Brought to Tears

This last Tuesday we received 13 new missionaries from the MTC. It was so wonderful to see these faithful servants come into the mission field. They all brought smiles and a feeling of energy and optimism such as you don't feel anywhere else. I love Transfer week! On Wednesday, all of the trainers of the new missionaries, came to the office for training. Then all of those who were transferring, along with their baggage, as well as the new companions meeting their new companions, also appeared. I think we probably had about 150 of our 200 missionaries at the building on Wed. It was absolutely crazy....missionaries sitting, standing everywhere, along with all their luggage. At one point, I walked outside and the whole parking lot was filled with people....those missionaries as well as the good members who drive and chauffeur the missionaries. I then walked back inside to find one of the new missionaries to get his home ward and stake names. I went into the ward building that our new mission office is attached to. I went into the new missionary and trainer meeting. The meeting was just starting. One of the APs announced that they would start the meeting with an opening hymn, the mission song, "High on a mountain top". As I stood there at the door, the missionaries started singing. When I say singing, let me just say that they were BOOMING OUT, in a clear, resonant, tone, like I have not heard since being at the MTC. The Spirit was so incredibly strong at that moment, that all I could do was sing along. As I walked back into the office, my eyes were wet, having been filled with the Spirit of the Lord testifying that the Church is true, and that the mission work is vital and important to us. Once more I felt gratitude for the opportunity of serving a mission at this time in our life. I am grateful to be a missionary.