Formal Training is Complete...

Life as a Family History Support Missionary has started. However, I am finding that training will be ongoing for as long as I do this work. The work is moving so fast, changes are constant, and one needs to be open to change in order to function. Lately, I have been on the support line from 7 - 10 Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. I will be working on Saturdays shortly. What a wonderful opportunity. I have the privilege of talking to many people who are learning to use the new.FamilySearch.org software.

What is interesting is that I do the same type of work all day, every day, but I enjoy it so much more in the evening. I think it has something to do with passion and the reasons that we use the software. During the day I work with Pension Plan Administrators who are frustrated using new software to submit their companies retirement contributions. During the evening I work with individuals who are finding their ancestors and seeing to it that the ordinance work is done to seal their families together. There is a difference in the approach each is taking to the task and the tools to complete the task and the "long term" effect of the work.

The contribution will affect to some degree the quality of life during retirement (provided there is anything available when retirement comes). Given the market lately, that is very questionable, but I am optomistic enough that I am putting away funds with each paycheck. The contribution software is temporal and good for this mortal life. It is important, but it is not eternal.

The newFamilySearch software is a tool to help with Family History work. It helps us find, organize, and prepare to seal our ancestors into eternal families. The work is valid for eternity. It is not just for here and now. The people doing this work are serving their ancestors as well as their progenitors. Their reward is to know that they have done work for their ancestors that must be done on Earth but will be valid for eternity.

Did I tell you that I love doing this work? I really do. The people that I have had the opportunity to get to know, the trainers, training assistants, mentors, mission leaders, etc. have all been exceptionally wonderful. I pray that I will have the opportunity to continue doing this work for years to come.