Crossing the Country (by Grammy)

The first day of our mission was spent at the MTC in Provo, Utah.  It was mainly a day of orientation and a day of learning the ins and outs of the whole experience. It was a relief to know that most sisters suffer from grandchild separation. I was not alone.

Tuesday we learned the first discussion and how to teach by the Spirit and not memorize what to say. That night we were able to go to a fireside where Elder Nelson was the speaker. He quoted scripture after scripture about the gathering of Israel. The best part of the meeting was when the elders were let in. They hurried down the steps like a herd of elephants. The spirit was so strong you could not only feel it, but could practically see it. When we sang Called to Serve I lost all control. What power. Of course I had to leave the meeting early (even though a sign said no one could leave before the closing prayer). How embarrassing.

Wednesday we learned how to challenge people to pray and read the Book of Mormon. We did a lot of role playing which was very helpful. It made it not so hard when we had to do it while being filmed. Our teacher,  was a very good helper and we did very well.

We ate only one meal a day and I still gained five pounds. Eating and sitting is not the best way to do things.

Thursday we learned how to teach the plan of salvation. We did it while being filmed again. Our investigator did not do her assignment, so we retaught the first lesson and recommitted her to read the Book of Mormon and pray.   Our afternoon teacher was also very helpful.

Friday we learned how to work with the inactive and help them feel the way they did when they were baptized. It was very difficult, but hope we can do it in real life. By the time we finished, we had made such friends that I feel we will keep in contact with them for the rest of our lives. We exchanged emails and hope to stay in touch. We left the MTC at 3:30 and headed home to finish packing.

Erik and family came to say good-bye before we left. That was harder than anything we had done all week. They presented us with leis. Mine was Good & Plenty’s and Dad’s was peanut M&Ms. They were leaving when Scott and his family drove up. After they said good-by, I couldn’t find Dad. He was in the car bawling his head off. I joined him. When we could see again, we headed down the road. Saying good-bye was really hard. Those grands are so darn grand.

While we were driving to Vegas, Cameron called to see how far we had gotten. We were thrilled to get there and see those sweet kids. They took us to Lucille’s for dinner. They twisted our arms so we finally went.  We love that place. We got up early Sunday to go to Uncle Del’s for church. It was so good to be with them. After church Patricia had prepared an incredible meal for us. It was a full five course meal. It was so fun to be with them and feel of the Spirit in their home. How I love my family. After our good-byes we drove to Gallup, New Mexico. There is absolutely nothing pretty about that drive other that the mountains by Flagstaff.

Tonight, Monday, we are in Amarillo, Texas. Texas had been just as barren as New Mexico. I have never seen so much land that looks just like Green River without the mountains as I have the last two days. We are having a great time together. Today we listened to a DVD Tiffani gave us called The Nashville Tribute to Missionaries. We cried through the song about a mother’s son and it’s hard to say goodbye or something like that on how hard it is to say goodbye to your mother and then all of a sudden it’s hard to say goodbye to your mission. We also listened to a DVD Clark gave us of the family favorites. We hope to make Memphis tomorrow.