Batch 692 - December 18, 2019

There are many things that makes this batch unique.

1.  2 week transfer instead of three.  (12 not 19 days)  The reason is the Christmas season.  There is a blackout period when none of the missionaries can fly.  We have these missionaries 2 weeks and the next batch will be here for 4 weeks!

2.  No TB cases this batch!  WOO HOO!

3.  No major illnesses!  Fingers crossed it will continue through the next batch too.

4.  Great singers!  They all sing loud and proud.  They fill the rafters with song and the Spirit.

5.  Provo missionaries were here 9 of the 12 days.  It was a great addition to our little flock.

6.  Four of the missionaries were siblings to some of our Angeles Returned Missionaries.  This happens occassionally but not in these numbers.  

7.  Last departure of 2019.

There were 13 countries represented in this batch.  It was mighty in many ways.  Some of the countries were a first.

Australia, Cambodia, Canada, China, French Polynesia, Germany, New Zealand, Philippines, Thailand, United States, Figi, Samoa and Papua New Guinea.

Dental Eagle Project

Our grandson Isaac had a goal to get his Eagle Scout award by the end of 2019.  After looking at different projects, he planned and was approved to help us at the Philippines!  Dental health is poor for many Filipinos.  Isaac set out to get donations from dentists and local people to help the people in the Philippines.  He did an amazing job planning, collecting and shipping out the dental supplies.  When we received them, we couldn't believe how much he was able to collect.  It was a great blessing to people from an organization called, Rise and Rebuild.  He also helped many of the missionaries that went to the dental clinic at the MTC.  They were taught how to use floss everyday and instruction on how best to take care of their teeth.  Thank you Isaac for serving us in the Philippines.  Great job!

Blessy's Quilt Shop made this beautiful quilt in honor of our Eagle Scout recipient!

Thanksgiving in the Philippines

The senior couples from the Area Office, MTC and dental clinic gathered to enjoy a real Thanksgiving meal.  How we love being able to associate with these great people.  It doesn't happen very much but when it does, we relish it!  We are grateful!

Dinner & Devotional with Elder & Sister L Whitney Clayton

Elder L Whitney Clayton and Sister Kathy K. Clayton along with Elder Steven and Sister Susan Bangerter along with Elder and Sister Muir joined us for dinner and a devotional.  We had a lovely, relaxing time together after what had been a pretty demanding and stressful day for them.  The missionaries seemed to have enjoyed it.  The Muir’s are related by family through marriage.  They seemed happy for the reunion that was provided. 

Batch 688 - October 2, 2019

Intake 688 was a International mix of Cambodia, Canada, China, Mongolia, Peru, Philippines, United States, Vietnam, Kiribati, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Samoa.  168 missionaries with 53 from Provo for the last 6 days.  We love all 221 of them!

687 - September 11, 2019

This was a batch of strange proportions.  We don't generally have more Americans than Filipinos.  Provo had to do some switching around and we ended up with more Americans.  It was definitely a louder and different feel to the MTC.  Missionaries learning is always a treat for us to watch.

This batch had Australia, India, Mongolia, New Zealand, 63 Philippines and 72 United States.  With our Language Training Missionaries we were 179 strong!  Provo brought our numbers up to 189.

Batch 690 - November 13, 2019

Interesting fact.  When we receive new missionaries, flu shots are administered from about June through October.  The medical personnel figure these are the months when flu hits the Philippines hard.  Our first batch not receiving the flu shot was hit with a heavy dose of the flu.  The Missionary Recovery Center (MRC) was like a revolving door.  Missionaries would arrive and stay for 3 or 4 days, leave and others would arrive.  We had a "no handshake rule".  This is often very difficult for missionaries to comply with.  It's even more difficult when you are out in the field and your Mission President tells you not to shake hands.  

This was another large batch.  Australia, China, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, United States and Vietnam.  We had 2 translators this batch - Thailand and Vietnam.  197 RTM's and LTM's plus 54 from Provo.  251 mighty missionaries this batch!