Sometimes I HATE Wednesdays!

Let me clarify that statement--every six weeks I HATE Wednesdays. Why? Because that is the time we have to part with some of our most beloved missionaries. Their time here is up and we send them home. I always shed some tears and get a lump in my throat.

This Wednesday wasn't any better. We said goodbye to five dear missionaries.

Here they are settled on the bus ready to head to Manila. They look pretty optimistic before their 12 hour bus ride!
From Left: Elder Bautista, Bean, McGuffin, Sister Pulu and Sister Roncal.


Waiting at the bus station for just the right bus/

Before the head to the bus station we gather for one last family prayer in the mission home.

Sister Saez and Sister Barcela came to the departing missionary fireside to wish the missionaries farewell.

Missionaries gather at the podium after the fireside.

Elder Llorin, Bluth, Averion, Lasay and Abitona. What they are powerful missionaries!

Elder Robinson, Amoi, Reher and Sister Hoopes came to say goodbye.

Some of our last batch see each other for the first time in 6 weeks. Sister Morales, Elder Juco (Elder Miole--Assistant) and Elder Juzgaya.

Elder SUlla (love the sweat rag on your head!) Elder Acu, Laurente and Macaisa try to look tough, but we all know better.

Also new from last batch, Elder Phippen, Robertson and Sister Vea who were at the Provo MTC together. It seems like yesterday they arrived here. This past 6 weeks has flown by!

Each missionary had time to pose with President in front of our beautiful mission logo. Sister Roncal is so darling. We love her and the rest of this batch.

Sister Roncal organized a singing group made up of her and her former companions. They sang at the departure fireside, "If the Savior Stood Beside Me."

Sister Pulu asked Sister Bigay and Elder Miole to sing a duet. It was Elder Mioles first time to sing in front of a group. I've always thought he had a great voice. When it was over he sat beside me and whispered, "That was my first and last time to do that." We sure hope both these missionaries continue to share their great talents.