June 10-11 Zone Conferences

We held our June Zone Conferences on the 10th and 11th, and as always were a highlight of our six-week routine. The missionaries love getting together to receive training and see old companions and MTC class members. I made taco salad for both zones, which turned out to be a bigger effort than I imagined it would be.

I had to haul a good portion of my kitchen equipment, as well as three ice chests of food, to Durrës for the "outside" conference. Pizza next time!

Tirana, or "Inside" Zone, is comprised of missionaries from the four districts in Tirana. The Ahlborns (YSA-Outreach) and the Wilsons (Humanitarian) are with the Tirana group. It's a mission tradition that the "dying" elders who leave for home July 7, sit or stand on the front row. Above are( l. to r.) Elders Monson and Rispoli, who are assuming a xhaxhi pose. ("Xhaxhi" means "uncle" or "older man".)

The "Outside" zone is comprised of the missionaries from the districts of Vlorë, Elbasan, Fier, Durrës, and Shkodër. Outgoing missionaries are (l. to r.) Elder Monson, Sister Larson, and Elder McGlothin.

Elder and Sister Smith arrived on May 28, after spending several days at the Provo MTC. They're going to help us prepare to set up a Young Single Adult Center in Vlorë and Elder Smith will be the Branch President. Because of Memorial Day, their registration at the U.S. Embassy was delayed, but they we were finally able to take them to Vlorë on the evening of June 1. As it was late when we arrived, Marty and I spent the night at the New York Hotel and returned to Tirana the next day.