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.
The first speaker was a young boy (17-20 years old) from Argentina. His hair was sandy blonde and he had no accent. He was a cutie. He had on a suit and tie and looked like a missionary. He told his conversion story of how a young girl at his high school invited him to read the Book of Mormon and pray. She gave it to him and he read about five verses and put it away. She did not give up. She invited him to go to church with her and meet with the missionaries. It took him several months to think about everything, but as he started reading the book again, he realized he had a different feeling while reading. He was baptized five months ago. His testimony was so strong about the Prophet Joseph and the scriptures. What a great thing to hear while going on a mission. It really juiced us up.
