This past week we had the sad responsibility of bidding farewell to Elder and Sister Haertel. They served for six months in the Santiago District of the mission and did amazing things there in a very short time. Words really cannot express how much we will miss them. When they turned in their mission papers, some people suggested they would not go foreign due to only being able to serve for such a short time. We were so very blessed, however, that they were able to come and serve with us.
Elder Haertel served in the Guadalajara Mission in his younger days so he spoke Spanish and was familiar with the area. Sister Haertel did an awesome job studying the language before she arrived and learning more while here. We know the mission was not easy for them. They worked in a very hot climate and lived in very primative conditions. But they survived!:-) And their influence will be felt for many years to come.
At the end of our mission council meeting, the missionaries who worked with them in the Santiago Zone suggested we all sing "God Be With You 'Til We Meet Again."
It was touching to hear everyone join together in song.
Elder and Sister Haertel--We love you both!! We will forever be blessed because of your willingness to serve! Thank you so very much for being willing to sacrifice your family, your time and your resources to be with us!!
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ReplyDeleteWe miss you as well. We were blessed to work with wonderful missionaries, members and investigators. We certainly love our fantastic president, his very talented wife and highly capable daughter.
ReplyDeleteIt was awesome! Thank you so much for your love and kindness. You are excellent mission presidents and we loved serving with you and learning from you. The missionaries are top notch and we will miss all of you greatly. We already do miss everyone and hope to return soon. Love, The Haertels
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