Set goals; Make plans

It's 2013. A new year and time to set goals and make plans. These leaders of the mission did just that as they met for Zone Leader Council. They discussed what is going well in their zones and problems they are having. They set goals to improve as zones and as a mission. They set year goals and January goals. The spirit confirmed our goals and plans which makes us excited to move forward and succeed.   We have a few new zone leaders in this group.  Let me introduce everyone and tell which zone they lead. 

Standing, left:  Elder Erickson-Kingsland, Elder Gebhard-Kingsland, President Anderson-2nd counselor in the mission presidency, Elder Evans-Savannah, President Barry, Elder Andrade-JAX South, President Colvin-1st counselor in the mission presidency, Elder Wise-JAX East, Elder Riggs-JAX West, Elder Bishop-Gainesville, Elder Bushman-JAX East, Elder McCarthy-JAX South, Elder Tomlinson-Assistant to the President
Kneeling:  Elder Boamorte-Savannah, Elder Lang-Lake City, Elder Coleman-Lake City, Elder Howell-Gainesville, Elder Cervo-JAX West, Elder Housel-Assistant to the President.

Now and Forever

Our words of gratitude seem to be inadequate for our wonderful missionaries who faithfully finish their missions.  We have watched these seven missionaries on their 2 year path of service, change from boys to powerful disciples of Jesus Christ.  Thank you for allowing the Spirit to work in you and through you.  Remember - Now and Forever!  

Back:  Elder Crawford, Elder Schuyler, Elder Orth
Front:  Elder Chadwick, Elder DiCristofano, Sister Barry, President Barry, Elder Frizzell, Elder Webster

They have been through a lot together.  They love each other like brothers. 

Elder DiCristofano and Elder Tomlinson served together as Assistants.  They have worked long hours - more than anyone can imagine.  They have spent hours on their knees and have learned to lead, love and lift the missionaries.  Elder DiCristofano finished his mission honorably.  You will be missed, Elder Di. 

New Year Transfers

For most of these missionaries it's probably the first time they have gone to bed before midnight on New Year's Eve - but they do! It's another exciting day in the mission.  All the missionaries pictured are being transferred or are receiving a new companion.  We love these missionaries. 

Sister Crowton, Sister Jensen, Sister Scott, Sister Knickerbocker, Sister Barry, Sister Barton

Elder Riggs, Elder Adams, Elder Payne, Elder Baczuk, Elder Schuyler
Floor:  Elder Howell, Elder Robinson

Everyone at transfers - almost. 

Sister David is being trained and introduced by Sister Whiting.  They will serve in St. Augustine, FL.

Elder Newbold is being introduced by Elder Belliston.  They will serve in Brunswick, GA.

Elder Jenkins will be trained by Elder Lundberg.  They serve in Gainesville, FL.

Elder Grover is being trained by Elder Suttner.  They serve in Brunswick, GA.

Elder Caito is being introduced and trained by Elder Craynor.  They serve in Live Oak, Fl.

Elder Wilde is being trained by Elder Madden in Middleburg, Fl. 

Elder Clark is being trained by Elder Kiracofe in Lake Butler, Fl.

Elder Bodily is being trained and introduced by Elder Buhler.  They will serve in Palatka, Fl.

Happy New Year

We welcomed in the New Year by welcoming the new missionaries to the FJM. Yes, they got up at 2:30am New Years Day and left the MTC by 3:30am. Many of them didn't even sleep that night.  They were exhausted by 3:00pm when they arrived in Jacksonville.  It was quite a chore keeping them awake for the rest of the day.  This is a powerful and good group of missionaries.  We are thrilled to see what they do in the next 2 years.   

Back:  Elder Newbold, Elder Jenkins, Elder Caito
Front:  Elder Wilde, Elder Grover, Sister David, Elder Bodily, Elder Clark

Notice that we received one sister this transfer, Sister David.  This will be the last transfer that we will get only one or two sisters.  In February we receive 12 sisters and 13 elders - most of them in the younger age group.  This transfer saw a first.  One of the elders is 18, can you guess who?  Elder Caito!  Yahoo! 

Arrival at the airport.  It was a beautiful day.  They left Provo with the temperature at about 10 degrees and landed to a balmy 75!  

Welcome to Florida!