Graduating from the MTC

Today we are scheduled to fly to Mongolia.  We have been nervous all week, waiting for the Visas to arrive, but on Friday afternoon they told us that they were here and gave us our final travel itinerary.

We got our "badges" this week in the native language - we can almost interpret what they say!!  This week our regular tutor has been away so one night we had a tutor by Skype from BYU Idaho (he had served in Mongolia a few years ago).  Then the next two days we had a girl who is Mongolian (she and her husband are here while he gets an MBA from BYU).  Both had served missions in the USA.  She gave us great insight into the culture and customs of her native land (don't hug people, run fast across the busy streets and try not to get run over) and was able to tell us lots about the Church in Mongolia.



We have had some wonderful speakers during our time here.  Last week Elder Bednar and then we were able to have sister Linda Burton, Relief Society General President speak at RS last Sunday and Sister Ann Dibb from the Young Women this week.

Sis. Burton shared some insights on Conference from the perspective of one who is sitting there on the stand and speaking!  She reminded us of some of the messages:
Elder Nelson - "...ask the missionaries, they can help you..."   (that is a scary thought for one who is just going out to actually be one of those missionaries who should know lots and be able to help!)
Elder Holland - (in my words)...in life we can't quit , we can't go back and we will never be the same.  This life is not a race, it is a journey, enjoy the moment.  We are all "Called to Serve."

Today Sis Dibb reminded us about the new Young Women value of VIRTUE.  She said that had been important all through history - remember that Joseph in Egypt "...had legs to flee..." and he did when tempted by Potifer's wife.  We can do things that are hard!!  As President Monson's daughter, she then gave us some insights into how it is to be the Prophet's daughter, and even opened up the meeting for anyone to ask questions about him.  She said one thing people usually ask is "Why does someone that old dye his hair?"  The answer was that he doesn't - it is still that nice brown color naturally!  She also said some of the things that he really likes are people, pidgeons, and preaching the gospel.  It was fun to watch her as she talked about her dad.

A painting of all the Prophets they used in their talk

Last night Pres. and Sis Roach spoke at the fireside.  He is in one of the District Presidencies and he was the  Mission President in Chicago a few years ago.  Their message was to
"Stand back and look at the big picture."
 Our Earthly trials will pass away as we learn and serve.  Three principles included:

1.  Follow the Brethern -  The key to Leadership is Followship!
2.  Obedience and Hard Work - When you are discouraged, tired, angry, homesick, etc. get to WORK.
3.  Importance of companionship - Companions are your body guard and your spiritual guard.

First Week

We have now finished the first week as real missionaries at the MTC!  We have studied "Preach My Gospel" and had several chances to "practice" on some volunteers from the area.  It was scary to knock on the door and not know what you would face on the other side!
It is a blessing to have a companion who you know and trust.  It takes lots of faith and prayers to figure out what to teach!  The MTC is certainly a place for lots of growth.

Yesterday as a wrap up session, several people shared their feelings about what the week had meant to them.  One little lady who appears to be at least eighty (she is going to serve in a mission office) said she felt that they should have a sign over a door that says "LOVE IS SPOKEN HERE."  It is true - there is a special spirit here and everyone is kind and helpful.  The young elders are always holding the doors for us or carrying our food trays.

Other comments were that as Seniors, "It is time to pay back", we have been richly blessed!  Elder Holland stated "It is time to lengthen our SHUFFLE!"

Some of my thoughts were shared in the talk at Sacrament Meeting before we left, but I will include a few here for the record!

Not a lot of people get to give their "pre-mission" talk in church AFTER being at the MTC.  What a great experience that has been for us.  We have just returned from spending 5 days working directly with two very experienced professors of English and Linguistics at BYU.  They have been helping us learn how best to teach English to the various groups we will be assigned to in Mongolia.

The very first night there - last Sunday - we were able to attend a Fireside.  The young Elder who offered the opening prayer asked Heavenly Father too  "Bless us to overcome the challenges we all face..."  It made me pause to realize that all of us - young or old - have situations in our lives that may cause us concern - we must do the work, prepare, and then leave the rest in Heavenly Father's care.

The main speaker, Tracy Watson, from the missionary department said that in his experience, missionaries ALWAYS wish they had prepared better!  Ben Franklin said "Don't leave until tomorrow what you can do today!"  We really believe that counsel.

My favorite scripture for a few years has been D&C 38:30  "...If ye are prepared, ye shall not fear."

It was absolutely thrilling to hear 2500 young people (and some Older ones) sing with all their hearts "Called to Serve Him" and "Hark All Ye Nations".  One line especially touched me as they sang "chosen by God to serve Him below, to every land and people we'll go".  That was literal as we met missionaries there who were called to serve from Russia to Rome, Africa to Arizona to Australia, Polynesia to the Philippines, Hawaii to Honduras to Halifax and from Florida to Finland.  Not only called to preach and teach the gospel but many called as Temple workers, as accountants, as nurses, and we even met a couple who were called to serve at the Polynesian Cultural Center as a seamstress and a mechanic.  "The field is white and ready to harvest".

I want each of you and especially our Grandchildren to know that as Ralph Waldo Emerson said,
"The future belongs to those who prepare for it".  It is my testimony that our Heavenly Father knows and loves each of us, and wants us to do the very best we can.  Joseph Smith was a remarkable young man who read his scriptures and followed their advice - he was able to restore the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Earth in our day because he was prepared.  We have a living prophet today, Thomas S. Monson who leads and guides us.  He gives us counsel and advice, which, if followed, will help us prepare to return to our Heavenly Father.  The Book of Mormon is true and contains the doctrine of Jesus Christ.  It is my prayer that each of us will work to prepare our lives so that we may do as Nephi said "...I will go and do the things which the Lord has commanded..."

The Crew all piled into the Suburban to drop us at the MTC - 10 bodies, 6 suitcases and three carrying bags - We were a happy sight!

We found our spot on the famous Big World Map

Sister Jenkins - our Mongolian Tutor

Tonight we learned how to bear our testimonies in Mongolian and then shared them with the bigger group of missionaries doing language training. The languages were Russian, Mongolian, Thai, Spanish,  Portuguese and our Mongolian.  It is amazing to see how we all can learn a bit in a few short weeks!

We're Off!

We've had a great weekend at General Conference and are now ready to enter the MTC tomorrow! It has come so fast but we are now anxious and excited to get started.

We had the opportunity to go to the Salt Lake temple to do baptisms.

Canadian Thanksgiving at Joanie's

Sara and Grandma dressed as twins without planning it!