We are sitting in our hotel room this evening, having an early wake up call, our mission completed. This has been a week of high and low emotions as we look forward to seeing our family while saying goodbye to dear friends; most who we will never see again. The toughest goodbyes were to President and Sister Clark, with whom we have shared so many experiences and worked with so closely. Although we will always be dear friends and stay in touch, our unique relationship has come to an end. It has been amazing as we served side by side in the work of the Lord.
We spent the week finishing up transfers, teaching our workshop one last time, and greeting new missionaries. Mostly we stepped back and guided Elder and Sister Richards through it. Friday, with the help of Elder and Sister Pugh, Elder and Sister Spung, and the office elders, we moved out of our apartment and closed it; and said goodbye to our little neighbors. We pray for them and wish them well. That evening we had dinner with everyone at the mission home, said our goodbyes to the Pugh's and Spung's, and slept at the mission home. Yesterday, we finished up training, and walked out of the mission office for the last time. President and Sister Clark took us to dinner, and we had a great evening. Today, we went to Tarlac 1st Ward, where they had us bear our testimonies. We said our goodbyes there, Sister Clark fed us again, and drove us to the hotel. We fly to Hong Kong tomorrow, spend a couple of days there, and then we will see our children and grandchildren on Wednesday, or soon there afterwards.
We leave you with 2nd Timothy 4:7 - "I have fought a good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith."
Mahal Kita One More Time
Elder and Sister Whiting
 |
| Jeepney of the Week - Transformer! |
 |
| Brother and Sister Yang, one of the caterers the mission uses |
 |
| The Garcia Family, the other caterer the mission uses. Elder Whiting holds a gift from them. |
 |
| Our neighbors Aira, Mary, and Christy |
 |
| L - R; Elder & Sister Pugh, President & Sister Clark, Elder & Sister Spung, Elder & Sister Richards |
 |
| With President and Sister Clark |
 |
| With Elder and Sister Richards |
 |
| With the Assistants, Elders Bleazard & Sabangan |
 |
Leaving the mission office for the last time
|
 |
With members of the Tarlac 1st Ward, including former missionary Stefany Tumala, 3rd from left,
and Bishop and Sister Arcansalin and daughter Heather Jean.
|
 |
| Final goodbye at the hotel. Until we meet again! |
 |
| A Quiet Sunday evening. |
