And here they come!!!!!

This was the first time we've had arrivals during Holy Week. We got a frantic message from the church's travel department in Manila saying they didn't know if they could get our 9 new missionaries on a bus. It just so happens that everyone in Manila head out to the provinces on Wednesday and Thursday, so that they are with family for the weekend. So every bus in Manila was booked solid.
They worked really hard and finally got reservations on a bus that would leave Manila at 11:00 p.m. Generally they leave Manila at 8:00 p.m. and arrive here around 6:00 a.m. But this batch didn't arrive until 11:00 am. The traffic coming this way was really bad.

Our hearts went out to all our missionaries but especially those who came from the Provo MTC. They had been traveling for something like 36 hours when they arrived. We quickly feed them breakfast, got their first interviews with President, did a super fast orientation and took their photos. Then it was off to the chapel next door for our transfer meeting where the new missionaries met their trainers and then headed off into the sunset. I am sure they dropped dead asleep the minute they got home but some of them had teaching appointments that night!

There is so much talent in this batch! Many are musical and many have computer skills. What a great addition they will be to our mission.

 Sister Kios, Sister Phillip, (both from the Marshall Islands) Sister Saez (Naga Philippines) and Sister (from Pakistan). Elder Daniels (PA) Elder Salvador, Elder Donisio and Elder Samar (from Philippines) Elder Golightly from (NV)

 These two darling sisters are from the Marshall Islands, they didn't know each other until they met on the plane heading to the Provo, Utah MTC.

 I am surprised these two elders could keep their eyes open. They must have been beyond exhausted!

President is adjusting the air con while the elders have a few minutes to chill before eating breakfast.

Welcome to the Philippines Cauayan Mission--a happy mission!