God Be With You

 

Week 5 - Temporary Reassignment to the Washington Seattle Mission

Oi Oi!

So this week was a rollercoaster, but it was a very good week.

 

So, first off, the big news. While it was expected it was still a shock for all parties involved. I got an email this week from my Stake President. He asked my to call him. The call was short. Due to the situation in Angola I have been temporarily reassigned to labor in the Washington Seattle mission.

 

I am fully excited to have to opportunity to serve in that mission. The call from my Stake President was on Thursday afternoon. I have already met with the president and his wife: President and Sister Beardall. They are very kind. Hobbies, I am told, are golfing (while not serving as mission leaders), spoiling their 13 grandchildren, and family history work. I am also fortunate to know someone that just returned from that mission (also there because of reassignment) who returned just 3 weeks ago. We spoke briefly today; he was excited to hear I was going there. Another Sister from my district also reassigned to that mission, so I will have a friend there already (though with around missionaries in that mission I may not see her often).

 

I had a bittersweet experience when my favorite MTC teacher (though I love them all), Irmão Stephens, told us that we were his last district. He bore his testimony and everyone present was in tears. He is sincerely one of the kindest and funniest people I know (his memorable quote of the week was “anyone have any questions? Comments? Childhood traumas? Hate mail my messenger pigeon?” and also “there are few bad things in this world: sprite, clowns, cobras. But the worst of them all are Spaniards”). I will miss him and my other fabulous teachers when I leave the MTC. I have one week left and I want to do as Irmão Stephens asked and give this last stretch my all.

 

I cannot wait to be out in the field and serve where ever I am called. I already have a love for the people of Angola and I have begun to have the same feelings towards those in the Seattle mission. There is something special about being set apart to serve and love people that gives you an increased love.

Until next week,

Elder Jonas Butikofer