April 15, 2023
Note from Mom (Jill): Today Tony and I got a letter from the senior couple serving in Garrett's area. It was really nice to hear how he is doing from somebody else's perspective. Here is the letter and pictures they sent:
For the family of Elder Hale,
You have already heard from me asking for a favor of a personal matter (we connected somewhat, thank you) but I also send a note to the family of each of the elders we have the pleasure of working with in our area once I hear they are being transferred away.
It has been a pleasure having Elder Hale in our area. I loved his fresh from the MTC excitement and how he jumped right into the work. He was like a sponge, watching and observing everything around him. From what I could tell he was very lucky to have Elder Rigamonti as his trainer. Elder Rigamonti was a very dedicated hard working missionary and I am sure he set a great example. I think Elder Hale was able to help Elder Rigamonti with his english skills as well. In fact the two of them stayed in our piso when Elder Ricks and I were away at a senior conference. We needed them to substitute for our english practice class. This was Elder Hales time to really use his english language and he had the advantage. Two weeks earlier the two of them joined us to see how we ran the group. Elder Rigamonti was being assisted by Elder Hale. It was fun to see a different side. Added bonus, when we returned we couldn’t tell anyone had been at our place! Impressive.
Six weeks ago Huesca was assigned its first elders! With that, there was no need for the Zaragoza elders to come here, except on cambios, but they were working independently away from us. We really don’t see the Zaragoza elders much anymore except zoom trainings, but your missionary was put into a different district from us, so not even that.
I did go and inspect the Zaragoza piso a few weeks ago. It was my first time seeing where and how the younger missionaries live. They were all so proud of how well they cleaned the apartment. They watched everywhere I looked and your elder jumped in immediately if I mentioned something small that should not be overlooked, or gave a cleaning tip.
Elder Hale didn’t transfer far so I am happy to say I will likely catch a glimpse of him in a few weeks at the next conference. I am finally at a point in our mission (we arrived here Nov. 1) when I am learning who some of these young
April 15, 2023
missionaries are and I am not in a sea of nameless radiant faces at the conferences. We are finally integrated into the rotation.
Your son is amazing. It is so hard not to just squeeze him. One rule that is very hard for us senior sisters is the minimal physical contact with our elders and the children. Especially if we are huggers.
I have included a few photos. Elder Hale was here with the other Zaragoza elders and members for our first tract out. It was a big day for us. He was also here when we got the keys to the new piso rented in Huesca for future missionaries...The four elders had to go with Elder Ricks to get them (we made it a surprise) because they couldn’t stay here with me, and I was cooking and couldn’t leave. They had to keep the lid on the news and not tell anyone, but they also were curious who the lucky elders would be. It was hard for all of us to not shout it from the balcony. These were some of the first young Missionaries to come to Huesca in almost 25 years. There was a large group, branch here at one time but they all moved away. He will have some stories to tell about being a crucial part of Huesca’s beginnings. I hope he always remembers his time here and how he played an important role in getting us going. Those visits of exposure were very important to this city.
Sincerely, Hermana Ricks
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