Farewell to a beloved senior couple!

 Sister Hughes retires her scarf...

...as does Elder Hughes.

The "Wall of Fame" is completely filled with ties and scarves of our wonderful returned missionaries. We will be using the wall across from this for all future retired ties and scarves.

 We enjoyed dinner with the Hughes at a favorite restaurant in Vladivostok.

 We had a fun opportunity to hear of the many wonderful memories the Hughes had while serving the past 18 months in our mission. While here, they served in Ulan-Ude and in Khabarovsk.

 These are aprons Sister Hughes sewed for us. She often used her sewing skills (and cooking!!) to bless the lives of so many missionaries and members. One of her most treasured legacies was helping the Relief Society sisters in Khabarovsk make baby blankets and Quiet Books for the children in the branch. Elder Hughes was a kind and steady strength to the members of the branches in which they served, particularly assisting the branch presidencies with their many responsibilities.

 When we gather in a closing devotional, the missionaries share their favorite scriptures with us to mark in our books. As we read our scriptures each day, we often come across a favorite scripture from a missionary who has returned home. It is a special memory and very meaningful to us.

 Elder and Sister Hughes pose on the steps of the Vladivostok Branch building one last time.

 They managed to pack 18 months worth of living into six suitcases!

 Ascending the escalator for the final time as a missionary...

 We love Elder and Sister Hughes and will miss their love and kindness. We know how happy their six children and 24 grandchildren (including one set of triplets) will be to have Grandma and Grandpa home once again. 

One final picture just before saying goodbye at customs. We pray for the Lord's choicest blessings to be with the Hughes as they return back home filled with a love of the people they so faithfully helped and served. We will miss you!!