Nationals Baseball - June 7, 2012

Our annual baseball trip was wonderful.  Fortunately the weather was perfect - partly cloudy, a slight breeze and low humidity. Unfortunately, the Nats lost. Though, I'm not sure that many of the missionaries realized that. Certainly there was more socializing and picture taking than game watching.

Most of the missionaries were aware that one of the up and coming players for the Nationals is 19 year old Bryce Harper  - a fellow member of the church.  When he was at bat, you could hear some missionaries yell out encouragement, "Go, Brother Bryce".  Of course, once you see where our seats were located you'll also understand why it was difficult for him to hear us.  Also, for some unknown reason, our seats were spread apart.  Next year, we'll try for more unity.

Our missionaries make a great shot on the big screen.

So you can see how where the missionaries are.  We still don't know why they didn't keep us together.

And thus the reason it's hard to hear us from the field.

This is the first of  many group shots - because we are spread out all over this section. I can name everyone here (trust me). I'm just not sure how to indicate it so you can tell.  So have fun looking for your favorite missionary in the next photographs.

Some missionaries are very aware of the camera.  Others are not.

Elder Stallings on the front row was "released" the day before. He is there with his father (behind him) and his mother (behind me).

Front row: Elder Dillon
Next row left to right: Elder Rodriguez, Elder Branning, Elder Rozsa, Elder White.
Back row:  Sister Brown, Sister Miller and Elder Julander.
Hidden - Sister Chan.
On perimeter you'll see other missionaries.

Elder Mcdonald, on the left just arrived two days previously.  He sits with his trainer, Elder Salanoa.

So if your missionary says they're a little short of funds this month, check what they had at the ball game.  Missionaries left to right: Elder Teriirere, Elder Searle, Elder Roomataaroa, Elder Wery, Elder Gleed and Elder Larson.

Elder Gumbi has a Los Angeles hat on. What's with that?? Next to him:  Elder Anderson and  Elder Mataele.
In front,  Elder Livengood and Elder Goodman.

Here are some of the sisters grouped together with a few elders mixed in.

More missionaries, then seats of who knows who and then additional missionaries at the top.

The advantage to being at the top was that you were in the shade.  You'll notice many of our senior missionaries chose this location. 

Sister Harper thought it worth while to pick up a Bryce Harper jersey.

Elder Valdetano wore a New York hat. What's with that?  Of course he lived in New York, but hey - we were playing the Mets today. Next to him Elder Morris and Elder Centeno.  On the back row right to left: Elder Furugen, Elder Peterson and Elder Nisson.

Left to right: Elder Pearson (released the day before), Elder Brown and JS Armstrong.  JS is an amazing supporter of missionary work in this mission.

And Brother Bryce at the plate.

Some missionaries on the very back row - along with senior missionaries in front.

Yes, we know that Nationals colors are red and white, but hey - if you don't have it in your wardrobe, you don't have it!
Left to right: Sister Cardall, Sister Wong, Sister Wankier and Sister Matsumori

The sisters turn to say hi.  You'll notice how far down the field is.

I never think to take a picture of President and me together. Thank goodness Elder Anderson asked or else there would be no evidence that we were even at the game.