Zone Leader Council . . .Or Who Said Meetings Aren't Fun?

Today we had our second zone leader council. Our first was just two weeks ago, (due to our arrival in the mission) but now we are back on schedule and will only have one a month.

Some of the zone leaders come from several hours away and so by the time they arrive, they are tired and hungry. I have learned that it really doesn't matter how much food you put out, they will eat it all. This morning we had bananas, muffins (the ones the ants didn't get to) milk, juice, yogurt and granola.

It is fun to see the missionaries arrive and see their joy at greeting each other. It always reminds me of when Ammon and his brothers ran into Alma and they all rejoiced in learning they were still firm in the faith. Most of those in this picture were in the MTC together so they are in (according to mission lingo) the same "generation".

These two were companions once upon a time . . .

And these three are just good friends. 

Our meeting began with the singing of "We'll Bring the World His Truth". Both Pres. W and I love that song and so it was fun to hear it sung with loud male voices.

The morning meeting consisted of a lot of business. The elders are still getting used to Pres W. They began by asking for permission for a variety of items. Each time Pres. W. would respond with, "What does your manual say?" After about four questions, he asked if there were any more questions. One elder said, "No, I think we know what the answer will be."

The wonderful assistants then spent some time teaching Chapter 8 of PMG on setting goals, and I taught from Chapter 10 about asking inspired questions.

Following my portion we had a short break for snacks. Seconds after announcing there was homemade salsa, chips, fresh fruit and chocolate in the kitchen, this is what the meeting room looked like. I kept waiting for a tumble weed to roll through. :-)

The assistants then taught Fundamental Lesson #2 on recognizing and teaching with the spirit, which was followed by lunch. Last month for lunch I made beef stew which the American elders enjoyed but the Mexican elders sent a representative into the kitchen to ask if I had any salsa to go on it. So this time we served very authentic Mexican food. Hermana Sonia, who helps me out, made green mole with chicken.

This consists of a lot of green leafy items like spinach, cilantro, and green lettuce, plus tomatillos and green chilies. You cook them all until tender, add chicken broth and blend in a blender.

 And then you serve it over your chicken with rice and beans. We had a ton of food and it was all eaten, but then I guess you have to make a ton to feed 20 grown men. Oh, and for dessert, we had Banana Tres Leches Cake. Yum!

After lunch Pres. W. taught. Okay, so I know I am a bit biased, but I loved his part. He was trying to help the missionaries realize that perhaps they don't understand everything in the scriptures, but if they apply themselves to learning, great things will be revealed to them and they will be able to teach with greater power.

Another part of his teachings in morning was trying to help the missionaries see beyond the moment. It is discouraging at times to be in branch with only 25 people so he compared where they are now to the church at the time it was organized. It was hard then for the people to understand how the church would spread to every nation, kindred, tongue and people, but it has. And the missionaries today in Mexico, who are working with small church units need to also catch the vision of the potential of their little area at some future day.

All meetings in our mission close with singing the mission song, the words to which I am going to try and post on the side bar.  It is sung to the tune Battle Hymn of the Republic. I am not sure who wrote it, but we love it.

After the meeting, everyone said their goodbyes . . .

Gathered their belongings (I am hoping there is water in that bottle and not soda pop!)

 Gave their hugs  . . .

 And loaded into the mission van for a ride to the bus depot . . .

I have to say, I love this calling!! It was so much fun to spend the day with such wonderful young men. I appreciate them all so much. I know it has been a bit hard for them to have Pres S.  leave the mission, and adjust to a new mission president, but they have all been very kind and supportive for which we are grateful.

We love them all!