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Sister Austin joins Elders Hansen, Johnson, Peterson and Whitlock in back
and Elders Farley and Owens in front
at Reagan National Airport just before checking on to their flights home |
A few days earlier,
at the departure dinner at the Mission Home…
… the first order of business is for each departing missionary to create a personalized page for the Cookes' scrapbook...
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| Elders Owens and Farley |
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| Elder Peterson |
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| Elder Whitlock |
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| Elder Johnson |
… and to mark your favorite scripture in the Cookes' set.
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| Elder Hansen |
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Elder Farley
and J.S. Armstrong (Pres' 1st counselor & dear friend) |
Elder Farley worked especially closely with our dear friend, J.S., and mastered a wonderful imitation of J.S.' "Jimmy Stewart" style of speaking. We captured a few seconds of it here:
Dinner is a must.
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| President with Elders Hansen, Johnson, Owens and Whitlock |
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| Elders Farley,& Peterson with J.S. Armstrong, our daughter Elizabeth and Sister Austin |
After dinner, it's story time… with each departing missionary sharing one of their favorite funny moments during their mission.
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| Elder Hansen tells his story while Elders Peterson and Whitlock listen |
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| Elder Whitlock |
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| Elder Farley |
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| Elders Peterson and Hansen |
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| Pres Cooke with our son Howard and AP Elder Wilcox (not leaving yet!) |
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| Elder Peterson |
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| Elder Johnson and J.S. Armstrong |
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| Elder Whitlock |
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| Elder Johnson |
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| Sister Austin |
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| L-R: Elders Wilcox. Johnson, J.S., Elders Peterson, Hansen and Whitlock |
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| Sister Austin |
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| Elder Owens |
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| Our son Joe listens to Elder Owens |
Finally, the President presents service coins
with a handshake and a hug.
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| Pres Cooke explains the insignia and significance of the service coins before presenting them individually. |
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| Pres Cooke embracing Elder Johnson after presenting his coin. |
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| Elder Johnson watches as Elder Peterson gets his coin and Elder Hansen waits his turn. |
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| Elder Hansen |
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| Elder Farley |
The evening traditionally ends with singing the mission song,
"Testify of Me"
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| Elders Johnson, Peterson, Hansen, Whitlock, Farley, J.S. Elder Owens, President and Sister Austin |
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The only problem with letting Sister Cooke accompany is that the song will be …
… very energetic (fast & furious)! |
Final Testimonies at Transfer Meeting
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| Elder Farley |
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| Sister Austin |
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| Elder Johnson |
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| Elder Hansen |
Then, off to the Airport!
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| At Reagan National Airport |
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| With a few minutes before boarding, we enjoyed the "rocking chair lounge" that looks out over the tarmac. |
Farewell, dear friends!
