Cambios came in two shifts because the group coming from the USA did not make their connections. So we first welcomed three young Chileans to the mission field. They are (l-r) Elder Urrutia from Santiago, Chile, Elder Contreras from Valparaiso, Chile and Elder Olavarria from Valparaiso, Chile. They will be wonderful young missionaries.
Later that evening our group from the USA arrived. First row (l-r) are: Elder Winsor from Payette, Idaho, Elder Smith from Preston, Idaho, Elder Carmen from SLC, Utah and Elder Williams from Midland, Texas. Next to Susie on the second row is Hermana Hunt from South Jordan, Utah. They are excited to learn Spanish and adapt to mission life. We are confident they will all succeed wonderfully in the mission.
While only eight new missionaries arrived this cambio, we had to say goodbye to ten excellent and experienced missionaries. And this group also included some exceptional leaders and powerful missionaries. Sitting (l-r) are: Hna Aponte from Argentina and Hna Bourne from SLC, Utah. Standing (l-r) are: Elder Hansen our new assistant from Connecticut, Elder Castaneda from El Salvador, Elder Barra from Chile, Elder Araneda from Chile, Elder Schubert from Canada, Elder Diaz from Chile, Elder Malca from Peru, Elder Silva from Honduras, Elder Gimenez from Argentina and Elder Coles our other assistant from Utah. When I think of when these missionaries arrived in the mission and the growth and impact they have had it is just incredible. We really suffer when they leave, but we are so proud of their faithful service.
We always take a silly photo with the missionaries that does a better job of reflecting the playfulness of these wonderful young men and women. We will miss them so much.
With this cambio we will make a change among our assistants. Elder Riches has served with us for 6 months and will complete his last cambio in Rio Bueno. We welcomed Elder Hansen from Connecticut, our newest assistant. From left to right are: Elder Coles from Utah, Elder Hansen from Connecticut and Elder Riches from Utah. We love these great young men and are so grateful for their service and help.
