We have been on our Mission for almost two weeks now, and it has been everything that they say a Mission can be for Seasoned Missionaries. The first week we were spiritually fed daily as were taught how to utilize Preach My Gospel (PMG). In our group of Missionaries, we met some of the most wonderful people who will be serving throughout the world, from other locations in the continental U.S. to places such as Albania, England, Hawaii, Africa, and South America. Out of the approximate 100 Missionaries, thirty (including us) are assigned to the Family and Church History Headquarter Mission (FCHHM) in Salt Lake City. During our week at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) we were fed as if we were on a cruise and studied every day. While participating in one of our training exercises where Lorene and I had to give a lesson from PMG to a person acting as an inestigator. Not knowing his name we kept referring to him as "Brother Smith." Near the end of our role play he said his name was McKell. After probing a little bit we discovered that he is the father our Financial Adviser! We had met Brother McKell about two years ago in St. George, but we did not remember each other. Lorene, as usual, was able to find someone in our group of Missionaries to whom she is related (Elder Warner, a second cousin.) There was also a young missionary, Elder Jex, to whom she is probably related, but we were unable to determine the exact relationship. (I can't take her anywhere without her finding a relative!)
The highlight of our stay in the MTC was on Tuesday night when Elder and Sister Dallin H. Oaks. spoke at the weekly devotional on the importance of Preach My Gospel, with the counsel to use it where- and whenever we teach. Lorene was blessed with the opportunity to sing with the MTC choir at this devotional. One other sweet experience came when we met Sister Sharon Walker who was in our group at the MTC and is now among the 30 missionaries sent to the FCHHM. Sister Walker is a sweet sister from Rigby, Idaho who has been widowed about ten months, and the first time we met her at the MTC she was scared to death. We adopted her immediately and will be friends the rest of our lives. We continue to look after and care for her as time allows. In addition, we were able to help another "seasoned" missionary couple. This sister had packed her husband's shoes and neglected to pack any shoes for herself. We were able to provide some financial assistance to them with the direction that they are to, rather than pay us back, pay it forward. We truly enjoyed our time at the MTC. We were fed well, spiritually and physically.
We arrived safely to Salt Lake City on Friday afternoon (Sept. 4th). After getting settled in our apartment (which is very nice, by the way), we started on our training early Tuesday morning. The schedule has been rigorous, but we are enjoying it and learning much. We will write more about that next week. We will get our assignments as to which zone we will serve in, so we'll let you know when we write again.
Love you all!
I'm so happy to hear about all of the connections that you two are making! It's good to know you are having so many wonderful experiences. Love you so much.
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to hear about all of the connections that you two are making! It's good to know you are having so many wonderful experiences. Love you so much.
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