Fun, Fun, Fun (Auxiliary Training)

This last Saturday, October 11, we held our semi-annual Stake Primary Auxiliary Training at the Independence Stake Center. We had so much fun. "Fun?" you ask. Yep...it was fun! With the expert brevit of Marissa Carlson :) (2nd Counselor) we got through the "training forms" we had created (and found) for helping Activity Girl and Cub Scout leaders track what activities they've done with their children. (Look for those forms as "Forms created by the Independence Stake" under "Links to Activity Girl Helps" and "Links to Scout Helps" on this blog.) Sharel Olsen (secretary) also helped us by reminding everyone to get their Primary rosters turned in and contact lists updated. (Hint, hint)

Anna Plemons (1st Counselor) spent some time talking about "Love Languages". Each of us have different ways that we feel loved or appreciated. There are five main areas that we talked about: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Physical Touch, Receiving Gifts, and Acts of Service. Each attendee took a test to see what their preferences were and then shared those findings with their presidency. The whole idea was that we need to share the feelings of gratitude and love we have for the people we work with in ways that are meaningful to them. Just as a missionary learns the language of the country he works in to be able to express his feelings about the Savior and gospel, we need to learn the language of love that will allow us to share the feelings we have for others. The test we used was editted from the test found in the book titled Love Languages by Gary Chapman to be used in a church setting. (I personally tried it out on my family before okaying the use of it in our training and was amazed at how accurate it is. It's been extremely helpful in our own presidency as well.) We hope that you will not feel uncomfortable about taking or sharing the test. It doesn't matter which way you feel appreciated, but it's very helpful if others know what that way is. If you didn't get a chance to take the test or lost your results, look on the right side of this blog page under "Auxiliary Training 2008 Forms"/ "October 11, 2008" for the test so you can download a copy and use it for you and/or your family.

Personally, my favorite part was next. Sheila Bruns, of the Liberty Stake, led us in "Adventure Learning". We adjurned to the Cultural Hall and did a series team-building type activities. As we finished each activity, Sheila would ask us what things we learned and how we could apply that to Primary. She is a master facilitator, evidenced by the fact that we not only learned and had a FABULOUS time (much laughter), but we were also uplifted as we felt the Spirit. THANK YOU SO MUCH SHEILA!!!! We love you!

The last activity we did for the day was make purse-sized "Miracle" Journals. So often we are pressed by the daily cares of administering Primary. The joy of Primary is in the experiences we have with the children and one another. Having a place to remember all of the MANY miracles that are a part of Primary helps us to focus on the positive and track all the good we are doing in the service of God and his children. May you find much satisfaction and happiness as you focus on the miracles all around you.

We missed those of you that were not able to attend, in a way that you can't imagine, but we were so thankful for those of you that came. I am also personally thankful for all of the hard work that our presidency put into making this a beautiful experience.

I love you all!
with love, your sister,
Melissa Longo