Christmas at the Riverside

December is a flurry of activity wherever one is in December.  

The mission was no exception.  Probably the most busy person 

was Sister Just who logged in every package that arrived and 

then found a way to Tetras them in to the back part of the office

to await the time that they would be delivered 

to anxious elders and sisters.  

Sister Just and an average day's delivery.  

Sister Just and the packages delivered on December 21!

The temptation to examine and shake packages was strong...

One side of the storage area.

Packages on the opposite side.  We'll never know just how 

Sister Just got them all tucked into the space available!

We held two Christmas Conferences, half the mission

on the 22nd of December and the other half on the 23rd.  

The day began with a Christmas devotional in the chapel.  

There were special musical numbers, a discussion of the Savior's

life as we had read it together in the Book of John during December,

and time for a testimony meeting centered on the Savior.   

Following the meeting in the chapel we watched a video collection

of pictures from around the mission and had brunch.  

Of course Christmas means baking.  Sister Puskas, Sister Just and

Sister Mullen baked up some pluck cakes for Christmas brunch.

  

The cakes showed up on the table the next day along with

a bacon, egg and cheese soufflé and giant fruit salads.

It was great to see happy faces as everyone

enjoyed sharing a meal together.  

Then it was time to go back to work... oh wait!  Presents!  

Wonderful days spent with wonderful missionaries!

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.