Our Calling, MTC experience and Welcome to Botswana

Our original start date was 30 June, but the current office couple (after they did the Happy Dance seeing that we were coming) suggested strongly that we needed more than 1 week of on-site training and asked if we could come a month earlier.  We indicated we were willing, but the Mission President needed to request that change.  The next day, Lynn took a call from the Senior Mission office, asking if we could start the process 2 June!  We said we could.

When we shared our call with our fellow FamilySearch missionaries, one of them indicated he had served in that very mission 4 years ago, and was enthusiastic. Later that day, Mark was standing outside the Directors office as he is want to do, looking for patrons with glazed eyes, indicating they are having a problem and need assistance.

A patron came over to use the paper cutter to prepare his temple name cards.  As he worked, he said "You always have a smile".

Mark said "Because I like helping folks.  But soon, I won't be able to help because we are leaving".

He asked "Why?"

Mark: "Senior Mission"

Him: "Where are you going?"

Mark: "Botswana/Namibia"

Him: "We just returned from there. I was the Mission Leader."

Jeff Anderson and his wife were the Mission President over the Botswana/Namibia/North-section of South Africa.  He was replaced by the current Mission President Walker, whose term ends in June.  He and later his wife both spoke highly of the mission and the country and were very encouraging.  He also encouraged us to find out who the new Mission President is and contact him.

Soon enough, it was time to fly to Botswana.  Our trip was long.  The first leg took us from Salt Lake City to Atlanta.  That went well.  But the next flight, from Atlanta to Johannesburg South Africa, was going to be Delta Economy Seating for 15+ hours!!  As we were making our way down the jetway, the checkin agent came rushing to the jet door, telling the greeting stewardess something about row 40.  As she returned, Mark mentioned "You said Row 40?" Showing her our boarding pass, she went back to the door and said "I found them."  She then gave us upgraded seats for Delta Comfort Seating in row 32!!!

We drove to our new flat (Botswana was a British Protectorate, so everything is British-y.  Even the driving).  We dropped off our luggage, changed to a suit, and drove on to church.

The Bishop of the ward, after greeting us and finding out who and what we were, invited us to bear our testimonies. Fortunately, English is the official language of Botswana, so that was no problem.

The next few days looks like

• Sunday: Visit the office, unpack, SLEEP!

• Monday: Prep Day, drive around the area learning the stores, meet the Mission President & his wife

• Tuesday: A FULL day at the Mission Office

• Wednesday: Zone Conference

We are already helping, but our bodies (adjusting to the Time Zone change) are not cooperating!  We're pretty tired by dinner time.