Farewells - A Time to Reflect

               "How blessed are they who have labored diligently in his vineyard."
                Jacob 6:3

As missionaries leave Mesa and return to their homes, we reflect on the wonderful service they have given for 18 months or two years, teaching and testifying of Christ. They have touched the lives of many people through their testimonies and watched as they were converted through the Holy Ghost. Oh, how we will miss them all! We pray for their future success and happiness and may they find joy in who they are becoming! We love you!

Sister Weedman and Beaudette came over for dinner. Sister Laura Weedman (on left) is
beginning a new adventure. She has served valiantly. We will miss her so much!

The two in the middle Sister Ani Avanesjan and Sister Emily Brown are returning to their homes with honor. We celebrated at dinner with their companions Sister Finau and Sister Pickett. We will miss them and their examples!

Hermanas Mayorca, Hourrutiner, Leon, Lund and Sister Younce with Sister Taboada hidden in the back

We had egg McMuffins, juice and fruit. The Andruses with Sister Tingey, Hermana Luna, Sisters Avanesjan and Finau enjoying the delicious breakfast!

Hermana Embley, Duffin and Sister Pcikett and Rios

Hermana Mayorca and Sister Brown

Sister Brown shared her testimony giving us a great message about keeping covenants and making commitments. She knows her Savior and will always have that missionary spirit.

Sister Ani Avanesjan will return to Germany. She shared many of the miracles she has experienced as a convert and as  a missionary. She has set a goal to have a baptism each month in her future. 

Sister Thompson was the campanion of VC sister Taumarawa. She received her visa and will finish her service in Brazil. She shared her testimony of how much she loves the work and has a strong testimony of the gospel of Christ.

Sister Laura Weedman will go home to Hendersen Nevada. She shared the great love she has of her Savior and her Heavenly Father. Her testimony is sure and she has loved serving. She motivated us to serve well.

Our traditional good-bye picture, making wonderful memories!

They needed one more picture with Brother Tietjen

Sisters Tingey, Beaudette, Finau, Weedman, Brown and Avanesjan

Sister Luna, Pickett and Greene joined in

Smiling through the tears

The departing Mesa Missionaries. We have enjoyed getting to know them and it has been a privilege to serve with them. They have touched many lives and will be missed and remembered.

The Hansens served in the mission office and their work and dedication has been
outstanding. They live here in Arizona so we hope to see them once in a while.

We were thrilled to receive a visit from the Brown family. They came from St George to pick up their daughter Emily. What a wonderful and talented family. We enjoyed meeting them and hearing them sing in perfect harmony.