Our mission has really started! We're here at the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT.It was snowing softly when we arrived: big flakes that floated down softly. It was beautiful! It snowed continuously for two days, from Monday morning until Tuesday night. There aren't many picnics at the picnic tables shown here!
Most of the senior missionaries (including us) are housed on campus. Our rooms are small but have lots of desk room and drawer space. We’re not in them very much, so they are just fine. We’ve only felt frustrated about living out of a suitcase a few times.
There are about 100 senior missionaries here right now, and we love to hear about their past missions (one couple has served five, several have served more than two, and many have served a previous mission). They are going an astonishing array of places: India, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Micronesia, the South Pacific, West Africa, South Africa, Russia (4 couples to Siberia—with one couple returning to Siberia for a second mission there), Armenia, several different countries in South America, and—of course—Turkey. They are going as medical missionaries, welfare and humanitarian missionaries, family history missionaries who will spend their time microfilming records, office missionaries, and proselyting missionaries.
The senior couples are wonderful, but we love the young missionaries. There are about 1,700 of them here right now, and they are so polite to us. They are happy and enthusiastic. They arrive every Wednesday, and as the day approaches, everyone gets very excited. Elder Clove, from our home ward, arrived on Wednesday, and we saw him that night. He looks great.
The spirit of the MTC is indescribably wonderful. We hated to see friends leave today for their missions. We’ll stay another week for Welfare training.
We are so excited to read your first official mission post. We miss you already, but are excited about this new adventure. We are glad that you are enjoying the MTC and look forward to hearing more from you soon. We love you!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you are having a great time. The more countries I hear about people going to, the more I like Turkey! We love you!
ReplyDeleteWow! I love the snow. Just to make you a little bit colder, we went to the La Jolla Tide Pools today and are looking at weather in the 80's tomorrow. We miss you already, but are excited to share your adventure with everyone who asks about you. We love you lots.
ReplyDeleteIt was so good to hear from you before you left and to read this journal entry about your experiences in training. Both gave me what I sought, a reassurance that you are excited and anticipating a wonderful adventure in Turkey. I have found that people are the same the world over, helpful, friendly, and welcoming. Have a wonderful time. We send our love and thoughts for your successful travels. Mike and Carolyn
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful start. I'm so glad we have such an easy way to stay in touch and share in this experience. Enrichment night Thurs. will be lonely without you there, however I'll send you hugs 'n best wishes knowing you are so excited!
ReplyDeleteLove, "your sister",
Annette E.
Your mom gave me the address of this blog, and how great it is to read of your experiences. The pictures are interesting, and your adventures fascinating. Faye and I just took your mom out to lunch, and coincidentally, to the same place Louise and Kathy chose. We had a wonderful time with her, of course, and she is so proud of you and Ron, also telling us about the blessing John and Ron gave her. She said, "I need the faith to last at least 18 more months." She looks great and seemed to feel wonderful.
ReplyDeleteLove, Gail