We had been in isolation for 4 weeks when we received word that all foreigners
would be sent home because of the coronavirus. The most urgent task was to get
our 8 Philippine missionaries home before the way was closed.
Last Saturday they quickly left their areas and hurried to the mission home.
We thought that they would fly out on Sunday. But, this was a week of patience.
Their flight didn't leave until Tuesday night!
They had lots of time to take pictures by the temple. . .
learn how to tie a tie so it's the right length . . .
and even relax!
Meanwhile,
Russ and others were frantically running back and forth to the airport.
Our 3 Brazilians had a 36 hour journey ahead of them through Qatar.
Others had a miracle flight that took them through Hawaii!
Sometimes it was an airport run for one . . .
but usually it took several vans to get bigger groups and their luggage to the airport.
Tuesday to Thursday 53 missionaries were sent home. (6 of our Philippine missionaries are in the Manila MTC where they will isolate for two weeks and wait to be reassigned.)
Our sweet Argentinian is still here waiting for the way to open for his return.
Hip, Hip, Hooray--5 with dual citizenship were allowed to stay!!
On Friday we sent 3 senior missionaries home.
We are really missing our missionaries. They left so suddenly and it feels very sad.
It left a hole in our hearts. God be with them 'til we meet again.
For the moment, we are a mission of 36 young missionaries.
We feel very fortunate, because some of the other Japanese missions
are left with less than half that number!
We are in the process of reorganizing.
Each companionship will cover 3 areas instead of one!
These are interesting times! One of our returning missionaries expressed it this way:
This is a time for inward discovery as we outwardly minister to others.
One thing is for sure,
NOTHING, not even the coronavirus, can stop God's Work from progressing!
