Mid-December Departing Group

This evening at about 5:30 our mid-departing missionaries began arriving at the Mission Home.  They are brought by beloved members and friends and companions who want to send them off with love.Elder Powell and Elder Black have served in the areas for 16 months of their missions.Happy and sad Sisters!Good bye to companions:Departure forms:The Calls and the Thompsons droppe by to wish everyone well and to get their last hugs.Group shot with the couples:And then it was time for dinner:  chicken cordon bleu with funeral potatoes, glazed carrots, steamed broccoli, salad and hot bread.  Pumpkin Crunch Cake for dessert.  YUM.Sister Monique Garzia, our Mission Home Assistant:Marking the Wall of Honor in the garage.  Each missionary marks their height, then signs and dates their departure.Weighing suitcases:Our departing missionaries–Elder Allsop:Elder Buchanan:Elder Black:Sister Harty:Hermana Cluff:Sister Banks:Sister Boehmer:Sister McCourt:Hermana Young:Then we gathered together for a final testimony meeting.And another group photo:Departure packets and flight information:And we topped off the evening with a rousing round of Rhythm Sticks!Hermana Cluff was the champion this evening!  I excused my self before the end to get to bed.  Still feeling very sick. . . .