When we got our call to serve in the Philippines Cauayan Mission we started communicating with the Starley's who were serving as the mision's office couple. When we heard that they were leaving 5 weeks after we arrived and there were no replacements in place we decided to recruit a couple. President immediately thought of Sid and Gloria Breese, friends from Omaha, NE. We went and visited them one afternoon and Sid immediately said, "we're in!" Sister Breese needed a little more time to think it over but within a few days they were submitting their papers requesting to serve in this mission. Luckily the missionary department and the Brethren agreed and they arrived 6 weeks after we did.
For the first 6 months it was just the Breeses and us that kept everything going. We ran most every day and there is no way we could have done all the meals, meetings, visits without their tremendous support. They ran the office and helped in every possible way.
Then other couples started joining us which gave the Breeses more time to work in the office and help out the precious little branch called Angadanan in Alicia District. Over the 22 months they served there they stole the hearts of the people. They spoke at funerals, conducted family home evenings, taught classes, danced at their proms and special events, helped to train the teachers and leaders. It was fun to watch them fall in love with those people and come home from every visit 10 feet off the ground and so full of excitement.
May 2, was a sad day for us. We said goodbye to two amazing people who turned out to be amazing missionaries. We hope the Breeses can feel the appreciation that we have for them. Our friendship will continue forever and we know that they are having tons of fun with their family. Take good care--til we meet again!
Our last Sunday night meeting with the Breeses. They were reporting on their last Sunday in Angadanan.
Sister Breese purchased darling purses for all of us and she insisted on us having a "Very Merry UnBirthday" Party for everyone. So we went to Hotel Andrea (the one nice restaurant in town) for a girl's only birthday luncheon. It was lovely and we were able to open our purses and share some gifts for her birthday. (Her birthday is in December) but we wanted to send her off with a few new things to remember us by.
Sister Shaner and Sister Russell were enjoying a few minutes to visit before our lunch was served.
Not sure how Sister Breese was going to get all those belongings home but know that in the end she did it!
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