Grateful for Our New in November Missionaries

The first full day in the mission field for our new missionaries  

began with breakfast and orientation. By lunch, everyone was starving!

Following are photos from lunch.  

Gathering for testimony meeting.  During this meeting the new

elders and sisters were introduced, met their companions,

and shared their first testimonies in the mission field.  

 New Companionships (new missionary listed first):  

Elder Lewis (R) and Elder Ferrin 

Sister Tobler (L) and Sister Bjork

Elder White (L) and Elder Jones

Sister Haughawout (R) and Sister McCullock

Sister Roberts (L) and Sister Turner

Elder Pennington (R) and Elder Heelis

Sister Brown (L) and Sister Fabian

 Sister Reed (R)  and Sister Petersen

Elder Spittle (L) and Elder Sy

Elder Langley (L) and Elder Olsen

Elder Parson (L) and Elder Wilkes 

Elder Anderson (R) and Elder Mercado

Elder Corbridge (L) and Elder Wesche

Elder Walker (L) and Elder Cornaby

Elder Whiting (R) and Elder Benson 

These new missionaries come from North Carolina, Utah, 

Texas, Washington, Tennessee, Idaho, and Iowa

Welcome to California!

With a Spirit of Gratitude

"Our service began and ends in a spirit of gratitude."

These words, spoken by one of the elders, summed up the feelings of the nine

elders and sisters who completed their missions in November.  

Checking flight plans and luggage weights.

 Just starting dinner.

Elder Noorda where are you? 

A remarkable group of elders and sisters!

Just after testimony meeting... who's ready for dessert?

With only two sisters in the outgoing group, 

Hermanas Castrillon and Spencer

gathered the senior sisters for a group picture.

 

Visiting with President Mullen after everyone else left.

Tuesday morning... one more picture before heading to the 

airport.  This is how they'll look to greet their families.

New Missionaries in September 2015

A lot of work goes into getting a missionary ready to begin service:  missionary prep class, medical appointments, mission application, calling extended, setting apart, everything purchased at home that is then packed into a suitcase, bicycle chosen, shipped and assembled, orientation binder, food prepared...  Finally, everything is ready and waiting... all that's needed is a companion.

After a morning of orientation and interviews, 

getting acquainted over lunch.  

Almost ready for testimony meeting and receiving

new companions.

President Mullen, Elder Dyer and Elder Fisher.

 Sister Blanchard playing the prelude,

a new missionary already serving.  

Who is already sitting next to their new companion

but doesn't know it yet?

Meet the new companionships!

Elder Smith (r) from Spring Hope, North Carolina

and his companion, Elder Young

Sister Pielstick (l) from St. Augustine, Florida

and her companion, Sister Moore

Sister Blanchard (r) from Ft. Collins, Colorado

and her companion, Sister Meza

Elder Grandon (l) from Springfield, Missouri

and his companion, Elder Cornia 

Sister Lineback (l) from Overland Park, Kansas

and her companion, Sister DeSilva

 Sister Nielson (l) from West Valley City, Utah

and her companion, Sister Greeff

Sister Young (r) from Mayer Minnesota

and her companion Sister Parker

 Elder Porter from Riverdale, Utah

and his companion, Elder Page

 Sister Ogden (r) a from Plugerville, Texas

and her companion, Sister Roberts

Elder Luthy (l) from Sugar City, Idaho 

and his companion, Elder Golder

Elder Hagler (l) from West Valley, Utah

and his companion, Elder Thompson

 Elder Gossett (r) from Bozeman, Montana

and his companion, Elder Biegler

Ready to go!