Burdens

It is with a heavy heart that I make this entry in my journal.  Yesterday two missionaries were released and returned home early.  Two zone leaders.  Two of the best.  We don't know any details, but we love them and are praying for them.  We hope and pray they will be surrounded by loving family and leaders who will help them to move forward in their lives.  Our Assistants were so quiet and serious -- they were in the office in the morning to use the computers to email home.  When the usually chatty and up-beat Elder Schiess was finished at the computer, he sat down in a chair to read scriptures while he waited for his companions.  He fell asleep.  We suspect they may have been up all night.  Sister Blue and I just told them how sorry we were, that we knew they were hurting and wished we could give them all hugs.  They solemnly thanked us.  ~~  How grateful we all are for Jesus Christ and the power of the Atonement to heal and make whole!

We had received a text from President Castro around 7:30 a.m. reporting that these two missionaries had been relieved of their zone leader duties.  I suspect the text went to their particular zone and to the office staff.  We had no idea how serious it was until we got to the office and saw the notice from Salt Lake that they had been released and the luggage receipts on Elder Mecham's desk.

President Castro's weekly email message to all the missionaries was several great quotes on not gossipping - time it was sent out? -- the middle of the night!  We constantly pray for him and the burdens he carries in his great responsibility as mission president.  We love him.  And his wonderful family.

The Castro's daughter and family from back East are due to arrive this week -- two little ones, one of which is just a little baby.  And where are the Castros living right now?  In a hotel!  They are having major plumbing problems -- rotten pipes and much digging, repair work, and restoration to be done.  They may not get back into the Mission Home for a couple of weeks.  And the kids just started school.  And Joseph leaves in a couple weeks for his mission.  Trials!  Physical and spiritual -