WEEK 14 - 'TIL WE MEET AGAIN

Hey everyone, Elder Weber here again with an email about how things are going in the Colorado Fort Collins Mission.

To begin with, this week was fairly slow, slower than normal, but we had several different events that made it exciting and worth while. But I'm not going to talk about that yet. Instead, I'm going to talk about the very big thing that is about to change the Fossil Creek Ward forever. Transfers. For those that don't quite get how missions are run area-wise, each Elder or Sister in the mission is assigned a companion and area to serve in, and serve in that area and with that companion for the space of six weeks, or a transfer. Every six weeks, the Mission President thoughtfully and prayerfully looks over the missionaries that serve under him, and decides where each should serve later on. Some, like my companion Elder Proffit, serve in their areas for five or six transfers, or eight or nine months, and have several different companions and roles. Others, which is far more likely, only stay in an area for two or three transfers, or three or four months, and usually with only one companion. Transfers are also the time when Elders and Sisters leave the mission at the end of their service, and board planes and trains to take them back home to where they belong.

With that in mind, starting tomorrow, Elder Proffit will be serving in the Boulder Zone, Broomfield 3rd Ward, the very most southern tip of the mission. Elder Wengreen will return home and begin living his life once more. And I and Elder Vakameilalo will become companions in the Loveland Zone, Fossil Creek Ward. From now on, Fossil Creek will be a one-companionship only Ward, and all the work in there will be handled by Elder V and me. I have to say, the thought of transfers both scares me and excites me.

Elder Proffit & Weber

I have enjoyed being trained by Elder Proffit, he is a great Elder, and someday will be a great member of this church (perhaps even a prophet). Elder Wengreen, while having his ups and downs, has been a great learning experience for me, and has taught me to be more loving and patient with others. He has also been a step towards humbling me and my over-sized ego from time to time. I am thankful for his work and presence in my life, and wish him luck in all of his future endeavors. God speed. And while I find it hard to understand Elder V from time to time, because he doesn't speak English as well as other Elders do, I look forward to working with him and his different personality and point of view. Even more, I look forward to serving not just the east-side of the Fossil Creek Ward, but the entire area, and everyone that lives within the Ward boundaries.

And so, with that, I believe I will end this email. I know, that isn't a very long email as compared to others, but there is very little I can say. This week was one filled with goodbyes, one filled with tears. But this I can say. Though Elder Proffit and Elder Wengreen are leaving their areas, and moving on with their lives, one with service in another part of the mission, the other with life back in his home, their work here will not end. They have left an impression on this area that will not be easily forgotten, and will be carried on by faithful Elders willing to serve their Savior with every fiber of their beings. And I am proud to be one of those Elders. Not only that, but the friendships they have forged here will not end, but shall last for time and all eternity. And so, though I must say goodbye to my friends and brothers today, I also say, with joy in my heart, "God be with you 'til we meet again. By his council's guide, uphold you. With his sheep, securely fold you. God be with you 'til we meet again."

God be with you all, 'til we meet again. This I say, in the name of my Lord and God, even the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.

--Elder Z.S.Weber

Thought I would add a little from the mom letter this week:
"I won't be the senior companion, as Elder V has been out several months longer than I. But, I will be the designated driver, as I'm the one who has a driver's license.  However, I may need to do the calling and writing, because I know more English than he, so that worries me.  The good thing is he's catching on to English very well. He understands a lot, and can speak fairly fluently, he just has a very hard to understand accent. But I'm sure I'll be fine!

Also, how go the preparations for Thanksgiving? I didn't mention in my letter, but I'm fairly certain I'm either spending Thanksgiving with the Ottley's or the Smiths."