Mabuhay!

On a beautiful, blue sky day, we greeted our 5 newest missionaries--two Elders and three Sisters.  They arrived with excitement and enthusiasm for being in the mission field at last and we gratefully welcome them to Philippines Cauayan!

Missionaries coming through the 

Arrival building is the best sight in the world.

Elder Saez, Elder Dialino
Sister Tupou, Sister Sutherby, Sister Esguerra

An official picture for the
Board…and a "hallelujah"
one for fun

The minutes right before
going to the chapel to 
meet the first companion
and trainer.

First Companions!

Sister Pavino and Sister Tupou

Elder Camain and Elder Saez

Elder Merza and Elder Dialino

Sister Esguerra and Sister Hamblin

Sister Sutherby and Sister Lagan

Luggage loaded and
missionaries ready
to be driven to their first area.

"For behold the field is white already to harvest…"

Doctrine and Covenants 4:4

So Much Grateful

I have many favorite Filipino phrases, but one of the sweetest is "so much grateful."  That's how thankfulness is expressed in English here, and it just seems to mean more than "very grateful" or "really, really grateful."  President Rahlf and I are so much grateful for this group of returning missionaries.  They have exemplified Christ-like service and devotion and have been a compelling force for good throughout the mission.  We will all miss them, but send them forth with confidence for the next chapter in their lives…so much grateful that we had this part of that life journey together. 

The day begins early with the arrival of

our departing missionaries…and lots of luggage

Sister Barney's parents and grandparents came
to pick her up and visit the mission.  
We got to share those first hellos

The chapel was full for the Departure Fireside 
as many members came to say goodbye
to these wonderful missionaries. 

 And the after dinner tradition continues…

Before--

During--

 And After!

Wednesday morning
January 28, 2015

Philippines Cauayan Returned Missionaries
Back:  Elder Volpe, Elder Doney, us, Sister Brown, Sister Hirst, Sister Warr
Front:  Sister Crystal, Sister Karavanua, Sister Guttenbeil, Sister Calisaan, Sister Camansa,Sister Wellayan
 Sister Cabada, Sister Grande, Sister Matautia, Sister Barney, Sister Nicoll, Sister Hurst, Sister Molisi

 Nagpapasalamat

"Give thanks unto the Lord, call upon his name, 

make known his deeds among the people…

seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually.  

Remember his marvelous works that he hath done…."

                                                                                                         1 Chronicles 16: 8, 11-12