Sendai Japan Mission 2011-2014: Our final FHE with Niigata Zone

It was about in March that we learned that our beloved Niigata Zone would be taken from the Sendai Mission and added to the Tokyo Mission. We have been very sad about losing them which would be effective July 1, 2013. Since Zone Conferences were scheduled in June, we took this opportunity to spend an evening with the missionaries in the Niigata Zone the evening before Zone Conference. I have felt sorry for Gary who had to decide which of his "children" he was willing to give up. That approach was absolutely impossible and he decided the only way could do make these decisions was to think of it as if it were not going to happen and keep the Zone filled with the missionaries he would have placed there if the zone were going to be ours. It still needed great leaders and great missionaries which is the reason so many fabulous missionaries went to the other mission. Two of them, Elder Carter and Elder Kano had one transfer left on their mission and they were asked to make a huge sacrifice and end their mission as a Tokyo Missionary after spending their entire mission as a Sendai Missionary. They were sad but willing to do anything asked of them. They are two fine missionaries.

Elder Christensen (AP), Elder Hatcher, Elder Miller and Elder Kano

Sister Fisher

Elder Hodge playing the piano for us.

The evening was fun and light-hearted.

Sister Fisher talking to Elder Christensen (AP)

A few of the Elders prepared sashimi from a fresh salmon purchased at the fish market. Others made rice, & salads. Pres Rasmussen and I brought cans of Root Beer (which can not be purchased in Japan) for everyone and provided Banana Splits for dessert. The meal was delicious and we enjoyed visiting with one another.