Outgoing and Incoming Missionaries: Times of Tears and Joy!

Monday and Tuesday have been days of outgoing and incoming missionaries, full of tears and joy! On Monday afternoon, the outgoing missionaries  began arriving with their luggage. As they arrived and got their luggage and things situated, I had my last conversation with each one of them regarding their “My Plan,” their post-mission strategic plan. It was enlightening to talk to them. I enjoyed it thoroughly. I fought tears and smiles throughout.

Early morning

Olga and her mother came and began preparing another delicious meal of street tacos with all of the trimmings. The missionaries helped set the table, put away the dishes in the dish washer, put other dirty ones in the dish washer, and helped prepare other parts of the meal. (Yes, Mom and Dad, they have learned incredible domestic skills!). The food was plentiful and the missionaries ate heartily, like it was their last Mexico meal ever. Sister Hammon served the dessert: Tres Leches cake, which is always delicious.

L-R: Elders Luthy, Spittle, Parson, Porter, Whiting, Lewis, Gossett, Hagler, Smith, and White

Once dinner was over, we participated in their last testimony meeting in the mission. Tears flowed freely as they all expressed their immense and intense love for the California Riverside Mission, the people, their companions, and the privilege of serving the Lord. While it was a difficult time, our hearts filled with joy and happiness because of the incredible service of these incredible missionaries. The parents and families of these missionaries have a right to be enormously proud of them.

All the outgoing missionaries and Elder McCracken, President Norman (front) and President Hansen (2nd row)

The last part of the night is quickly becoming one of my favorites. We had companionship study, and I was able to guide the discussion. Our topic was “light,” and we began with Doctrine and Covenants 50:24 and discuss how light is important in our lives and how it “chases away” darkness. We also read from sections 88 and 93 and had a great discussion for about 30 minutes. These young men have learned the gospel and understand it.

And then off to bed. They stayed up and chatted. Joanne and I heard them rousting about downstairs, but it calmed down around 10:30 p.m., the witching hour.

             

Tuesday, September 26, 2017—The leaving and the coming!

The day began very early, around 5:00 a.m., in order to begin cooking the delicious egg bake casserole that Joanne had prepared the night before. The missionaries were ready to go at 6:00 a.m. and stripped their beds and brought the bedding downstairs, set the table, and helped set everything out.  Around 6:30 a.m., breakfast began. 

Soon, though, too soon, it was time to load the vans and pick up and head off to the airport. 

Loading up!

We arrived at the airport and discovered the flight coming from Salt Lake City had been delayed. Consequently, three of the missionaries had to spend some time being rerouted because they were going to miss their connecting flights. The Delta agents were spectacular and kind and fixed everything. Then, we just waited and chatted.

These are truly "first class and elite" missionaries!

Then, they were off, the escalator taking them away to security. A lump rose in my throat. It is so hard to let them go. We know their parents are anxiously waiting for their sons to return to them. We waved through bleary eyes! 

And away they go!

Soon, the 25 new missionaries began to descend the chairs and escalator. What a grand sight. Think of it: 25 new missionaries. Three had arrived the night before from the Mexico City Missionary Training Center (MTC), which we didn’t get to meet because we were with the outgoing missionaries. We greeted them all warmly. They looked great! 

And here are 25 of the 28 who arrived! 

We whisked them off to the Mission Office where they ate a delicious lunch, participated in a truncated training because of the lateness of their arrival, had interviews with me, ate dinner, participated in an “unveiling” of who their new companions were going to be, shared their testimonies with all of us, then loaded all of the belongings and bikes in their companions and district cars, and headed home. There was no time for them to breathe, from the moment they landed until they entered their cars for the long ride home. We can tell you, though, the energy with these missionaries coupled with their new companions, was high and contagious. We love them already and will grow to love them even more! (Note: * means new missionary)

Hermanas Alvey y Roque*

Sister Bartschi and Winter* (amazing how close their dresses are!)

Sisters Fountaine* and Bryant

Sisters Moffitt* and Rossignoli

Hermanas Tonini and Sorensen*

Elders Dundon* and Rodriguez

Elders Andrew and Su'a*

Elders Esobar y Royce*

Elders Pugh* and Yeaman

Sister Reagan and Loranger*

Sister Ruggles and Begay*

Hermanas Hernandez y Whittaker*

Sister Harris and Davies*

Hermanas Harper y Caldes*

Elders Wilson* and Heward

Elders Williams and Darling*

Elders Clark and Mohlman*

Elders Hite and Tippetts*

Elderes Beal y Parata*

Elder Dunn and Lowry

Elders Hunt* and Gregory

Elders Dalmas* and Brandstadter

Elders Steiner* and Fairbanks

Elders Komers* and Simpson

Elders Jensen and Gassant

Sisters Van Quakebeke* and Brereton

Sisters Gray and Bryant

Elders Svenson* and Hansen

When they had all gone, we chatted with Elder and Sister McCracken and others and then headed home. We were exhausted! 

We love these new missionaries who have arrived. Stay tuned for information about the missionaries who have arrived from Puerto Rico.