Letter from President Harding

Me and President Harding

It was such a surprise to receive the following letter from Max's mission president.  Max flew out on Tues, Feb. 5.  His plane should have left at 830a but was delayed because of mechanical problems until 430pm.  They were bringing in parts from Atlanta....oh the irony!  Max called us at 7am. I had just turned to Stephen and said, " I hope Max calls", and the phone rang.  It was so great to hear his voice after 3 weeks!

After checking with Delta (I'm too curious) and finding out he was still at the airport I wanted to go hang out.  But, Stephen talked me out of it because I couldn't get through security and had no way of contacting him.  Fine!  I called the MTC twice to see if they were aware of the problem.  They assured me very nicely in a "you're a first time missionary mom" kind of way, that all was well and they would be fine.

I sent an email to the missionary moms group of the gulf states to see if anyone else had heard form their missionaries at the airport.  I received this email from Sister Harding, the mission presidents wife.

Cathy,
> Welcome Cathy! I'm in Atlanta anxiously awaiting the arrival of 22 new 
> missionaries to our mission. Your son is one of them and will be staying at 
> the mission home tonight. The sister missionaries are staying with devoted 
> ward members who feel the excitement of the "Lord hastening His work". You 
> actually know more about their delay in Salt Lake than we do. We have only 
> heard there were airplane issues -- funny they are flying the parts in from 
> Atlanta -- their destination. I'm so sad -- we had a fantastic Café Rio 
> dinner awaiting them -- I guess they'll have to wait until transfer meeting 
> tomorrow to indulge. I can't wait to meet your son and all the others.
> 
> Blessings from Georgia,
> Deborah Harding

Well, he missed Cafe Rio in Atlanta, but guess what he bought for lunch at the airport?

I can't wait to hear from him!

Dear  Brother and Sister Kimball,

We were so delighted to meet your son as he arrived in our mission Tuesday evening and be able to spend time orienting him to this new phase of his service.  He has already traveled to the Brockett North area to his first assignment.  He met his capable first companion yesterday.

I know he will prosper here in the days ahead and assure you that we will do everything in our power to help him find joy in his service and success in his labors.  Your weekly emails will do much to support him as he labors in this wonderful work.  Thank you so much for your support. 

A picture was taken of him with me yesterday after transfer meeting and I wanted to share it with you.  It is attached to this letter.

Warmest wishes,

John R. Harding

President

Georgia Atlanta Mission