The August Good-Bye Group

The August good-bye group had a great send off from Cavite. Since the Manila Temple is closed in August, the 4 leaving missionaries were able to attend a session in July. When their last day in the mission arrived, which is usually a temple day, we had to make some other plans. We decided to go to the Manila Ocean Park which could be compared to Sea World. Elder Abon, Elder Asendente, Elder Cornelius, and Sister Montemayor were lucky enough to go to the temple and have an extra activity day.

 

 

These fish are eating the dead skin off of our feet. It was the strangest feeling - and it tickled.

 

 

 

 
The buffet was really good. The food was hot and there was a lot to choose from.

After we finished at the Ocean Park we headed to the Mission Home for dinner and "last night" activities.

 Elder Abon and Elder Cornelius

Elder Cornelius is pointing to his tie which is right next to Elder Tadina's.

 Sister Montemayor

 Elder Asendente

 

 The leaving missionaries spent the night at the mission home and the Area van came for them at 6:00am on Wednesday. I think they were excited to go home and I don't blame them. When you get to the end of your called time to serve, it's hard but you feel the necessity to move on. The next phase for these missionaries will involve college, careers, eternal companions and starting their own families. They will be setting new goals and will face new challenges but because they have spent 18 months/2 years in the mission field, they know the importance of depending upon the guidance of the Holy Ghost. If they will not forget the trials they faced on their mission and remember the closeness of the Savior as they struggled, then they will know that He will continue to ALWAYS be with them. Missionaries know that when they pray, read the scriptures, pray, attend church meetings, pray, take the sacrament, pray, and endure to the end . . .  that God can not be held back from guiding them and blessing their life. 

"And then, if thou endure it well, God shall exalt thee on high; thou shalt triumph over all they foes." D&C 121:8