A letter from President Gee and his wife

Dear Parents,
This week is tranfer week so I thought I would share a little bit about the process with you. Every six weeks we get new missionaries and also send those who have finished back home. This is both an exciting time for us and a challenging time. This transfer we will greet eleven new missionaries and send six home. What this does can be compared to breaking up a puzzle that has been put together and almost starting over. Each new missionary is assigned a trainer so obviously eleven companionships are changed at the start. It is just like dominos as President Gee tries to put everything back together. He considers how long they have been in the area, who is cleared to drive, how long they have been serving in the mission, and most of all, what feels right. He usually spends a few hours a day for a week putting it all together. He makes the first draft and then spends hours staring at the transfer board and pondering if everything feels right. He would love to make everyone happy. Some don't want to be moved. They are getting along so well with their companion and they may have someone almost ready to baptize. Some are praying that they can get transferred. When the calls come on Monday night about who is getting transferred some are happy and some are not. In fact, at least with the sisters, a few tears are often shed. For some of the missionaries change is a big and stressful challenge. Sometimes new assignments are greeted with enthusiasm and sometimes the missionaries feel overwhelmed. All through their missions we are constantly turning their world upside down. The longer we have been here the more I have realized how much faith it takes to just do what they are asked to do and trust it will all work out. We so appreciate those who have the attitude, "I'll Go Where You Want Me To Go." Those of you who have served missions know exactly what I am talking about. The most important thing for President Gee is "feeling" it is right. He has learned there isn't always an ideal situation for every missionary. We have to do the best we can. Sometimes they get "growing pains" as they learn to adjust to living with another person. In the long run the experience can help them grow spiritually and socially. Thank you for your encouraging words to them. They usually adjust after a few days. Just keep telling them to pray for help to be a good companion and to love their companion. The health of the mission is determined by the influence these missionaries have on each other. Please continue to join us in praying that we can all be trusted to obey the Lord's commandments. Again, President Gee and I have enjoyed reading the responses that we get from you. We appreciate communication because you are an integral part of this work. If you ever have any thoughts you would like to share with us about the well being of your missionary please feel free to communicate with us. Sometimes answers to our prayers can come from you. We love your children and this work. May the Lord bless you for supporting your sons and daughters in their missionary service. Have a good week. Love, Sister Gee