Big news around here is that Elder Bellomy has been transferred. We are sad that he was with Elder Born for just one month. That is a very short training period for Elder Born. He must be a very good missionary to be ready for his trainer to transfer. Eldrew spoke very highly of Elder Born.
Alief, Texas.
Eldrew has been transferred to an area west of Houston called Alief. You can still send him mail at the mission home. Here is a map showing where Alief is:
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Mission international.
Elder Bellomy is excited that his new area is so diverse. He reports that about 60% of the residents in his area are new in the United States from Africa. 10% are Vietnamese, and 20% are Latino. His companion's name is Elder Zhang (pronounced Jong) and he is from mainland China! We think it is amazing that Elder Bellomy can serve in Houston, Texas and have such an international experience.
Special Experience.
One of the first experiences in his new area was to participate in the baptism of a very special person. Lia is her name. This wonderful lady is paralyzed from the chest down. Eldrew was one of six people who carried her into the waters of baptism on a sheet. As she entered the water, Eldrew says that she had the 'biggest smile' on her face. He was deeply touched at the meaning of the atonement, the gospel, and the opportunity to touch the lives of the people who need and seek the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
New assignment.
An aspect of Eldrew's transfer included a new assignment from the Mission President. Elder Bellomy is now a Zone Leader.
(LDS terminology explanation alert:) A zone leader is an administrative leadership position within an LDS mission. A zone leader is responsible for 3-4 'districts' of missionaries (usually 4-8 missionaries in each district). We have no idea how many missionaries are in the zone Eldrew is in. The zone leader facilitates communication between the Mission President and the members of the zone. He also helps, trains, and motivates the missionaries he serves. The position involves a lot of time travelling around the zone area and spending time with each of the missionaries.
Elder Bellomy reports that he is already spending hours a week doing administrative reports and various meetings. He is also meeting with Bishops and Stake Presidents in his zone. This is a great opportunity to share in many missionaries' experiences. I would expect that he has a car and does a lot of travelling and staying with other missionaries' apartments. He is excited and overwhelmed at this new responsibility. He hopes to serve the missionaries he is working with.
On the lighter side.
Here is a new photo sent by Elder Born's mom. This is from before the transfer. The Elders are showing off their watch tan lines. I don't know why a tan line makes the Elders so tough...(click to enlarge)
More next week. Until then, God bless you!
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