We have finally received (July 23, 2009) an official letter from the Office of the General Counsel or in other words we have received our "mission call." We did not receive a traditional letter from the Missionary Department like Jim remembers receiving when he was called in his youth to serve in Germany. Instead, our call came confidential in the form of a contract. ("This letter confirms our mutual understanding of the general terms and conditions of your assignment in this capacity. . . . Please confirm your agreement with the terms outlined in this letter by signing both copies if this letter and returning one copy to. . .") Jim and I both laughed out loud. It talked about transportation, housing, what Jim will be doing, expenses, insurance etc. Everything appears so Legal in the Legal department. We received another letter. This one was sent to our Bishop and Stake President and we received a copy of it. It was very nice and very complimentary towards us. (Elder and Sister Tadje are highly regarded at Church headquarters, as I am sure they are in your stake. I am delighted with their willingness to serve. . .) The big question on our minds is WHEN ARE WE LEAVING? Do you think that "early December" means that I should NOT decorate for Christmas?
