When we first got to Richards Bay, South Africa, the Bartholomews and Hafens introduced us to the idea of a last supper for the zone – 2 districts – on the last Sunday before transfers. We continued the tradition all through our time there and picked it up again when we got to Fort Lauderdale. However we had to change it from a last supper to a last lunch so the missionaries could – with the permission of President Anderson – come on their last P-day. It is something we look forward to as it gives us a chance to get to know the missionaries better and it is a way to show our love for them and their amazing diligence in serving the Lord.

  

Mary with Elder Hall – he came early with his companion elder Bloom so they could do their e-mail on our computers. It is elder Hall’s 4th and last, last lunch.

  

Elder Rellaford has been training elder Taylor. They will be here for another 6 weeks.

   

Elder Patino and elder Rondo have served together for this transfer. Elder Patino is being transferred.

  

Elders Rellaford and Patino are enjoying their pizza on the couch while most of the missionaries were gathered around the table. Sisters Stegelmeier and Dye were special guests – sister Dye is heading home on Thursday.

  

The Fort Lauderdale district has been very busy this transfer and it always difficult at transfer time when good friends leave for new assignments. But it is also an inspiring experience to see how the Lord through President Anderson and the assistants develop a transfer plan that will move the mission forward in the days to come. The zone leaders – Elders HoChing and Bishop join the district for a group picture. We are sad and yet happy to bid goodbye to elder HoChing ans Sister Dye as they leave the mission and move into the next period of their lives. They are both powerful missionaries and they will be leaders in the Kingdom throughout their lives. I do not usually post weird pictures of missionaries because they do not really reflect who they are but since elder Bishop took this picture of himself, I thought it was fair to share it with everyone.