Going, going, gone! Seven missionaries leave for home!

Yes, missionaries have to go home at some point in their missions! The seven below did not really want to go home for the most part, but we know they need to in order to carry out their "My Plan." President Hammon interviewed each of them before they left and talked about their future: Spiritual, Academic, and Social! They all have great plans. We hope they will continue to follow through.

Elders Nielsen, Lawlor, Carter, McLaughlin, President and Sister Hammon;
Sisters Tanner, Andersen and Welker

We always have incredible food for the outgoing missionaries! Tonight was one of President Hammon's favorites: Chile Verde. It had just enough zip to it. If you wanted more, there was a special salsa that would give you a jolt all the way down.

Chile Verde for dinner. Sister and Elder Hunt and Sister and Elder Miskin

Sister Hammon, Elders McLaughlin, Nielsen, and Lawlor, Sisters Andersen, Tanner, Welker

One of the most exciting moments is when we gather as a group and study a topic. Our topic this evening was "light." We talked about light and how we need to inject it every day, including weekends. Light comes from praying, reading, studying, and pondering the scriptures and the words of the prophets.

One last study hour with President Hammon

Elder Lawlor's flight was leaving very early Tuesday morning so he left Monday night to stay with Elder and Sister Hunt and they took him to the airport very early Tuesday morning. 

Elder Lawlor before he left!

It was a bitter-sweet moment with the sisters as we dropped them off at the Ontario Airport! Their flights were the first ones in the morning. We said a teary goodbye, watched them go up the escalator, and then through security. Then, we headed for the other terminal to say goodbye to the elders.

And off they go........from Terminal four. Sisters Tanner, Andersen, and Welker

The last wave and the last smile! Oh, my heart!

This transfer from the airport was a bit odd. The elders left from one terminal and the sisters left from another, but we made sure we were there for both groups. We left tears and shouts of joy in each terminal!

All the elders left from terminal two. Elders Nielsen, Carter, Sister and President Hammon and Elder McLaughlin

And off they go!

One of our missionaries, Sister Lifferth, was supposed to go to Brazil three transfers ago. She finally received her visa to go. We are going to miss her. She is an incredible missionary!

Sister Lifferth left Monday morning very early for Brazil. God speed Sister!

And off she goes to Brazil!

Ah, the tenderness of it all! While we were sadden on our end, great happiness and joy surely erupted on the other end as these missionaries burst back into the lives of their families and friends! May they all remember who they have become: disciples of Jesus Christ.

President and Sister Hammon