Farewell Alabama

(VaLene talking here)  President Holzapfel called us today at 10:30am to say that the church has decided to send Elder Hulme and Elder Guinn to the West Indies mission, English speaking.  We assume they will be in Trinidad/Tobago, but we don't know for sure.  Other English-speaking islands in the West Indies mission include Grenada, Guyana, St. Lucia, St. Maarten, and St. Vincent.  I don't know if their Visas for Suriname were ultimately denied, or if the mission folks just gave up on waiting.  I believe it was the latter.  I do not know if there is still a chance that they will get to Suriname and speak Dutch.

Click Map of the West Indies Mission to see all the countries and islands that are part of the mission.

Departure Date: Thursday, November 18
Depart Alabama 1:05pm
Arrive Miami, Florida 3:55pm
Depart Miami, Florida 6:50pm
Arrive Port of Spain 11:30pm

This will be exactly one week shy of his 8-month mission mark.  I can't wait to talk to him and find out how he feels about all of this.  We are very excited for him.  He did mention in a recent e-mail that if/when he leaves Alabama, he will likely experience mission-president-shock.  President Holzapfel seems to be one in a million.  Here is the e-mail that Pres. Holzapfel sent to the families, the bishops, the stake presidents, and to the elders.  And he included this photo from their recent zone conference.

Dear Elders Hulme and Guinn,

Here is your travel plan for November 18. We will arrange your departure interviews and dinner this coming weekend. Your efforts to prepare Elders Kirk and Chugg to take your responsibilities in the Ensley Branch will be appreciated. New zone leaders will be called before you leave. I ask you to visit with them as soon as we announce their assignment.

Thank you for your service in the mission. Your lives exemplify the kind of missionaries the Lord needs today to fulfill his purposes. Thank you for your inspired leadership as the Bessemer zone leaders. The recent conference you conducted was exceptional and training and discussions were most helpful. I commend you both for your dedication, obedience, and service.

Blessings, President Holzapfel

GOOD LUCK ELDER HULME AND ELDER GUINN!!!!!!