Our first Zone Conference was for the Marietta and Roswell Zones. We thought we had allowed adequate time for rush hour traffic and had driven up to Marietta the Saturday prior to be sure we knew the way. We took the same I-85 to I-285 to I-75 route and arrived 45 minutes later than expected. It took us nearly two hours for a 45 minute commute. Oops! We have since learned the non-freeway route and will take that in August for the next Zone Conference. You don't want to hit the freeways at rush hour in greater Atlanta. Our return drive that afternoon again took nearly two hours after finally getting off the freeway where an accident had brought traffic to a halt. Fortunately, Elder Coe, the prior vehicle coordinator, drove in from Monroe to help show Elder Connors the vehicle inspection ropes for his first time. When informed that he would speak first, Elder Connors joined the meetings that started at 9 a.m. and never got out until nearly 11:30 a.m. Thankfully Elder Coe and the 4 volunteers got the 14 inspections taken care of and all worked out well. We had prepared a certificate, a small Drive Carefully note, and two get-bonus-miles awards for the best in show cars and that went over well. Sister Connors watched the car inspection process for part of the time and that came in useful on day two.
It was here in Marietta that we got to visit with Sister Smalley and learn about the immense responsibilities for Dr. Smalley. The Church needs so many more of these medical support teams. He spends countless hours each day on the phone and on this day, he spent two hours on the phone and iPad in his car after his presentation to the missionaries. Then as the meetings ended, he and Sister Smalley were driving to the Atlanta airport where he would board an airplane to Samoa to accompany an elder leaving our mission for medical reasons. Out on Tuesday; he'll be back in Atlanta on Friday! Dr. Smalley displays such amazing compassion and dedication. This was the second elder in two weeks to leave the mission unexpectedly. Again, our appreciation and respect grow everyday for President and Sister Wolfert and their love, dedication and skill with the multitude of challenges that befall a mission president.
The next Zone Conference was for the Athens and Sugar Hill Zones at the Suwanee Stake Center. We knew the route and it was against commuter hours, so this time we arrived a half hour early. Elder Connors now knew he would speak about 11:30, well after inspections were finished, so we were able to greet the drivers and stage the cars as they arrived. We had a hitch, however. None of the volunteers showed up, so we teamed up as a twosome to inspect 20 cars. It was a bright, sunny May morning in Georgia, and we were melting after two hours, sitting briefly in each car with the AC running to cool off before moving to the next car. Checking tire pressure, tread depth, body condition, interior condition, seat belts, lights, and paperwork took us at least 10 minutes per car. We returned to the building after inspections, wet from the humidity, and did our best to freshen up and look presentable.
Thursday, the Zone Conference for the Lilburn and Conyers Zones was held at the Lilburn building. I resumed my work in the mission office to catch up. Three high priests from the Lilburn Ward came to assist, and the process hummed like clockwork. We're catching on. Our colleagues (Elder and Sister Bolt) have never attended a Zone Conference, so I encouraged Sister Bolt to attend the meetings while I stayed to answer phones. She really enjoyed them. I was so grateful she had covered non-deferrable things (mail and phones) while we went to the other two Zone Conferences. Zone Conferences are busy, but great. We'll be at it again in August. I'm not sure how often I'll join Elder Connors, but we know so much more about the life of the young Elders and Sisters now. We also met the other Senior Couples who are serving in the small branches. We're having a Senior Missionary Family Home Evening tomorrow at the the Mission Home. We're looking forward to that quarterly meeting as well.
Other highlights of the past weeks include the baptism of Sister Maggie Hackett. She has such a sweet spirit. She's been in Georgia with her daughter and grandchildren but will be moving back to New York State in early June. She committed to be baptized before leaving. She was nervous about the "immersion" because of a fear of water, but did great and bore the sweetest testimony at her baptismal service. Sister Connors led the music and Elder Connors talked about baptism. I love giving Maggie a hug each Sunday, and we will certainly miss her. Dana, our young mom, is working on some lifestyle issues but is trying to be ready for baptism in early July. She has felt the Holy Spirit and sincerely wants that constant companionship. We love her, too. Each Sunday as we attend Gospel Principles with these new and returning members, we feel their spirit and earnest hunger for knowledge. It's wonderful.
Events for Elder Connors included two car wrecks. Not only the accident itself, but the taking of a car out of service is a significant distraction to the work. One car is totaled; we got the phone call on our Preparation Day. Sister Hinckley and Sister Teisina were so blessed to be safe after being broadsided. Elder Connors always wonders what is up when he answers the many phone calls each day. Yesterday it was two elders in a desperate panic because their new gas card would not work. They had not followed the instructions to activate it. We drove to the mission office to get them the phone number. We're learning to program lots of numbers into our phone. Vehicle problem calls come at odd times of days while we're in various places. We're grateful for our personal safety as we sometimes drive in the big 12-passenger mission van in unfamiliar territory. The Lord protects us, but He frequently allows us to get lost when the Tom Tom sends us on routes that defy our instincts. We're starting to learn the major thoroughfares of northern Georgia and their peculiarities. It will all come together.
We enjoyed great conversations with Michael and David for Mother's Day. Beautiful flowers brightened our apartment for a week. We took a short drive through downtown Atlanta and made our phone calls from the car (the cell reception in our apartment is marginal - trees, Stone Mountain, basement location are obstacles). Ward members invited us to come along with the Clarks to a Mother's Day dinner, and we enjoyed getting to know the Duffields, Nickersons, and Rollins (young professional) families better. A few more ward names that will "stick" for sure. We have another invite with the Clarks for a Memorial Day "trash can" dinner at the Kotters. We're curious to see what that will be. Doyle and Eulalia Kotter have served several missions, so it will be great to talk and learn from them. We've completed more yard work with the Clarks and seem to have the runoff water pretty much contained now. Our hours helping them are few and far between. They were just given a Stake Young Single Adult assignment and are very busy, too.
Lastly, but certainly not the least important, we stopped by to take some produce to the Knudsens and check in. We missed them (they are rarely home), but have been encouraged that Brother Knudsen is beginning to respond to commands and trying to talk. We pray that Sister Knudsen will stay encouraged and strong. We follow her posts on Facebook and our thoughts and prayers are with that sweet family. Linda's brother, Thyce, should be released today after successful knee replacement surgery. Life goes on, and the Lord is aware of us all each day.
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