A Lesson In Patience

This post by Marie, Elder Cummings' mother, and your humble editor.

Yesterday, I was able to read the letter that Elder Cummings' CTM companion, Elder Schenewark, wrote, in which he said that both he and Elder Cummings were called to be trainers. A trainer is a senior companion who is paired with a missionary who has just finished their time at the CTM (missionary training center). They are responsible for getting that missionary up to speed in the roles and responsibilities of a missionary, acclimating them to mission life, and leading by example. It is very exciting that Elder Cummings and Elder Schenewark, who were the only two missionaries in their CTM to come to Londrina, were made trainers at the same time. They will both be excellent trainers!

Elder Schenewark and Elder Cummings almost a year ago, as their CTM time was coming to an end.

We also learned from Elder Schenewark's letter that the trainers were called to Londrina for a meeting on Tuesday, July 9. This would be an easy journey for Elder Schenewark, who is serving in a stake in Londrina itself, but meant at least a 7-hour bus ride from Cascavel for Elder Cummings. After the meeting, the trainers would be assigned their new companions (aka "greenies"), and my guess is that Elder Cummings and his new companion spent Wednesday, July 10 traveling back to Cascavel. Tune in on Monday to find out how accurate my guess was.

This evening I got a brief Facebook message from a ward member in Cascavel letting me know that Elder Cummings had asked her to pass the word that we should not expect an email from him this week. While disappointing, it is understandable, under the circumstances. We are proud of his new responsibility as a trainer, and are excited for Monday's letter, as I hope you are too!