Sister Francis nover En Route to Hungary - November 19, 2019

Sister Francis flew to Hungary on Monday, November 18, 2019.

Up until she turned in her MTC phone early that morning, she uploaded a few final pics to us from the MTC.

All 14 missionaries from her MTC district left the Missionary Training Center early that morning, at 7:45am, and caught the bus to the Frontrunner station. Sam went to the bus stop hoping to catch a glimpse of them. He said farewell to Emma and gave her a quick hug. Sam cried as he said goodbye, but he reported that Emma didn't seem sad at all. She was so excited to go to Hungary! We're grateful for the quick picture he caught of her and her companion with their luggage before they boarded the bus.

During the morning I received several texts and pics from a kind person at the airport. Later I discovered that it was Allen nover's mother! I'm so grateful she was there and took some photos of the whole group as they checked in. A tender mercy!

We knew Emma's flight took off to Amsterdam at 1pm. Mark was home working, and we watched the clock and got online to track the flight. Our hearts felt heavier and heavier as we knew Emma was preparing to board and take off. Suddenly we both received a text from our ward friends Jeff and Whitney Tibbs. They were on the same flight to Amsterdam!!! We started crying as they told us they hugged Emma and wished her well. Jeff sent a picture and told us, "I'm so proud of her, and I'm not even her parent." The Tibbs kept us updated as they all boarded and taxied to the runway. It was a tremendous tender mercy!

We went outside because it was a beautiful day. Nico was with us, and we watched the sky for planes taking off from Salt Lake. We were thankfully in the afternoon flight path and as Emma's flight took off we watched the plane go up over our house and across the mountains. Then everything was still and we cried!!!

A few days later we received a comforting email from the mission home:

Tuesday, 19 November 2019

 We are pleased to report that Sister Francis has arrived safely in Hungary!  Sister Hettinger and I welcomed her group at the airport and found all the new missionaries excited and eager to begin their service in the Hungary/România Mission. We look forward to getting to know her personally and know we will love Sister Francis.

Within the next 24 hours Sister Francis will be assigned to a proselyting area with a dedicated Senior Companion/Trainer that has been prayerfully selected to serve in this vital role. Together they will participate in a brief training meeting and then depart immediately to their designated area. You can expect to hear from your missionary next Monday, which is their usual preparation day.

Thank you for your sacrifice and support of Sister Francis as she shares the light of the Gospel and testimony of our Savior, Jesus Christ, with the people of Hungary.

Warm Regards,

President and Sister Hettinger

Hungary România Mission