Tender Mercies and Transfers

This is a dear friend who used to come out to our Ft. Eustis Group to teach some of the Sunday lessons to the soldiers.  Just before Christmas she and her husband were blessed with a sweet little son who will soon be legally adopted and sealed for eternity.  What joy!

Elder "S" (middle) was transferred back to work with us after being in a different Zone for a while.  His companion decided not to be a missionary any longer and went home.  So Elder "S" was in this 3-some for a couple weeks.  It was fun getting to know Elder "C" and Elder "W". 

Yesterday Elder "S" got his new companion fresh from the MTC.  When Elder "S" came to Ft. Eustis, about 6 months ago, he was the greenie -- now he is the trainer and District Leader.  That should tell everyone what kind of missionary he is!

We had the privilege of attending "transfer meeting" yesterday in Richmond.  This is where all of the new missionaries are matched up to their companions, who will be trainers.  We had wanted to attend one of these and when we were asked to give a ride to a couple elders, we were delighted.  It was "the biggest transfer day of the mission".  There were 16 new missionaries and lots of transfers.

We have 3 missionaries from Africa in the mission. This sweet sister is from Uganda.  We have an elder from Ethiopia and one from Nigeria.

Loading up the bikes and suitcases for transfers.

Elder "C" got a new companion from Korea.  (The two elders facing in our direction on the right side of the picture.)

This morning we went to the graduation of an inactive soldier only to find that he was graduating another day, so he wasn't in today's program.  However, we were approached by Colonel "M" one of the kindest leaders that we see often at the graduations.  He always thanks family members for supporting their soldiers.  He always acknowledges us.

Last week he asked us for our first names but didn't say why.  Today he presented us with these certificates. He is transfering to a different department and won't be attending the graduations so he wanted us to know how much he has appreciated our support of the soldiers.  What a kind man.  We have had no direct contact with him except for graduations. 

A challenge coin is a tradition in the military that I didn't know about.  The officer shakes the hand of the recipient and within the hand is a coin.  It is an honor that is not given out lightly, and represents recognition for some kind of achievement or service.  I've seen that handshake given to Distinguished Graduates at graduations, and witnessed the grin of appreciation. 

Imagine how happy I was when Colonel "M" asked to shake our hands after giving us those nice certificates.  On the coins are the symbols of the aviation training that our soldiers learn in their classes.  It is meaningful for so many different reasons.  This was his own private recognition and did not involve getting up in front of anyone.  It made me want to cry and feel humble for his kindness.

These are the "muckety mucks" of AIT at Ft. Eustis before a graduation.  Colonel "M" is second from the right and is the Director of Training for all aviation AIT soldiers.  Colonel "H" (center) is the Batallion Commander for all aviation AIT soldiers, a member of our church, and a very nice person to work with.  He actually gave us each one of his own special coins a few months ago. The two on the left are the Commanding Officer of USAALS and his Sgt Major.  On the right is the Sgt. Major who works with Col. "M".

The Lord's tender mercies help us know how much he is aware of us and helping with our mission here.  Blessings come to anyone who is trying to serve His children.