Sister Missionary Receives Unique Homecoming Celebration at SLC Airport

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Kylie Ravsten

Joined: May 2014

On any given night of the week, travelers can see huge crowds with balloons and “Mission Accomplished” posters at the Salt Lake International Airport welcoming missionaries home. One father, wanting to do something a little more special for his daughter, performed the Haka.

LDS Living reports that Wayne Tarawhiti, with the help of some family friends, welcomed home his daughter with a shortened version of a Haka. Tarawhiti’s daughter ran into her father’s arms after the completion of the traditional dance.

On March 12, Tarawhiti posted a video to Facebook of the sweet reunion. In the description for the video, Tarawhiti stated, “I’m a proud Dad and its been a while since I’ve done the haka like that but for my daughter it was all on.”

Sister Tarawhiti returned home from her 18-month mission in New Hampshire, Massachusetts, for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mid-last week. Her father expressed his gratitude on Facebook for his daughter’s service, saying, “Welcome home my darling you’ve returned with honor and the Lord is well pleased.”

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