Nearer My God, To Thee. . . Part 2

Wednesday, December 4 about 9:50 AM

We hear the engines in the sky above, and soon the plane carrying our 26 new missionaries has landed. They come down the stairs and across the tarmac, walking through the Arrivals building and past the glass partition where the departing missionaries are waiting.  Both groups wave to each other--this sweet passing of faithful servants coming and going.  Then the returning ones climb the stairs to the plane and take off for Manila, while our new ones come through to us.  

Our first glimpse!
Sister Reyes, Sister Razonable, Sister Villanueva

President Rahlf greeting Sister Davis...

and Sister Leonicio

Smiling Elders Llacona and Paea

Cauayan Mission's newest blessings

Welcome and first instructions from President Rahlf

Gathering luggage...

...and heading for the mission home

Next it's a welcome lunch, orientation, personal interviews with President Rahlf, and a little relaxation before meeting with their first companions in the field.                                

Elder Cruz, Elder Arorong and Elder Larona

Sister Lagan, Sister Leonicio and Sister Dasalla

Sister Dotillos, Sister Reyes and Sister Razonable getting a quick snooze

Sister Pavino and Sister Villanueva

Elder Furio, Elder Abinades, Elder Cruzit and Elder Llacona

Elder Sefita and Elder Petersen

Elder Loto'aniu and Elder Paea

Practicing "We'll Bring the World His Truth" for the special musical number
Sisters Razonable, Murdock and Dasalla
(the Elders are too new to recognize from the back!)

Elder McCausland grabbing a 20 minute power nap!

4:00 PM
And finally, it's time to gather at the chapel,  meet their companion/trainer and travel to their first area.
The journey begins--

We will bring the world His truth!

December 4 Newest Philippines Cauayan Missionaries
Back: Elders McCausland, Larona, Sefita, President and Sister Rahlf, Sister Murdock,
Elders Petersen, Loto'aniu, Kocherhans Paea
Front: Elders Arorong, Cruz, Llacona, Cruzit, Sisters Atienza, Osteniane, Davis, Villanueva, Leonicio, Dotillos,
Corniillez, Reyes, Pavino, Lagan, Razonable, Elders Furio and Abadines

Elder Kocherhans, Elder Sefita, Elder Abadines, Elder Loto'aniu, Elder Petersen and Elder Paea

"Angels to beckon me, nearer my God, to Thee.  Nearer, my God, to Thee.  Nearer to Thee."

And whoso receiveth you, there I will be also, for I will go before your face.  

I will be on your right hand and on your left, and my Spirit shall be in your hearts, 

and mine angels round about you, to bear you up.

Doctrine and Covenants 84:88