Sunday, August 4, 2013

25 New Missionaries

"Circumstances change, but our message does not change. We bear testimony to the world that the heavens have been opened, that God, our Eternal Father, and His Son, the risen Lord, have appeared and spoken. We offer our solemn witness that the priesthood has been restored with the keys and authority of eternal blessings." 
-Gordon B. Hinckley-

25 new missionaries arrived in the mission this week. We took up a major portion of the baggage claim area at the airport.
Packing up and moving out.
It took 3 vans, 3 trailers and two cars to move this group to the mission office. President Kezerian's transportation and logistics skills were very useful with this transfer. The Assistants to the President will now be able to obtain jobs with any transportation company.
Orientation, companionship and area assignments, and a light snack at the office before half the group was transported to the mission home and half prepared for testimony meeting and dinner with the office staff.
What an outstanding group of missionaries.
There may be a few repeated pictures of missionaries in the photos but these provide a close up view. Front: Elder Farnsworth (American Fork, Utah), Elder Child (West Valley City, Utah), Elder Mangum (Layton, Utah), Sister Faana (Arue, Tahiti), Center: Sister Sudweeks (Pocatello, Idaho), Sister Kennedy (Brigham City, Utah), Elder Adams (Dallas, Pennsylvania), Back: Elder Yates (Kingston, Utah), Elder Richardson (Nampa, Idaho), Elder Paulson (South Jordan, Utah) and Elder Howard (Peoria, Arizona).
Front: Sister Crankshaw (Fohannesburg, South Africa), Sister Fetu'u (Auckland, New Zealand), Sister Mulipola (Hamilton, New Zealand), Sister Morris (Layton, Utah), Center: Elder Adams, Elder Smith (Draper, Utah), Elder Danner (Marsing, Idaho), Elder Brown (Springville, Utah), Elder Loveless (Bountiful, Utah), Back: Elder Howard, Elder Hamilton (Farmington, Utah), Elder Nordlin (Zurick, Switzerland).
Front: Sister Morris, Sister Milne (Afton, Wyoming), Sister Vautier (Tahaa, French Polynesia), Back: Elder Danner, Elder Loveless, Elder Brown, Elder Kelly (Manchester, United Kingdom), Sister Harris (Taupo, New Zealand).
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A new record for largest intake!

Safety First! Modelling our latest version of the vests the missionaries wear at night when they ride their bikes. We are going to be noticed!
Talent galore!
It looks like all we do is eat and meet.
Our wonderful departing missionaries. Elder Barnes, Elder Heinricks, Elder Greer and Elder Armstrong. Returning home to the United States and Canada. All these great leaders have raised the standard of missionary service and served valiantly. We love you all!

Mission home meals.
Taking a look at the view from the roof of the mission office.
More wonderful departing missionaries returning home with honor. Elder Vaioleti (Tonga), Sister Fitisemanu (Australia), Elder Hori (New Zealand), Sister Kei (New Zealand), and Elder Taelega (Samoa). Thanks missionaries! All of the Elders returning home in the last two days were among the missionaries who arrived in our very first intake as Mission President and companion.
Farewell Elder Hori and Elder Taelega.