Twas the Night Before Transfers

Twas the night before transfers,

 when all through the mission
The Assistants and President had made their decisions.

The luggage was stacked by the side door to ship.

Waiting for the van to make the trip.

The missionaries were nestled all snug in their beds.

While visions of baptisms danced in their heads;

And Sister Carlos in her kerchief and I in my cap had just settled our carabaos for a long December's nap.

When over in the office there arose such a clatter
The Laker's sprang from their chairs to see what was the matter.
The computers weren't printing! They flew like a flash.

Tore open the keyboard and threw it in the trash.



The light on the monitor dimly was lit.
No proselyting areas did it emit.

But President Carlos said, "Do not fear! I have it all tucked away right here."

The orders were filled and tied up with red bows. By the Gottfredsons, Shaners and Mills who know
What it takes to bring joy and brighten the soul.

With a swift little movement the President grabbed a red hat.

Turned to the leaders as quick as a cat, he whistled and called to some elders by name: Hamblin, Oliver and Molino are all getting trunky--

Isn't that a shame?

Elder Nielsen and Elder Benosa
Out to the streets, houses, sidewalks and malls
Now 10 a day, 12 a day, 15 a day all!

When you meet a Catholic,

Teach away, teach away, teach away all!

So up to the baptism font the elders they flew
All dressed in white, elder Averion too.

Then came the sisters, their converts were bringing.

The voices they raised like angels were singing.

As Elder Oyardo bowed his head and was turning around, into the water the convert came with a bound.

They were dressed all in white from their toes to their heads
And the baptism was done just as Jesus said.
The spirit was strong as Elder Cuartel confirmed,
The convert was touched by the lessons he'd learned.

The vision faded, the missionaries slept on
As they waited for the alarm and the coming of dawn.

The noonday transfers were about to begin. Fear swept them all
Except for those in Amulung.

The rookies were looking on with sighs
As those who were leaving said their "goodbyes."

With handshakes and hugs as they exclaimed, "How time flies."

Trainers be nice because these missionaries are so new
Remember when you came, others were kind to you.

The time has come to bid all adieu--

You could hear them exclaim ere they drove out of sight--
Happy mission to all and Merry Christmas tonight!

Note: The Senior Couples read this bedtime story to our missionaries during our recent Zone Christmas Parties.