Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Good Bye USA, Hello Tahiti

On Monday 7 October 2013, Elder Molinari, along with 20 other missionaries flew from the US to Tahiti to apply the language and teaching skills they have been practicing at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, Utah for the past almost-12 weeks. They carried with them: two checked bags, a bike, carry-on bag and one personal item. Flight information showed that their flight arrived earlier than scheduled last night.

They were supposed to have been met at the airport and then transported to temporary lodging for the night. Today's activities will include breakfast with the mission president and his wife, an orientation meeting, an interview with the president and then receipt of their first assignments. It was reported that their first companion in the field, their "trainer," will be at the mission office for these meetings. Once assigned, they will travel with their trainers to their newly assigned areas.

We talked with Elder Molinari yesterday by phone while he was awaiting his departure flight to Tahiti. He was very excited and ready to go. He is very much looking forward to meeting the people of the islands and learning first-hand of their unique customs and attitudes toward living.

There are many more missionaries in Tahiti than what they have typically had in the past. As a result, many new areas are being opened. Kristoffer is hoping to be assigned to one of the remote islands where he might be of the first missionaries to be there.

We should hear within a few days about his arrival and the location of his first assignment.  

-His father, the editor