Two Transfers in One Month!

A beautiful new, much larger MTC is under construction behind the existing Manila MTC. In order to accomodate the MTCs move, it was decided that we would get two new batches of missionaries within 3 weeks of each other and then have a dry spell and not get any for 10 weeks after that! Generally we send home departing missionaries and welcome incoming missionaries every 6 weeks. It's like clockwork. So having two batches leave and two come within such a short period of time was a little crazy.
At the end of September we sent home some of our dearest, most wonderful missionaries. It was a very sad experience.
We have revamped our procedures. Always before we had all departing missionaries attend an all-day Career Workshop on their last day. This was sometimes painful for them as their minds and hearts were elsewhere. We wanted to shift things so that the day would be less stressful, and more enjoyable to our departing misisonaries. WIth this batch we decided to make the workshop optional and hold it the week prior to their departure. Then we asked the departing missionaries to invite friends, members, former companions who live in the area to come for a departure fireside. All of the missionaries bore their testimonies and many performed special musical numbers. It was really a special occassion. We were so touched by all the people who came to the chapel here in Cauayan for the meeting. We could tell that these missionaries had touched many lives. The music and testimonies were unforgettable. We loved it!

At the end of the fireside we had all current missionaries in attendance come up and sing the Cauayan Mission Song. I cried!

How do you say goodbye to Elder Haycock. He was an amazing missionary, trainer, and leader. Here Elder Riner, Valdez and Hardman give him one last hug!

Sister Adino, Sister Dhikao and departing missionary Sister Sajol, with her darling new hair style.

Sister Pulu came to give Sister Avenena a grand send off and they were both surprised by a wonderful couple who they taught back in Alicia.

Nanay came from Santiago. She knew most of these missionaries and they were touched that she came to their farewell fireside.

Elder Haycock and Elder Naylor found their suits in the mission home's suit closet. They parted two years ago when they arrived in Cauayan.

Oh how we will miss these amazing missionaries. Elder Blancaver, Elder Munoz, Elder Anzal, Sister Sajol, Sister Eveland, Sister Ambata, Sister Avencena and Sister Brown. Back row: Elder Naylor, Elder Haycock and Elder Goobie.