Welcoming our 24th Batch

This batch of 13 plus 3 visa waiters going to Equador are great!  They are prepared and ready to serve with all of their heart, might, mind and strength.  Some don't know the ways of the Philippines.  Others have never been outdoors as much as 8 hours a day in the heat of the sun.  They will all have trainers who love and assist them through the trial and happiness of trainee life.  Welcome little flock.  Mahal kita!

Batch #24 - Triumph Amidst Trials

We bid farewell to nine wonderful missionaries today.  They were smart, funny and very talkative.  They will go home and contribute much to their homes, wards and branches. They are quite dissimilar but with one big thing in common....they love the Lord with all of their heart, might, mind and strength!  The three words for this group are "Triumphs Amidst Trials." President Clark and I found out early on our mission that every missionary who comes to the field will have trials.  Some are greater than others.  Health concerns happen a lot.  We all deal with trials differently and can learn great lessons through trials.  Out of our adversity we might seek our greatest triumph.  From Joseph Smith's experience in Liberty Jail, we learn that, "All these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good."  D&C 122:7. These missionaries have been triumphant through their missionary lives.  They know that strength and experience come through every challenge we face.  It will be an important lesson for the future.  When our only desire is to please Him, we will be blessed with a deep inner peace.  Carry on dear ones.  You are surely loved!

Lunch before leaving for the journey home.  Below is a sister weighing her luggage.  This can be a VERY frustrating task.  Getting the weight to remain below 20 kilos often means leaving some things behind.  She was successful!

MLC & Someone Turns 60!