Zone Conferences

Last week was a busy one. While still recovering from the busyness of transfers, we went to zone conferences around the mission. We got to meet all the missionaries, young and old. That's something we missed out on when we were in Russia--there we only got to know the ones who came to our town. There are some TERRIFIC missionaries serving in the Canada Halifax Mission. Since we're in the office, we'll get to know all of them.

Handing out candy bars at zone conference in an attempt to learn their names

We had a very minor part in each conference. Elder Holbrook told some good stories and gave examples of staying focused on missionary work, interspersed with some financial reminders. Sister Holbrook did her song and dance about mission "housekeeping" items, reminding the missionaries to turn in reports and necessary papers to keep things flowing through the office. Other than that, we sat back and relaxed.

President Pratt introduced his "le tour de Faith" (a take-off on le tour de France) where we really hit things hard for a week, focusing on different goals each day such as passing out Books of Mormon, most creative contacting, or the most invitations to church. The ultimate goal for the mission is to more than double 2016 baptisms from this year (they've dropped a little too much lately) and increase retention and reactivation. Very ambitious, but the with missionaries we've got, it's very doable.

We didn't think to get a picture of the entire zones until the last conference. These are the diligent missionaries serving in Newfoundland (we're missing half of one of the senior couples because he was out doing a car inspection). This is the smallest zone in the mission, just about half the size of any of the other four zones. Very good people. 

Newfoundland Zone with President Pratt on the front row on the left

Unfortunately, we got to Gander, Newfoundland, late at night so we didn't get to see much except windy darkness. The next day we had zone conference in the hotel and it was dark by the time we finished. Saturday morning we thought we might get a little sightseeing in, but woke up to a snowstorm and we chose to relax in our room rather than brave the icy winds. The people we met were warm and friendly. Maybe next time the weather will cooperate and we can see a little more.

Fun in our travels:
We got to Moncton the afternoon before the first zone conference. We'd heard about a place called Magnetic Hill and found it was close to our hotel so we decided to check it out. Because of stormy weather, the booth was empty and we didn't have to pay the entrance fee. We drove to the bottom of this hill (to the point it started going uphill again) about 200 meters in front of car, put the car in neutral, and coasted backwards up the hill to the picture site! Amazing. The car moved backward quickly, not just a slow roll.

Looking "down" Magnetic Hill

The airport in Gander had a fun waiting area. We didn't try out the low chairs (we weren't sure we'd be able to get out of them!)

Thanksgiving

Thursday we celebrated a quick Thanksgiving dinner with 5 other couples. Everyone brought a favorite dish. Like most Thanksgiving meals, we had way too much delicious food. For some reason, we can't get the pictures to transfer over, but trust me, there was lots of food and great company. Have we told you how great the missionaries are here? That goes for senior couples as well. The members are fantastic too.

It was nice to take a bit of a break and remember we have so much to be grateful for. Above all, we have a knowledge of our loving Heavenly Father Who sent His Son to atone for our sins. They love us in spite of all we do wrong! And They're beside us every step of the way, helping us throughout the trials--and good times--in our lives.