MTC First week

We've finally made it into the MTC this week. It has been pretty intense. We have been commuting from our home every day. We leave at 7:00 a.m., attend classes from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. with an emphasis on teaching from the "Preach my Gospel" manual and language training from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.. We get back home around 9:00 p.m.. There are approximately 75 senior missionaries which include mostly couples and some single sisters. (we have two women who are sisters and are probably in their mid to late 70's who have decided to come on a mission together) These faithful brothers and sisters have come here from all over the country. Most, however, live in Utah or Arizona. Their new mission assignments include proselyting, office, humanitarian, medical, dental instruction, and language training. Couple missionaries here are assigned to missions in the Philippines, Oklahoma, Laos, Honduras, London, and the Southwest United States and other places through out the world. It is really inspiring to see so many couples and sisters from all walks of life and with such diverse talents and experience in the church humbly accept the challenge to literally "go where you want me to go dear Lord". Our language training ended Friday evening with each missionary bearing their testimony in the language of their mission. It was a true miracle to see the progress each had made. Some of the oriental languages seem particularly difficult to master. The young returned missionaries conducted much of our training. Talks were also given by the MTC presidency. We were also shown video clips from various general authorities which pertained to our responsibility for missionary work. We attended an inspiring devotional on Tuesday evening and also heard from returned couple missionaries who related their testimonies and experiences from their missions.

Through out the day and especially during the meal periods we also mingled with the young single elders and sisters. There are over 2000 of them here and when we enter the cafeteria we seem to be engulfed in a sea of white shirts and blouses. These young people are so energetic and seem happy and excited to be here. They too, have come from places around the world and are being sent to the far corners of the earth to teach the Gospel. We hear the sounds of every language you can imagine being rehearses by the Elders and Sisters as we pass them or are seated next to them. Sister Lewis, Brads daughter recognized me and introduced herself to us. Her brother is also in the MTC but we haven't met him yet. We also met a Sister Black from the South Stake in St. Louis who said she knew of the Rees family. We are looking out for Elder Meeks but need a recent photo so we can recognize him when we see him.

We are continuing our office training this next week and are scheduled to leave for Romania on Friday. It looks like the total travel time will be around 18 hours. I'm sure it will take a few days to get over the jet lag. We have learned a lot in a few short days of training and are feeling a little inadequate for the task ahead. But, we have faith that we can provide some support to this wonderful work and in behalf of our fellow Saints in Romania. We appreciate the tremendous support we feel from our family and friends. Thank you for your prayers