Incoming missionaries! Hurrah!

This week, we experienced happiness and sadness of saying good bye to outgoing missionaries. Simultaneously, we had the grand privilege and joyous occasion to greet our new missionaries from the Provo and Mexico Mission Training Centers (MTC).

Welcome to the California Riverside Mission!

The Arrival at the Airport

Later in the evening on the same day our outgoing missionaries left, I drove back to the airport to pick up our incoming missionaries. Arriving were Elders Furguson, Contreras, Larsen, Mackay, Rich, Huckstep, Johnson, Stolle, and Patrick; Sisters Lobb and White. What a joyous occasion to see them finally arrive. We have been saying “good morning” and “have a good night” ever since we received their photos, which have been on the fridge in the Mission Home. Now, here they were in living color. It was good to see them. We greeted them happily and then took a group pictures sans Elder Rowe who came in last night, and Elder and Sister McCracken picked him up and took him to the zone leaders’ apartment. Once we collected their luggage, we loaded them into van and our car and off we went.

Welcome to the California Riverside Mission, Elders Furguson, Mackay, Contreras, Rich, Larsen, Huckstep,
Patrick, Johnson, Stolle with Elders Briggs and Davis (Assistants). President Hammon is in the back.

The Mission Home

They loved the drive to the Mission Home, especially the palm trees. There is something about southern California and palm trees and feeling right at home. Elder Rowe met us at the Mission Home. Joanne had readied a delicious dinner of lasagna, salad, French bread, and Tres Leches cake for dessert. We ate probably more than we should have.

Sunset and palm trees

Early morning and palm trees

After eating, we spent some time getting to know all the incoming missionaries. Then, the sisters were off with the hermanas (sister missionaries) to stay until tomorrow morning’s new missionary orientation. The  elders stayed at the Mission Home. I was able to interview three of the missionaries before it was time to go to bed. They were tired. What delightful young men they are!

Missionary Orientation

The next day, we drove to the Mission Office to attend the Missionary Orientation. I did my training on Mission Basics, including our goals and objectives. Sister Hammon coordinated the rest of the training with the senior couples and the nurses. Consequently, they also learned about finances, housing, cars, bikes, transportation, apartments (yes, parents, they have to clean their apartments!), health, emergency preparedness, Safeguards for Using Technology, etc. Missionary Orientation was great! 

While they were learning all these things, I began interviewing the rest of the missionaries, one by one. I quickly discovered what great young men and women they are. Five of them are visa waiters, waiting patiently for their visas to come so they can go to either Tahiti, France (Chinese-speaking), or Taiwan. But how many missionaries can say they were able to be in two missions?

Area Assignments and Testimony Meeting

Once we participated in a delicious lunch, we went to the chapel where we had the unveiling of who was going with whom. Nothing better than to watch them connect instantly with each other as they heard their assignments. Once everyone received their new companion and area assignment, we listened to their testimonies. Their testimonies were wonderful! While they testified much, much more, I would like to share at least portions of their testimonies:

Sister White—“Heavenly Father and Christ know us personally. There are so many people who need to know they are loved.”

Sister White (new) and Sister Butler

Sister Lobb—“I completely believe in the Book of Mormon. My testimony in the Lord’s timing has grown. I am grateful for families.”

Sister Lobb (new) and Sister Price

Elder Rich—“The Book of Mormon writings from the prophets in the Americas and the writings from our living prophets are words for us from God. I am so grateful for the opportunity to serve.”

Elder Rich (new) and Elder Tippetts

Elder Furguson—“Christ knows our difficulties and can help more than relying on our own strengths.”

Elder Furguson (new) and Elder Mohlman 

Elder Mackay—“I know Heavenly Father listens to all our prayers. Prayer is a powerful tool.”

Elder Beddes and Elder Mackay (new)

Elder Johnson—“God has great love for us, love enough to give us trials so we can grow. I love reading the scriptures.”

Elder Johnson (new) and Elder Nielsen

Elder Stolle—“I know the importance of scripture study. We need to make sure we are searching for the relationships we have with God from reading the scriptures.”

Elder Stolle (new) and Elder Crowther

Elder Rowe—“The calls we have received came through God. Everything that has happened is through His power.”

Elder Rowe (new) and Elder Treviño

Elder Patrick—“There is power in the Book of Mormon. I have experienced having God talk to me personally.”

Elder Maxwell and Elder Patrick (new)

Elder Contreras—“Through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, we can have better lives.”

Elder Lawlor and Elder Contreras (new)

Elder Larsen—“this is the true Church. The Book of Mormon is true. Christ is the Savior and Redeemer of the world. The Power of Atonement is real.”

Elder Sanchez and Elder Larsen (new)

Conclusion

Once we were finished with testimonies, we went into the cultural hall and began taking pictures of all the incoming missionaries with us and with their new companions. Then, they gathered all of the things, including their new bikes, and began taking them out to the cars. Once loaded, off they went to their newly assigned areas to preach repentance and baptize converts to help Heavenly Father bring His children home.

Luggage, bikes, and stuff