Arrival Pictures

Sister Smart, the mission president's wife, records the events of the mission (i.e. Zone Conferences, missionaries going home, missionaries arriving, etc) in the mission blog.  The most recent entry was about the arrival of Elder Tonini (she may have mentioned a few others as well), complete with pictures.  You can read the entry here.


We have added a link to the mission blog (under Useful Links, right) so that you can follow the other events of the Riverside mission.  For example, there is an interesting story about a Bishop feeding an entire zone of missionaries.  And it wasn't hamburgers and hotdogs!

News from the Mission President

Dear Brother and Sister Tonini,

We are so grateful to have Elder Tonini join us here in the California Riverside Mission!  It was exciting to meet him at the airport.  I had the opportunity to interview your missionary and we were able to hear his testimony before having dinner together.  We have been impressed with his testimony and desire to serve.  It has been a privilege to get to know him.
Elder Tonini is now hard at work in his new area, the Yucaipa Zone with his companion, Elder Chambers.
Preparation day is Monday; most missionaries choose to email their family on that day.  We encourage you to write or email weekly as well.  Thank you for keeping your letters positive, uplifting, and encouraging your son to work hard and take advantage of the time spent here in the work of the Lord.  You may also keep updated with our mission events by looking at our blog at: riversidecaliforniamission.blogspot.com.
As we visited with your son, this is what he said about his family: "They are the most loving family.  My siblings are the best and we love to serve."
We look forward to a wonderful experience together with your missionary.  Thank you for preparing one worthy to serve.  May God continue to bless you.
Sincerely,
/s/ President Paul F. Smart

This Isn't Your Parent's Mission

When Greg and I served our mission, our parents had very little contact with the mission office. I don't know if it is part of the communication age we live in or the fact that he is State-side, but I have already spoken to the mission office three times. Today they called ME while I was in the car pool line at school.

Sister Haygood called to report that our missionary arrived safe and sound. She told me that they already love him and can tell that he will be a great missionary (does she tell that to every mom???) He had his interview with the mission president and would be heading over to the mission home for dinner and testimony meeting tonight. She told me that the missionaries were well fed and that they would be well fed again tonight! Drew was worried about the whole dinner thing. I think he will be well taken care of!

His p-day will be on Monday's and that all mail, if sent USPS, can be forwarded on to him. I am grateful that he had safe arrival and such a warm reception. He will be assigned a trainer tonight and go to his new area. He will be in the first area at least until June and then who knows where he will go. I'm sure one proud momma!!!