The San Juan Puerto Rico Missionaries Arrive Safely to the California Riverside Mission

On Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 6:02 p.m., we welcomed the new missionaries from the San Juan Puerto Rico Mission at the Ontario Airport. They walked stoically down the stairs and escalator to a new land, a new mission, and a new mission president and his wife. It was a delight to see them and to greet them for the very first time!

President and Sister Norman, Elders Revill, Bailey, Gibbons, President and Sister Hammon,
Elders Lawes, Jensen, Wilder, and Marrow

One of the amazing things was we shared their arrival at the airport with two other missions: the California Arcadia Mission and the California Redlands Mission. Several missionaries came, and one of the senior couples from California Redlands Mission directed traffic. Each of the mission presidents and their wives waited anxiously for their missionaries to be directed to them. We were also glad that President and Sister Norman, from the Mission Presidency, accompanied us. They helped transport the missionaries.

 

Missionaries arriving 

Sister Hammon and I and President and Sister Norman greeted each one, welcoming all them to the California Riverside Mission. Our hearts were full as we finally met Elders Gibbons, Wilder, Bailey, Jensen, Revill, Lawes, and Marrow. Most of them didn’t bring much with them. But they were here, safe, sound, and dry.

President Norman, Sister Hammon, Elders Revill and Gibbons waiting for the others

After taking pictures and gathering what luggage they had, we walked to the parking lot, and loaded everyone up. Then, President and Sister Norman led us to the Church Distribution Center for garments and a shirt. Staying way past closing time, these wonderful sisters at the Distribution Center were so kind as they helped each one of the missionaries. By the time we finished, the other two missions and their missionaries had arrived. We motored to the Habit, a hamburger place close by, for a delicious meal. 

Eating at the Habit

 We then drove to the Mission Home where we introduced them to their sleeping arrangements for the night.

Elder Lawes 

Elder Revill

The next morning, we fixed them a hearty California breakfast. Once we had eaten, we gathered their things and traveled to the Mission Office where they went through some training and had interviews with me. I was impressed with each one of them and their desire to serve. While they missed Puerto Rico immensely and expressed concerned for all of those living in Puerto Rico, they all voiced their desire to serve in our mission. My heart was overjoyed with them and their Ammon-like desire to preach the gospel to all the people the California Riverside Mission.

Elder Wilder

Elder Marrow

Elder Jensen

At noon, we had a pizza lunch for them, and then they went shopping with Sister Hammon and Sister McCracken and Sister Thorne, two of our senior missionaries. After a bit of shopping for a few things they would be needing, some of them met their new companions at the Mission Office; Elder and Sister Thorne, one of our senior couples, drove those who didn’t meet their companions at the Mission Office around the Mission to meet their companions.  

Elder Gibbons

Elder Bailey

These missionaries are incredible young men who have experienced probably more than they should have at this early stage of their mission—or life, for that matter. They are humble and extremely eager to get to work. They love speaking Spanish.

Sister Hammon and I are overjoyed they are a part of our Mission. Their spirits and testimonies will have a profound effect on all of us. We love them, appreciate them, and know the Lord assigned these young men to the California Riverside Mission for a designed purpose.

Adelante!

Mission Elevated!

Misión Elevada!

Sunrise outside the Mission Home