I was a told by a friend in Cali that there is a saying
that if you cry you won`t return
Well...we tried to keep the tears from coming...
She also told me that we don`t say Adios or good-bye
only Hasta Pronto or see you soon.
The world is small in the gospel.
We have hope that we will see the missionaries again
Working side by side with the office crew
you become a little attached...they were hard to say Hasta Pronto to.
Many people wonder what it is like to change Mission Presidents.
They also ask what how we are released and who releases us.
Hopefully this post will answer both questions:
1st.. Who releases you?
In the end of May we received our release packet.
It included letters of gratitude from the First Presidency, the Quorum of the 12,
and the missionary department.
When we were in Lima in June, we had an exit interview with Elder Uceda, president of the South America Northwest area, who asked what we would have the area presidency be aware of in our mission and thanked us for our service.
Then we went back out to keep working until the new president arrived.
2nd...What is it like to change Mission Presidents?
The easy answer is...It is hard!
Here are a few pictures and comments about that day...June 27, 2014
We packed our suitcases and left them in storage.
We checked on the state of the mission home...they were still working to get the hot water to work, but I had left the perfect touches!
We went to the airport and picked up the new mission president and his wife,
President and Sister Pricoli.
They had been traveling 26 hours with canceled flights, etc.
One of their suitcases didn`t arrive...we went through filing a claim for that.
We dropped off their luggage at the mission home.
We then left them at the office where they had a short meeting and went out with missionaries to work for a couple of hours.
At 1pm we had a welcome or farewell lunch together at the mission home.
Ajiaco...my favorite!
With President and Sister Pricoli
The new mission office staff!
I love this missionary couple...The Aagards have really helped our mission!
We spent 3 hours together passing on information.
President Prince with President Pricoli.
Hermana Prince with Hermana Pricoli.
We tried to give them an overview...they were exhausted.
How do you boil it down to 3 hours?
The Pricoli`s drove us to the airport.
We checked in, said some tearful goodbyes, and boarded a plane to Bogota.
We Love you President Prince!
The office Elders all came to the airport to see us off.
A recent convert and his mother (also a recent convert) and his son...
came to wish us farewell
Elder Henao...ever the perfect assistant to the end!
Come and visit us Ramon.
Faithfully you have guided us and been with us for 3 years...
Now you will help the Pricoli`s navigate the streets of Cali!
Changing of the Guard!
My name tag even looks like it is ready to come off!
Faithful assistants...Elders Eliason and Henao.
Secretary to the President...Elder Gallardo from Ecuador
Materials secretary...Elder Longorio from Mexico
Records secretary...Elder Robbins from USA
Financial secretary...Elder Lopez from Mexico
With Elder Henao...shedding a few tears...love this Colombian!
Withe Elder Eliason...see you soon in the states!
We Did It!
Mission Accomplished!
The Lord was good to us in our weakness!
May the Colombia Cali Mission continue to prosper!
Hasta Pronto!
