December's Farewell Fireside

I always dread this event and it is even painful to write about it afterwards. This time around we said goodbye to12 of the most dedicated, beloved missionaries!

Front row (left to right) Elder Templado, Sister Velasquez, Elder Biason, Sister George and Elder Rocaberte. Second row: Elder Reyes. Back row: Elder Mali Mali, Elder Oliva, Elder Miole, Elder Murillo, Elder Elgan and Elder Galang.

It's always fun to hear the great musical numbers that missionaries present at the Farewell Firesides. Usually departing missionaries and their friends will join together as in this case when Elder Miole and some of his friends sang "Til We Meet Again," to the rest of his batch.

Sister Velasquez asked Sister LenWai and Sister Forcades to join with her in a special musical number. Elder Rostedt accompanied them on his guitar.

Sister Ramos wrote an original song to sing for this occasion. Elder Samar wrote the piano accompaniment--it was totally awesome! It was called "Sunshine and Rain."

After testimonies were born and a few short talks our departing missionaries had time to mingle with mission friends and church members who came to see them off. (Elder Murillo hugs Elder Lasay and Elder Cruz.)

Sister Peckham squeezes her beloved trainer, Sister George one last time.

Sister Velasquez greets former district and zone mates.

Elder Delector and Elder Lasay make the rounds to say goodbye to their dear friends and mentors.

After a special banquet in the mission home and a final kneeling family prayer, the missionaries get on the bus--ready for an all-night bus ride to Manila.

The buses are freezing and that's why you're seeing all the jackets.

This is always a sad sight. President is coming off the bus after giving the missionaries a final word of thanks and final hugs. It's time for their bus to pull out and head off. So very sad!

We thank these 12 valiant warriors. They gave their all and we will never forget them!