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.


We have had a busy and enlightening two weeks here.  The food has been amazing as can be attested by our new weights.  It will be a shock to have to go back to actually cooking and preparing meals.  Our tutor told us that most Mongolians eat meat (beef, horse, mutton, goat), potatoes and cabbage for just about every meal.  Cal hopes we will find some fruit, at least canned in the market by our apartment.

Last night Joanie and Alec, Janet and Adam, and John came and met us outside the MTC.  They took our extra baggage and gave us a fond farewell - what great kids - we sure do appreciate them.

and Thanks to Amy Stewart - the "Blog Saver" - this is just about more than we can handle but we are learning.  Last week a big part of our Medical training included stuff on or about computers.  It seems a new pre requisite for missionary service is getting to be IT literacy!!

Byertsta (our english translation of good-bye),  Elder and Sister Stewart