"Empty-nest Syndrome," Every Six Weeks

Sister Grover's farewell "Death Cake" from her district!

Elder's Close and McLean exchange information just before transfers.

When we were "expecting our children," we counted the months! Today's moms count the weeks, and with missionaries, the 18 or two year term of service is marked by transfers. We sent three sons on missions, umpteen students and friends, and were never aware that each mission runs on a six week calendar.

This coming week begins a new transfer. We are emotionally ramping up, because we are the only missionaries in our district and zone that for sure won't be transferred. We signed an 18 month lease and stay in the same place, with each other for 18 months. Generally, our ASL sisters aren't moved much either. Each time we loose and gain missionaries we suffer a little empty-nest syndrome...yes it is a true syndrome!

The last week of each transfer, (this past Wednesday) the departing missionaries attended the Manhattan Temple with the Bennions. This is a very special occassion each missionary looks forward to.

Our mission-mom, Sister Bennion, was heading out for Costco this morning to purchase vats of food for, "Transfer Week!" President and Sister Bennion will spend the weekend getting ready for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Here's how it goes:

1. On Monday morning the Mission Home in Westbury, (on Long Island,) is readied for the new missionaries that will arrive that afternoon. The Bennions, know how to run, "a bed and breakfast." They have been doing just that since well before we met them! Well, they still are, but with many more beds and mouths to fill! President and Sister Bennion, are accompanied by the Assistants and the Office Elders, to LaGuardia Airport to pick up fresh from the MTC missionaries. We remember being exhausted after our MTC alarm went off at 4 AM. We caught the shuttle to the Salt Lake Airport, flew all day, and were full of mixed emotions. Each new sister or elder reports they are tired, excited and nervous. Once their luggage is collected, they are taken to a busy area of Queens and experience their first street sweep! Now, this is a great way to begin the work, "fearlessing" New Yorkers! Most find this very exciting and we know it is a great learning exercise with the Assistants as examples to follow. Then they are taken to the Mission Home for a lovely dinner. President Bennion always has a personal interview with each one and they fill out paper work for the office missionaries. They have time to visit and relax, are introduced and instructed about the mission, and get to bed fairly early. We volunteered to help serve and clean up this coming Monday and are excited to meet the missionaries heading our way!
2. Tuesday is "Transfer Day." After breakfast, the missionaries pack up and head to the Rego Park Church/Mission Office. At 10 AM Trainers and new missionaries are matched up. At 12 PM, a special meeting is held for all those being transferred. It is traditionally a suspense-filled presentation as new companionships are announced. What I never realized (and our sons were too kind to tell me), was that when I sent them gifts, they had to haul them around or send them home! Please know that no one picks up each missionary to drive them to their new pads. They travel by foot, bus, or train, with all of their belongings! Don't send big quilts, stuffed animals, or "additional baggage," all the things I sent. Actually, you are all probably smarter than I was! Anyway, back to Tuesdays, that afternoon, the elders and sisters resume their daily work schedule while they get to know one another. We are often amazed at how many ward members they visit and meet that first week of transfers. President Bennion is busy giving final interviews to the departing missionaries. At the Mission Home, Sister Bennion, has the beds changed, and a gourmet meal is waiting for the departing missionaries. That evening after dinner they have a most memorable testimony meeting that parents are invited to. What's been fun to see is how many of the missionaries whose parents are picking them up, opt to spend their last night at the Mission Home. Sister Bennion says the visiting and reminiscing can go into the late hours!
3. Wednesday morning comes early. The Assistants, elders and sisters, grab a quick breakfast, all of their belongings, and head to the airport to catch their flights. Sister Bennion's washing machine, dryer and dishwasher are working over time as she busily puts "His house in order!" What a blessing the Bennions are to our mission.

We have learned how important Trainers are to the mission. The role of trainer is one of the most important and influential assignments in any mission. It's fair to say a trainer determines the future of the mission. We loved our district leader and zone leader, Elder McLean. We had the privilege of serving with him for several months. I remember when I told President Bennion how much I missed serving with him. President Bennion said, "Elder McLean is training one of our great new missionaries!" I then realized the importance of this assignment. They have baptized 13 new members in that district this transfer. We are called to serve the Lord. He is with us and knows where each missionary needs to be. Like Nephi, we have been asked to "go and do." It's a magnificent thing to be a part of.

Usually on Thursday we have a meeting with our district to meet and get to know the new missionaries. By then, we know who has been transfered and where they are. We have said our goodbyes. We so miss all the missionaries, (old and young) that have gone home and love the ones that have replaced them. Elder and Sister dePaula leave in just 40 days! We met in the MTC and can't imagine the mission without them here. We look forward to what we envision to be like a family reunion, when we will (we hope) attend a New York New York South Mission Reunion next October. We send our love to all our departed missionaries!