Mission talk Sunday and the MTC

Our home teachers gave Doug a special blessing, and many in our ward joined in our fast that Doug might be strong enough to keep our Mission Home entry date of July 9th.  The x-rays showed the lung was clearing, so the Doctor thought we would be OK to travel if he continued the medication and used oxygen in Georgia at first sign of difficulty breathing.  We are so grateful, as we did not want to delay the mission.

We had a great day Sunday with our family.  Everyone made sacrifices to make it all work out.  Sarah and Jamie interrupted their move to be there, and then drove through the night to get back to work in California.  Thanks to all of you, for seeing to the details.  Robert and Rebekah sang a version of "How Lovely was the Morning." Janay had written a violin part that made the song so beautiful, and really invited a feeling of awe and reverence.  One thing I will always remember is my first time speaking with no notes.  We had come to the church early to set up for my primary lesson and cram just a little for the talks.  When it was time to go to the chapel.  I picked up the pad I thought had my notes.  When I glanced down at it after the meeting had started, I realized that I had brought my Primary lesson notes instead of the talk

Some special friends that came were:  Spencer and Arlene Ward, Doug's childhood friend and his wife,
Tamara's inlaws, the Mumfords came up from South Jordan,  our Seminary teaching friends - Ed and Lorraine Orr, and of course our family Jean and Con Alder and Mary Jane and David Lamoreaux.

Robert is living in our home and taking care of it for us.  Thanks for getting us out the door Rob and for all the packing, cleaning, electronic instruction you somehow were able to fit in.

The MTC
It is difficult to explain the special experience of being at the Missionary Training Center.  There were 3,000 young elders and sisters there besides the 100 plus senior couples.  The young elders met us and took our luggage up to our rooms and then escorted us to our paper processing and welcoming devotional.  They held doors for us and seemed to go out of their way to be of service.  The young sisters were so cute and perky in their bright colors.  It was delightful to watch them and feel their spirit.

Our room at the MTC.  

We loved our time there.  It was hard work.  We studied "Preach My Gospel".  We shared experiences, and ideas.  We prepared lessons and practiced teaching less actives and investigators.  We met some amazing new friends who will be serving throughout the world.  The only pictures we took however were of the other couples in our mission district.  From left they are: the Cochrans going to Okinawa;
the Shellenbergs headed for the Swiss/German mission; the Banks going to Tennessee;  the Howards going to French Canada; and of course Elder and Sister Castleton preparing to serve in the Georgia, Atlanta mission.

The Cochrans 

The Howards

    

And too soon it was time to go.  We hope we can take the enthusiasm and spirit of the MTC with us and resurrect it at needed intervals.  This is the last step of our checkout.