On Thursday morning we went over to the stake center in Eugene. When we entered the chapel this is the sight we saw! Several missionaries come to sing an absolutely beautiful song to the new missionaries.  The new trainers are also up there. (I still cry every time I hear the song.)

Then we have some of the trainers recite Our Purpose, Joseph's First Vision, and D&C 4. Then we have a Sister and an Elder on the stand (also trainers) bear their testimonies.

 Introducing: the newest missionaries and their companions!

Sister Chang is training Sister Heiden

Elder Ybanez will be trained by Elder West

 Elder Hatch will be trained by Elder Bushman

Sister Alldredge will be trained by Sister Sands

Sister Steele will be training Sister Van Leuven

Elder Peterson will be trained by Elder Batt 

 Elder Wagstaff is being trained by Elder Losee

Elder Simms will be trained by Elder Thibault (pronounced T-Bow) 

Elder Mafi is being trained by Elder Porter

Elder Vidmar will be trained by Elder Billmire 

 Sister Santa Maria will be trained by 

Sister Crandall

Sister Kafton will be trained by Sister Poulsen

Elder Knell will be trained by Elder Hsuing

Elder Eckman will be trained by Elder Holman

Sister Hokanson will be trained by Sister Wood 

Sister Vance will be trained by Sister Newsome

Sister Nowell will be trained by Sister Brownlee

Sister Schrecengost will be trained by 

Sister Dobbs

Sister Aguilar will be trained by Sister Sidhu (they tried to run off without a picture).

One last group picture with all our new missionaries

 

 ...with their trainers!

And, they're off!

Sister Sands shows signs of stress??? No, she's looking for her keys. She doesn't want to walk to Newport!

 They all have to get their luggage, etc., it's set up around the sides of the cultural hall

It's starting to clearing out.

Sister Wood is holding something really important, don't know what though.

Sister Dobbs still has something to say to the Elders.

This is Elder Workman, the president's AP with Elder Losee who is showing us his tongue(?) Check out Elder Hsiung and Elder Knell with some pretty good dance moves. Elder Wagstaff is just hanging back.

 This is Sister Sowter, she is not a new missionary, however, she broke her ankle and is currently working in the office until she gets her cast off.

 Check out the determination of Elder Mati! These two are going to take Brookings by storm!!

 I'm with Elder Thibault and Elder Simms. When Elder Thibault was with Elder Black  they always wanted a selfie with me. I guess the tradition continues with Elder Thibault's new companion, Elder Simms! 

All of the Elders have bikes. Elder Losee is helping Elder Wagstaff with his since Elder Wagstaff''s hands are full.

One last good bye.

The office packs a small bag with a granola bar and an apple with a bottled water for the road. Some have a long drive. Sometimes the snack does not make it to the 'road'.

 Lots to load into the trailers.

 Elder Holman is doing a last minute check before he and Elder Eckman take off.

 



Sister Brownlee tells Sister Nowell that she KNOWS this will all fit into the car!??

"...Okay, I have hangers, now I just need something to hang on them!" Sister Heiden is SO prepared. (Actually, they are not her hangers).

 



Elder Bushman is ready to go.

 Elder Hatch gives me smile as he heads to the car.

Sister Van Leuven and Sister Steele want one last picture. 







These missionaries and trainers are awesome!!!! We can't adequately express the love we have for them.