he found from an article by Wendy Ulrich on what it means to be an adult ("That They May Grow Up in Thee, Feb 2010 Ensign), and also spoke about this world as our proving ground. We hold one zone conference in Tirana, and one in Durrës for missionaries in all the outer cities. It's always a treat to be with the missionaries in large groups. As I had the flu for a week with a lingering bronchial cough, I baked only cinnamon rolls as a snack for both zone conferences, and cookies and chocolate sauce to go with Rudi's ice cream for dessert. They'll live, but I heard from several elders that they really missed my cooking.

We are thrilled to welcome Ruth and Robert Wilson as our new Humanitarian Aid couple. They replace the Snow's who left last week. (As I was ill, Marty took the Snow's to the airport and forgot to get a picture.) For a month, the Wilson's will be in Vlorë, until another couple, the Smith's arrive, and then the Wilsons will join us here in Tirana and live in the apt. above us in our mission building. We're also excited that two other missionary couples will be coming in the next few months. I refuse to call them "senior" couples, as they are as energetic and enthusiastic for the work as the young missionaries!

Also in April, we sent Elder Taylor Allen home with a medical release, to seek treatment for severe headaches. We hope he returns to good health soon, and possibly come back to us, or be re-assigned.