September Changes

     Although July and August seemed to take their time to pass, September came and went quickly and brought many changes to our mission particularly in the office. We had our wonderful office couple, the Hansens, leave on September 19. They had been lifesavers to us teaching, training, and mentoring us. I had anxiety for weeks as I thought about them leaving. Whenever I needed to know anything I could ask them especially Sister Hansen. They had not only served with President and Sister Peterson for 15 months but had been close friends of their's for years but they were kind, non-judgmental, and supportive of us and really built a strong foundation for us to begin our mission on. Besides all of that they have great and fun personalities and are now eternal friends. We were able to get the mission couples together before the Hansens left for an evening of food and fun. Another sweet couple, ended up flying out with them. This sweet couple were in their 80s and serving their 6th mission! What an incredible example to all of us of faith and faithfulness. We love and miss these great couples!

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      We drove the Hansens to Manila during an intense rain storm (the effects of a typhoon north of us). The nice part of the drive was not many people were out on the roads so the traffic wasn't congested like usual. Coming back we did drive on a road that looked like a river and the rain was coming down so hard that the windshield wipers were struggling to keep up with the downpour. But we made it back safe and sound. 

     Although we had two couples leave during September we also had three new couples arrive! They are all wonderful and we are enjoying getting to know them. The Galbraiths are from our stake and its been great to get to know them better. Sister Galbraith is the mission nurse specialist so my daily responsibilities have really changed. I was wondering what I would do without taking all of the health calls. It took a few days to adjust but it's been nice; although she is very busy! She's wonderful because she's not only a nurse but grew up in the Philippines so she can speak Tagalog with the local missionaries. It's been a blessing to the mission. The Morans and Elder Galbraith are doing wonderful with the office duties and the Cranstons are blessing the missionaries on one of the islands. The couples add so much to the mission and we're so grateful for their willingness to serve.