Elder Tautai Matua is officially in Gilbert as of this morning. Above is a picture of the NEW missionaries with President & Sister Wheeler. As you've probably already seen on Facebook , there were several pictures of his Trax ride and in the airport from the amazing Curtis Hawker (our friend who works at the airport for Delta). We received an email from Sister Partridge who works in the mission office and I've included it below. Also I didn't include any pictures from General Conference because those are also already on Facebook. Suffice it to say that it was an awesome experience for our family. All I can say is....GOD IS GREAT!!!!

Your wonderful missionary arrived here in Gilbert Arizona this morning – and we love them already! We have 13 wonderful new missionaries.  We had an Elder arrive from Mexico and we have two Visa waiters in this group. They took turns getting their pictures taken with the mission president and his wife and for the group pictures. I’ll be sending you a picture of your missionary with President and Sister Wheeler in the next few days.

Their day began early morning at the MTC, so they had an early start and were worn out by afternoon.  Sister Zollinger prepared a lovely luncheon for them which they really enjoyed.  Our senior missionary couples oriented them on bikes, cars, referrals, housing, and the office. Each of them will have an opportunity to meet and interview with President Wheeler.  Elder Ashton  will introduce them to their bicycles, and by evening they will all be looking forward to a good night’s rest.  They will be housed in a host member’s home tonight; then Wednesday they receive more training, meet their new companion, attend Transfer Meeting, and then head to their assigned areas of service.  We have attached a photo of group.  They are going to be great missionaries.  All the other missionaries in our mission are very excited to have the opportunity to get to know them.

We are happy to have each one of them, and we will do all we can to support and encourage them while they are here.  Thank you for sharing your missionary with us.  They will have an opportunity to email you on Monday, Preparation Day.

Sincerely,

Sister Kathy Partridge

Arizona Gilbert Mission

1001 North Burk St.

Gilbert, AZ 85234