This last morning with the other seniors at the MTC was especially nice. We heard about the whole process of the mission call. We weren't unusual in taking nearly 2 months to get all of the necessary papers completed and turned in. When we did turn them in, they made quite a thick little packet of papers. We were told that the packet for each of us was poured over by around 17 or 18 committees, where recommendations were made, then turned over to the Seventy, and from there to the Twelve. Once in awhile they are returned to the starting point with the directive to start again and send different recommendations! It was inspiring. The Church still needs at least 3,000 more senior missionaries! And they need them all over the world....everywhere from the Church History Library in Salt Lake City to Mongolia.
We did not know that they are very happy to consider requests for place and assignment from seniors. But it was also made clear that inspiration from on high is the most important consideration. We had two excellent instructors this morning who taught us some very sweet messages about the nature of our callings.
It was a fitting end to a beautiful week and a half. We got a picture of our sub-group of missionaries who will be serving on military bases or with young single adults. We have been in several sub-groups and each time have gotten acquainted with other couples. It has been a joy to us.
We watched as a new group of young elders and sisters arrived and were escorted around the campus by peers wearing "host" badges. The "veterans" had probably been there for a week or two! They were cute to say the least. That MTC is a marvel. It runs like a finely-tuned watch. And we said good-bye to several other couples as they depart for Russia, Germany, New Zealand, Tacoma WA, West Virginia, England and so on. Eight of us will be going to Denmark!...with one continuing on to Iceland. (yes really!)
We came back to North Salt Lake to stay the night with Peter, Lia and Eliza and PACKED. Time to get serious again. We have lived with them now for about 4 months and managed to acquire more stuff. So we are sorting: DI, garbage, storage, Denmark. What a hassle!
Time for bed. Tomorrow is a big day! We leave in the morning, stopping in Dallas and London and then arriving in Denmark Friday afternoon.
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Day #7
I don't believe I have mentioned the food! I should, since most all of the senior missionaries are bemoaning the fact that we have all gained a little weight since arriving. The cafeteria serves 3 meals a day, and is open for each meal at least a couple of hours. There are four main lines that each serve something different, plus a leftover table, where food from the previous meals is put out for people who didn't get enough before! There is one area that always serves a special salad, like sweet pork salad, or taco salad. At that same place is offered yogurt, bagels and fruit.
In another area, favorite American fast food is usually the offering...such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, French fries or onion rings. There are several posts where cold cereal, almonds, walnuts, and pecans are dispensed - as much as your heart desires. You can also put together a sandwich if you choose, visit a salad bar, or cruise all of the stations for a dessert of your liking, which fairly often is cake or cookies. The other two main stations serve comfort foods like spaghetti, linguini, lasagna, pork slab and potatoes and gravy or roast beef with potatoes and gravy. There are numerous places where you can find a selection of fresh fruit and a variety of side salads. AND on Wednesdays, it is ice cream day.....build your own Sundae, and their hot fudge is mouth-wateringly delicious!
As you might guess, every meal is a great social occasion where more conversations are carried on beginning with "Where are you going?" and "What will you be doing?" We (and the other 6 seniors going to Denmark) have achieved some sort of celebrity status since everyone knows that we have to take an oral language test 5 months into the mission....and a failure is equivalent to an invitation from the government to leave....the country. So the pressure is on. But if I am invited to leave, my companion will have to leave with me, and he is determined NOT to let that happen.
The senior missionaries here that we spend our days with are remarkable and inspiring people with backgrounds of every sort, and a real track record in Church service. We have met with about 50 other seniors this week, all of us being trained by CES instructors. The depth of testimonies borne, the understanding shown of the gospel in comments, the experienced gained through years of service in the Church, and the passion for the message of the Restoration are inspiring indeed. The wisdom from years lived plus a gentle kindness shines through and it is simply a privilege to be here with them.
We will leave for Denmark Thursday October 10 (our wonderful son-in-law Derek Taylor's birthday) and as excited as I am about it, I am wishing I could stay in the comfort, beauty and security of the MTC awhile longer. I realize that having just regaled you with the joys of the cafeteria, I am not quite believable about the beauty etc. of the place. But this is a wonderful place that I will long remember with great fondness and probably longing. There is a great sense of belonging here, and it is with some sadness that I will leave.
In another area, favorite American fast food is usually the offering...such as hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken nuggets, French fries or onion rings. There are several posts where cold cereal, almonds, walnuts, and pecans are dispensed - as much as your heart desires. You can also put together a sandwich if you choose, visit a salad bar, or cruise all of the stations for a dessert of your liking, which fairly often is cake or cookies. The other two main stations serve comfort foods like spaghetti, linguini, lasagna, pork slab and potatoes and gravy or roast beef with potatoes and gravy. There are numerous places where you can find a selection of fresh fruit and a variety of side salads. AND on Wednesdays, it is ice cream day.....build your own Sundae, and their hot fudge is mouth-wateringly delicious!
As you might guess, every meal is a great social occasion where more conversations are carried on beginning with "Where are you going?" and "What will you be doing?" We (and the other 6 seniors going to Denmark) have achieved some sort of celebrity status since everyone knows that we have to take an oral language test 5 months into the mission....and a failure is equivalent to an invitation from the government to leave....the country. So the pressure is on. But if I am invited to leave, my companion will have to leave with me, and he is determined NOT to let that happen.
The senior missionaries here that we spend our days with are remarkable and inspiring people with backgrounds of every sort, and a real track record in Church service. We have met with about 50 other seniors this week, all of us being trained by CES instructors. The depth of testimonies borne, the understanding shown of the gospel in comments, the experienced gained through years of service in the Church, and the passion for the message of the Restoration are inspiring indeed. The wisdom from years lived plus a gentle kindness shines through and it is simply a privilege to be here with them.
We will leave for Denmark Thursday October 10 (our wonderful son-in-law Derek Taylor's birthday) and as excited as I am about it, I am wishing I could stay in the comfort, beauty and security of the MTC awhile longer. I realize that having just regaled you with the joys of the cafeteria, I am not quite believable about the beauty etc. of the place. But this is a wonderful place that I will long remember with great fondness and probably longing. There is a great sense of belonging here, and it is with some sadness that I will leave.
Monday, October 7, 2013
Day 6 at the MTC, October 7, 2013
Can I just say "I love this place!" I think I will be sorry to leave. There is a feeling of joy, enthusiasm, peace and warmth I have not experienced before to this extent. I stood in line in our building today at the mail counter and was charmed watching the many young sisters and elders pick up packages or letters and eagerly open them. The letters were devoured. As I stood there an elder came along singing "Ye Elders of Israel" under his breath. Another one walked by whistling "Hope of Israel." I heard yet another one in passing say to his companion, "You know what I am so grateful for?" Bits and pieces of conversations caught in passing are focused and upbeat. It is beautiful. Everywhere we go, we pass missionaries - young and (ahem) old, hurrying to their destinations and happily engaged. I know there must be struggles and unhappiness of one sort or another, but I don't see them.
We attended CES training today. We were taught by 5 marvelous seminary and institute teachers. We have been given a manual hot off the presses "Gospel Teaching and Learning." We worked in it today all day, being taught and practicing the principles. I thoroughly enjoyed it.....I even enjoyed the homework! It was all very strengthening and thought-provoking.
We took our picture by the big map, and we went for a walk outside on this beautiful Fall day....and took a picture of that! (We don't see such colors on trees and plants in Gilbert!)
We visited with several couples we had not met before and learned of their missions. One lady has osteoarthritis and is in a wheelchair, but is happily training to be an office worker in the mission office in Spokane, Washington. Another is learning Icelandic and preparing for 22 hours of darkness in the winter nights to come. Another is going to an Eastern European country and trying to learn the language....and have been informed that the first thing they will do is find themselves an apartment! We have seen young elders in wheelchairs and on crutches, and many young people from other countries struggling to learn English. All appear to be happy and grateful to serve.
Another amazing thing about this place is the enthusiasm with which everyone sings the songs of Zion. It is a tremendous experience to be in the midst of so many excited singers. Wow! Makes me want to sing out myself.....and that hardly ever happens. I would always rather listen than sing. The music here is grand!
We attended CES training today. We were taught by 5 marvelous seminary and institute teachers. We have been given a manual hot off the presses "Gospel Teaching and Learning." We worked in it today all day, being taught and practicing the principles. I thoroughly enjoyed it.....I even enjoyed the homework! It was all very strengthening and thought-provoking.
We took our picture by the big map, and we went for a walk outside on this beautiful Fall day....and took a picture of that! (We don't see such colors on trees and plants in Gilbert!)
 |
| Isn't that a fun building? |
We visited with several couples we had not met before and learned of their missions. One lady has osteoarthritis and is in a wheelchair, but is happily training to be an office worker in the mission office in Spokane, Washington. Another is learning Icelandic and preparing for 22 hours of darkness in the winter nights to come. Another is going to an Eastern European country and trying to learn the language....and have been informed that the first thing they will do is find themselves an apartment! We have seen young elders in wheelchairs and on crutches, and many young people from other countries struggling to learn English. All appear to be happy and grateful to serve.
Another amazing thing about this place is the enthusiasm with which everyone sings the songs of Zion. It is a tremendous experience to be in the midst of so many excited singers. Wow! Makes me want to sing out myself.....and that hardly ever happens. I would always rather listen than sing. The music here is grand!
Sunday, October 6, 2013
General Conference Weekend!
We left the MTC Friday evening to return to North Salt Lake. After depositing our suitcases at the McClanahan house, we continued north to Weber Canyon and up to Mike and Lisa's home
| From left to right: Mike, Lisa, Dave, Deb, Stan, Janis, Judy (Jim was kind enough to snap the picture and Ginny had to leave early, so we didn't get either one in the picture. |
where we had dinner with Judy and Jim, Lisa and Mike, Dave and Deb, and Dan and Ginny. We ate until we couldn't eat anymore, and we laughed until we were laughed out. They are all incredibly precious to me. Then we parted for 2 years.
We spent Saturday and Sunday with Lia, Peter and Eliza and watched General Conference. What a fitting close to one of the most incredible weeks of my life. Little Eliza was the icing on the cake. Sunday evening before departing for the MTC, I tiptoed into her room, picked her up out of her crib, read her a couple of books, sang to her and rocked her. We then left for Provo.
On the way up University Parkway, around 8:30 p.m. we saw an army of missionaries coming down the hill from the MTC where they had just gotten out of a devotional. There are 900 housed at the west campus, and I think all 900 were there in the dark marching down the sidewalk. The line of missionaries (2 or 3 abreast) extended easily for several city blocks. It is absolutely thrilling to see them and know they are the very best we have and know that they are our future.
Days 4 and 5
Thursday went by in a blur. The day dawned overcast and chilly. The church building was cold too. But inside was another warm day of spiritual learning. Associating with so many wonderful people - all of whom count it a privilege to serve the Lord, no matter where or what the assignment - has been a remarkable experience for us. We have been practicing on each other, acting the part of investigator or less-active member, and then alternately, the missionaries. It has been very very good for us. We are getting to know the couples in our district - the Carrols (going to Marshall Islands to work in the Mission Office), The Meldrums (going to South Africa MLS, which means Member Leadership Support), and the Elders - meaning Elder and Sister Elder (going to Georgia - MLS). It is choice to associate with them.
In the evening, we went to dinner with and visited with another couple we had not as yet met. Then we went to the BYU Bookstore looking for an umbrella, casual pants for Stan and something else and struck out on all counts, but I love that place!
Then we walked to the Provo Temple and participated in a session. Beautiful temple. The view of the valley from the front door was spectacular. We walked back to the MTC in the cold night air. After entering the front gates, we walked around through a mostly empty parking lot to our building toward the north and back side of campus. I thought to myself, "Is there anywhere else in the world where I would feel so completely safe in a dark parking lot at night?" I am loving being here.
In the evening, we went to dinner with and visited with another couple we had not as yet met. Then we went to the BYU Bookstore looking for an umbrella, casual pants for Stan and something else and struck out on all counts, but I love that place!
Then we walked to the Provo Temple and participated in a session. Beautiful temple. The view of the valley from the front door was spectacular. We walked back to the MTC in the cold night air. After entering the front gates, we walked around through a mostly empty parking lot to our building toward the north and back side of campus. I thought to myself, "Is there anywhere else in the world where I would feel so completely safe in a dark parking lot at night?" I am loving being here.
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Day #3
I am tired, but it has been an inspiring day. We have been studying "Preach My Gospel." It is an inspired program and more difficult to put into action than I thought it would be. We worked with an investigator this morning and then have spent some time analyzing it. She was a sweet lady but it was somewhat intimidating. It occurred to me today that one reason I love being here so much is that I feel so safe and secure. It is a place where we are all working towards the same goals: becoming more Christlike, and focusing on sharing the incredible gift of the gospel. We spend most of our time with people our age who share our faith, our values and our outlook on life. Occasionally we have a conversation with one of the younger missionaries and they are delightful...it makes me feel that the future is in good hands. Out of all of the senior missionaries here, there are 8 going to Denmark!
In picture below from left to right: Elder Memmott (former missionary to Denmark 50 years ago, now called to serve in his home stake in Salt Lake City), Elder and Sister Freeman (called to serve YSA in the Danish, Iceland mission), Elder and Sister Middlemas (Called to serve YSA in Alborg Denmark), Sister Hamblin and Sister Sweena (called to the mission office in Copenhagen).
In picture below from left to right: Elder Memmott (former missionary to Denmark 50 years ago, now called to serve in his home stake in Salt Lake City), Elder and Sister Freeman (called to serve YSA in the Danish, Iceland mission), Elder and Sister Middlemas (Called to serve YSA in Alborg Denmark), Sister Hamblin and Sister Sweena (called to the mission office in Copenhagen).
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Our Second Day
Clear blue skies and rugged mountains beginning to turn magnificent shades of Fall. We attended classes on "Preach My Gospel" which were fun, enjoyable and enlightening - and motivating. They were taught by young returned missionaries who know "Preach My Gospel" and have taught using its precepts. We have been divided into districts. Our district has 4 senior couples: Elder and Sister Elder - going to Georgia as a leadership support team, Elder and Sister Meldrum - going to South Africa as leadership support, Elder and Sister Carroll going to Santiago, Dominican Republic to work in the Mission Office, and of course, us.
Tonight we attended the devotional with at least 3,000 other missionaries, mostly younger and about 75 other senior couples. The speaker was David Baxter of the Seventy. He is from Scotland originally and then England. He spoke for 45 minutes and was absolutely amazing. He began by quoting the apostle Paul "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ..." and developed a talk on how we are different than other Christian churches. I was spellbound and inspired. Afterwards, in the chill of the Fall evening, we walked back to our building and our room, swimming in a sea of happy and enthusiastic missionaries chattering in languages from around the world. The evening was pleasant. Being in the midst of hundreds of people, scrubbed clean and shining with the light of the Gospel was inexpressible.
From left to right: Elder and Sister Elder, Elder and Sister Meldrum, Brother Campans, our instructor, Sister and Elder Carroll, Sister and Elder Madsen
Tonight we attended the devotional with at least 3,000 other missionaries, mostly younger and about 75 other senior couples. The speaker was David Baxter of the Seventy. He is from Scotland originally and then England. He spoke for 45 minutes and was absolutely amazing. He began by quoting the apostle Paul "I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ..." and developed a talk on how we are different than other Christian churches. I was spellbound and inspired. Afterwards, in the chill of the Fall evening, we walked back to our building and our room, swimming in a sea of happy and enthusiastic missionaries chattering in languages from around the world. The evening was pleasant. Being in the midst of hundreds of people, scrubbed clean and shining with the light of the Gospel was inexpressible.
From left to right: Elder and Sister Elder, Elder and Sister Meldrum, Brother Campans, our instructor, Sister and Elder Carroll, Sister and Elder Madsen
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