Heder Mission Moments: Good-byes are tough, Organizing New Branches and Training

Hello Family,

I really am not a fan of airports, at least not when I'm there alone. But this past weekend I've spent far too much time in airports and on planes, without LeeAnn. I flew over to Cyprus for a day of interviews on Friday. We are reorganizing three of the four branch presidencies in the Nicosia Cyprus District--and with a dirth of leadership, changing so many Branch Presidencies means it will effect the District Presidency as well, so there were plenty of people to interview, either to release them or to call them. It's a sweet experience when we have the chance to see people's faith and their willingness to take on significant assignments that will impact their home and family and life for years to come.

All went well, and by midnight I had again landed at the Athens airport, found my car in long term parking, and was driving back to the mission home. But early the next morning I was up packing and preparing to go back to the airport to fly to Frankfurt Germany for District leadership training. It was for District Presidents and Mission Presidents over districts. In Frankfurt I got to walk in the first snow I've seen for over a year.

It was a full and wonderful day. The training was great and uplifting--and I went back to the airport fully loaded with things I know I can do better. I had only two regrets on the day. The first was that I missed the opportunity to invite our shuttle driver inside the church building to get warm for a minute--just so he would have a chance to feel the spirit of the place. I talked to him as he dropped me off, and I gave him a couple of euros as a tip, but I thought later that on a cold day with snow falling, it couldn't have hurt to invite him inside just to warm up before making the trip back to the airport.

The other regret was that I had been away from Lee and the girls for almost two full days. I've grown quite addicted to having them close by. President Uchtdorf had promised Lee and I that this would be a blessing to our family when he issued our call and I've definitely seen that play out in my relationship with Alinda and Marie. I get to see them almost every day as I get breakfast with them, we get to pray together and I take them to school. I see them most nights and even though we're running frantic all day, on most days Lee makes sure that somehow they join us in our meetings or we have dinner together-- more often now than we ever did before.

I knew I had great girls, but I've learned how truly sweet, intelligent and strong they are. It has been one of the dearest blessings of my mission thus far.

Bill O. Heder
Greece, Athens Mission

Oh happy day,

I am quite a parallel car park master after my months here in Greece. You have to be talented and brave to find a parking spot. Either that or drive a smart car. This past weekend while Bill was in Frankfurt I had to park in three different crazy spots in the center of town. On Sunday at the Acropoli Branch there is only one parking spot behind the church down a tiny alley where you need to pull your side mirrors in when you park. Sometimes when the owner next door leaves his chain down a couple more spots open up, Kind of funny that you have to leave 30 min. early to find parking. It keeps you humble :) but most everyone takes the metro to church. On Sunday I watched Mary one of our newest converts stand in Relief Society as a newly called counselor and conduct with nervous enthusiasm, proud of her new responsibilities. Loved it.

The girls and I spent Saturday afternoon with the sisters which is always a delightful uplifting opportunity. My girls have so many opportunities to learn and see what the life of a sister missionary is all about. We meet them because Sister Valles is going home on Monday. On our way into town Alinda announced that by the time she goes on her mission she will be a pro. She has already been to at least 4 zone conferences and many other missionary trainings. What a unique blessing for my girls to see the missionaries' example and enthusiasm for sharing this great gospel message. Marie and Sister Bakewell are especially close, enjoying many laughs and fun thoughts together. We found a great Indian food place and as much as we all like Greek food sovlaki etc., the Indian food was a real treat and exceptional food made by a family from India. We made friends with 2 of the girls that are the hostess and waitresses for their family business. Sister Valles shared some of her favorite memories from her mission. We also made plans for our New Beginnings program that we are doing for 2 young women that just turned 12. (and Alinda and Marie) We told the parents what we wanted to do and they agreed but they are not always in church and so it has been a battle to contact them to confirm a date. We try to catch them at church, call (no answer) this has not been an easy program to plan and we keep moving the date because we can't get a hold of them. We remain positive.

We had a big wind storm the other night. Lining the narrow road that goes into our neighborhood are rows of orange trees and the next morning while driving into our neighborhood oranges were everywhere. I was laughing because it's one thing for leaves to be shattered everywhere after a storm, but oranges everywhere was odd, colorful and a bit messy.

Elder Nelson gave a great YSA world-wide devotional (you might have seen it already) and I want to end with one of his thoughts from that devotional. Expect and prepare to Accomplish the Impossible. ... "Living in the latter part of the latter days, the Lord will ask you to do difficult things. You can count on it." Recognizing that being asked to do something that seems far beyond one's capacity can be unnerving, President Nelson encouraged listeners to accept challenging tasks and become an instrument in the Lord's hands.

Kali Chronia!

Sister LeeAnn Heder