THE COUNTDOWN IS OVER!!

We have had so much going on this week with the political upheaval here. We are FINE and all the missionaries are safe. We are just using caution as we wait and see what events are going to happen next. We are discouraged as the dental school has been closed all week. We are hoping that we will be able to work this following week....we have about 30 future missionaries that we need to complete!!

The major event of the week has been the departure and arrival of our Mission President Families. The Gomez family has become so dear to us. It was hard for everyone to see them go. President Gomez was able to have a farewell devotional for all of the missionaries in the city Tuesday. He had planned on having two of them, but with the political problems it just wasn't possible to have the outlying missionaries come in. We all met at a large building here for visiting, picture taking, food and a great message from President Gomez.

Missionaries gathering and visiting
after being cooped up for three days

The Gomez family arrives

Taking district photos

Our office Elders!!!

It was so fun to see the missionaries visiting while they were waiting for the Gomez family to arrive. Remember, these missionaries had been cooped up in their apartments for 3 days....unable to leave....it was great watching them greet each other and just catch up. We all got to take pictures with the Gomez family as districts. The food was catered by a brother in the church here....roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, vegetables, tortillas and cake for dessert. The missionaries LOVED IT!!!

Missionaries eating AGAIN

Huge plates of food

After the meal, we listened to President Gomez and sang "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again". I always have a hard time getting through that song (what else is new?) To avoid having the missionaries linger and linger, President Gomez had his family line up and had the missionaries go through the "receiving line" to say their goodbyes and then leave the building. It was a great idea.

President Gomez saying goodbye to Elder Davis and Elder Gomez

One of our newest missionaries Elder Hercules
He has only been here a week!!!

The next morning (Wednesday) we were all at the office early to see what we could do to help get the last minute things ready. (We were available because we were not able to go to the Clinic). President was trying to do all the last minute things...cleaning out the desk, remembering all the little things. President Florez and family were due at the airport about 9:30 am....and President was leaving about 11:00 am. The office staff was in a panic for awhile because we all thought that his plane LEFT at 11 o'clock....when in reality they just needed to check in by then....

All of that extra desk STUFF

Believe it or not....everything got to the airport!!

Once we got everyone and all the luggage in the car...we were off to the airport. There have been demonstrations every day this past week...and we had to change our route to the airport because of one. Wayne was quite proud that we actually know our way around the city well enough to have options on routes.

People gathering for a demonstration

It was a treat watching the transition of power between President Gomez and President Flores. They had about 30 minutes tops to visit on the sidewalk of the airport. President Gomez had his small list of things to discuss and President Flores asked the questions that he could think of. Wayne especially liked the picture of President Gomez talking off his plaque and putting it in his pocket. As President and Hermana Gomez left they did so without nametags...it happened that quickly. Then they had the task of taking 6 children on an airplane for a 14 hour excursion!!

The Gomez and Flores Mission Presidents
(Notice that Pres Gomez is taking off his plaque)

Saying goodbye to an eternal friend

Elder T and President Gomez

The office Elders were all there to meet and greet President and Hermana Flores. You could tell the instant love that was there. There really is something about the mantle of the callings that we have. Wayne and I helped Hermana Flores get settled a little bit over the next couple of days....you know PriceSmart and Walmart runs with the kids.....and have just tried to help any way that we can.

First photos of President and Hermana Flores
with their missionaries