Not too long ago, I received a message on my Facebook from Elder Dallas Bond, he served as one of our assistants from June- November of 2015. The note said that I had miss-named two of the missionaries on the blog...I love our Assistants, "they have our backs", they lift us up,
they keep on giving and serving even after they return home.
This has prompted me to post about all of our assistants.
This has prompted me to post about all of our assistants.
In January, we spent the day with Elder Jair Castillo, he has been home for almost two years.
He came to Trujillo for some business, stayed at the mission home, and we went to the temple.
We rode in the car, sharing memories of my first days in the mission...driving, getting lost,
him not speaking English and me not speaking Spanish.
But we helped each other and got along great.
He now speaks English, I speak Spanish and we are great friends.
Elder Michael Zarian was one of our first assistants as well, he served with Elder Jair Castillo. He served with us from July 1- October 2013.
He could memorize the change board in 15 minutes flat and saved us hours of time by answering
questions about every missionary in every area.
He and Elder Castillo served together. It was a great companionship.
I will never forget Elder Castillo's last day in the mission, Elder Smith was so sad to have
his best friend return home. In April, 2016, Elder Smith returned to the mission for a visit, it was so wonderful to see the two of them together again.
Elder Zavaleta followed Elder Castillo.
This pictures is showing him receiving his English Certificate, he went from not speaking English to
fluency during the mission. Elder Zavaleta was a great missionary, he taught me how to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He always brought his family pictures into every lesson.
He is a humble servant of the Lord.
Soon after, Elder Antuña became an assistant. He is from Argentina, spoke magnificent English and I loved having him translate for me. He was the most organized assistant ever, I think he will run a corporation one day. Elder Antuña was a great friend and example to all of our missionaries.
He was an amazing teacher.
It is always hard to loose an assistant when they go home. They become a part of your family,
you work with them and see them each and every day.
Each Assistant is unique, they bring their own strengths and talents, they will all be amazing leaders.
Elder Brown was the kindest, most loving, charitable person I have known. He was an example to all. He was always positive and found the best in every moment. He loved having our family visit. Elder Brown also made me put aside the translator and papers and being speaking Spanish. He just had a way of helping people to learn more confidence in the Lord.
Elder Haake joined Elder Brown as an Assistant. It was a joy to have his friendship and his talents in the leadership of the mission. He played the violin and piano, could teach and train and "leap tall buildings in a single bound." I am sure that is partly due to his height, and to his spiritual stature.
Elder Haacke was followed by Elder Bond. Another kind soul. Some people seem to have "old souls," though he loved to play and be a fun young man, he also had great maturity.
Elder Bond was another wonderful teacher, I loved teaching with him and some of most memorable moments teaching investigators are with him.
Elder Marshall joined us next, with the mantra, "it's just fine." That young man could calm anyone down. His love for others and his patience is amazing. He gives full credit to his success, to growing up in a houseful of sisters. Elder Marshall, as all of our Assistants, is a great teacher, he grasps concepts and can share them in a way all can understand.
He always shares a smile and sparkling eyes with everyone.
He reminds me a lot of my son, maybe it is that houseful of girls he was raised with.
Elder Craft came with a bubbly, fun personality, he keeps us laughing, but at the same time is a powerful teacher, who can reach the hearts of his listeners. He likes to involve everyone in activities, whether physical (like tennis) or spiritual (like practices for lessons).
Elder Craft and Elder Marshall are the exact same height (as long as they both have their shoes off).
Elder Craft is joyful, and a joy to be around.
We would like to thank each and everyone of you for leading the mission,
teaching, training, loving and advancing the mission during your time of service.
We love each of you.
President Marler has one little wish, to have all of you together in the same room one day,
the Celestial room, with your spouses.
If anyone can make that happen, it is the 12 of you!
his best friend return home. In April, 2016, Elder Smith returned to the mission for a visit, it was so wonderful to see the two of them together again.
This pictures is showing him receiving his English Certificate, he went from not speaking English to
fluency during the mission. Elder Zavaleta was a great missionary, he taught me how to teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He always brought his family pictures into every lesson.
He is a humble servant of the Lord.
He was an amazing teacher.
It is always hard to loose an assistant when they go home. They become a part of your family,
you work with them and see them each and every day.
Each Assistant is unique, they bring their own strengths and talents, they will all be amazing leaders.
His ability to teach, included a violin lesson for our grandson, Gunnar.
Elder Haake always smiled, always shared his love and caring for others.
Elder Bond was another wonderful teacher, I loved teaching with him and some of most memorable moments teaching investigators are with him.
He always shares a smile and sparkling eyes with everyone.
He reminds me a lot of my son, maybe it is that houseful of girls he was raised with.
Elder Craft and Elder Marshall are the exact same height (as long as they both have their shoes off).
Elder Craft is joyful, and a joy to be around.
Elder Marshall and Elder Craft will be going home at the same time, just two weeks after the new President and his wife come. So President Marler called Elder Arenas to join a threesome.
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Elder Arenas is from Columbia and lived part of his life in Spain (the last 7 years).
He walks into a room and everyone notices him, looks up to him and learns from him. he has such a warm, kind, gentle heart. He is such a blessing to have as an Assista |
teaching, training, loving and advancing the mission during your time of service.
We love each of you.
President Marler has one little wish, to have all of you together in the same room one day,
the Celestial room, with your spouses.
If anyone can make that happen, it is the 12 of you!
