Departures and Arrivals with tears?

These are great missionaries. We know that might sound trite, but they are 'gran misioneros.' We are seeing the full gamete of feelings in these days of changes. One Monday, we see the fine missionaries who are leaving Santiago to return to their homes, followed by Tues in the airport with the new arrivals. With the departing missionares, they come to the mission home to have their final interview with Pdte. May, then followed by a beautiful meal in their honor, and then followed by a sweet testimony meeting....

As we listen to their faith, hear their heart-felt love for the Savior, Jesus Christ and what they have loved and grown to know about Him, reminds us that these have been His faithful servants, valiant and noble in sharing the truths that the world needs to know. We listen to their dedication, and we can discern their growth by the way they express themselves, not just in another language (also we had one of our Latin Missinaries share his testimony totally in English...impressive!)but by the power of the Holy Ghost. We love to hear the committment in their voices and the desires they have to stay strong, holding to the iron rod, and want to remain faithful. We love their examples of faith and determination that will carry them through the trials, challenges of the new life they are entering with this transition.
Our hearts are breaking as we have to say goodbye for now....we know we will be able to share this relationship eternally, now that we have been here together. We hug in the airport for the last (and first time for Hrma May)with each one, tenderly wanting to make this last and be eternal. We know it is.

The next day, our lives are enriched as we joyfully welcome the new arrivals. We are thrilled to see them come through the gate of customs (happily all accounted for and no one missing in action!)We notice that they look petrified, eyes eagerly searching for a familiar face among a sea of strangers, and their eyes spy a familiar missionary plaqua, and the smiles, waves, and grins begin. They all want hugs from Pdte. May. He is their leader and they look to him for the love of a father and guide. He knows how valuable each one is to Our Heavenly Father, and he loves them before they arrive, after studying and reading from their mission papers. They are enthusiastic, eager, and so willing to do whatever they are asked. This is a wonderful group who arrived, with talents, gifts, abilities and strong testimonies. These fine missionaries show us hope again, that this is the Lord's church, and that He is about this work, as we see their willingness to be taught. We all need to have that attitude. They are humble; leaving behind their previous lives in many ways, to accept the life the Lord has for them here. We are touched by their testimonies. Pdte May interviews each one privately, and then prayerfully listens for inspiration as to who each trainer should be training. The Lord knows and loves all of His missionaries, and this we see evidently in the way He pairs his companionships. IT is miraculous and inspired.
As we meet together to give a small orientation and simple guidlines this first day, we notice their innocents, faithfulness and desire to obey instantly. The missionaries want to learn, ask questions, and step forward wtih faith. We admire these fine ones also. As we testify of the Lord Jesus Christ, we remind them that we will do many things in this mission, but the most important is that we will teach and testify of Jesus Christ and His Atonement. 2Nephi 25:26. We are filled with the Holy Ghost as He bears witness of this divine errand to these missionaries. Again our hearts and eyes are filled to overflowing with love for these great missionaries!