Just had to tell you about a sweet experience we had today. It was a little after 12 and we were headed for lunch, when Dad got a call on his phone. He talked a while and asked questions. It began to sound like it was someone who wanted to hear about the church and should have been my call. Not so. The young man told Dad that he was not a member, had actually read some of the Book of Mormon, found the number in the phone book and called it. When you call, you have a choice of talking to the referral secretary (that would be me), the secretary, or the person in charge of car maintenance (that would be Dad). So after finding that Dad takes care of the missionaries cars, the kid said he needed help. He had two sets of keys and both were locked in the car and it was going to cost him $45 to get the car opened. (and he didn't have any money)
Dad sprang into action. Grabbed a couple of wire hangers as we headed out of the office. Went downtown to the Independence Square. We had walked all around it on Saturday so we knew just where to go. The kid had gone into a Bank of America on the corner to use a phone, (no cell phone had he), so Dad went in there and found he and his girlfriend. Went outside and guess what?, he straightened out his hanger and got the car open. He was excited. (Dad I mean) Came back to the car all smiles and so happy that he had been able to help the kid.
You just never know what the day will bring. Dad and I had been talking this morning on our walk about how routine our days are. The alarm sounds about 5:55 and we are up and out walking by 6:05 or so, back to the place by about 6:45 and doing back exercies until 7, then shower and get ready and something to eat and at the office at 8am. Read with the group till 9 and then to our desks to accomplish our work. So it is nice when something like this happens to make our day not quite so routine. ALL IS WELL
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Our trip to Independence had a couple of wierd experiences. Our car was so stuffed full of our things that we had to remember where we put the things we needed for the next day. We got that down pretty good. And we would just push things in each morning. The first night we drove to Cheyenne, Wyoming. We stopped at a Holiday Inn and found out that they were full. There was some convention going on in town so there were few rooms. We ended up at an old hotel downtown. We had to park our car out on the street. I was so nervous leaving our car so full of everything we needed, out on a downtown street. We asked extra prayers that night for protection for our car and its belongings. The room was very old, with antique looking furniture and no extras. Then during the night we had three incidents with sirens blaring, police cars right outside our window. One time they were just across from us. Crazy! We got up early and were looking for gas on our way out of town. It was very cold and we stopped at some little goofy looking place. There was a guy sitting outside on a bench counting his coins. Looked like a homeless guy. But we started pumping gas and it took 15 minutes to fill our tank. It was the slowest fill up we had ever seen. So we got on out of Cheyenne just as the sky was beginning to light up.
This was Saturday and we drove all day long. We got to Lincoln, Nebraska, and found a place to stay and got our little laptop out and found a stake center and Dad got ready and went to Priesthood meeting. We thought we had a motel close to the church house but it ended up being 10 miles away. He called me when he got there which was what we thought just in time for the meeting to start. Well, turned out that we had gained an hour so he was an hour early for the meeting. He got something to eat and went back to the meeting.
We got up on Sunday and went to General Conference. We thot the church would be brimming with people. Turned out to be a handful and people. About 6 or 8 missionaries who we greeted and talked to and maybe another 15-20 people. I guess everyone has cable now or however they get conference on TV. We really enjoyed listening except that they had the chapel dark and it was hard to take notes. So I gave up on that and would write down a name in the dark and put READ out to the side of it. Meaning: read this in the Ensign when you get it. Wasn't Elder Hollands talk powerful. What a testimony he bore.
So we stayed another night in Lincoln. I really liked that town. It just felt comfortable and there were lots of older, nice homes on our ride to the church.
Left on Monday morning and drove to Cameron, Nebraska. We found a nice place just off the freeway. Took our stuff in and out in front of it was a huge green area (hey, I just jumped out of here and went to my pics to see where the pics of the garden were.) Bad news, I didn't find any.
I feel bad. It was a huge green grassy area and then in one area, several fruit trees planted. In another, raised beds with veges growing. Another had flowers and garden things, gates and bird houses. It was really cool. The motel owns the land and some man just takes care of it. Kind of like something Grandpa Garrett would do. It was beautiful.
We came into Independence on Tuesday and were taken to our first dwelling place.
More later.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Gosh, I did it wrong again. Don't know why I am where I am, but that is OK.
Here is the famous pic of "where we are going on our mission". I suppose that this map is the most photographed map in the world. Everyone stands in front of it at the MTC and points to their mission and gets their pic taken. If you are walking by, inevitably, someone will ask you to take their pic. It is fun. So glad that this is where we are going and not two feet to the right. Kind of felt sorry for those going to Africa, even though they were all excited about it. They don't have to weat suits all the time, dress is a little more casual, but they say that things get stolen all the time. Just a poor country with lots of needs. But it is off to Independence for us.
OK. Here goes. I was on the phone for over an hour with Adrian last night as she walked me through putting pics on our blog. Not as easy as you might think for this older woman. I decided that I was going to try and do something every night for awhile as I learn what I am doing.
So here goes. Already I see that I did something wrong. You have to put your pics up in a reverse order and I did not do that.
We couldn't decide whether it was a question mark or a J. Since we could not decide we just took a pic of it and then peeled it and ate it as a yummy cucumber, the last we picked from the garden as we left.
Here is the famous pic of "where we are going on our mission". I suppose that this map is the most photographed map in the world. Everyone stands in front of it at the MTC and points to their mission and gets their pic taken. If you are walking by, inevitably, someone will ask you to take their pic. It is fun. So glad that this is where we are going and not two feet to the right. Kind of felt sorry for those going to Africa, even though they were all excited about it. They don't have to weat suits all the time, dress is a little more casual, but they say that things get stolen all the time. Just a poor country with lots of needs. But it is off to Independence for us.
OK. Here goes. I was on the phone for over an hour with Adrian last night as she walked me through putting pics on our blog. Not as easy as you might think for this older woman. I decided that I was going to try and do something every night for awhile as I learn what I am doing.So here goes. Already I see that I did something wrong. You have to put your pics up in a reverse order and I did not do that.
We couldn't decide whether it was a question mark or a J. Since we could not decide we just took a pic of it and then peeled it and ate it as a yummy cucumber, the last we picked from the garden as we left.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
This is some of the couples that we were with at the MTC. The couple on the left are the Anderson's. Elder Anderson is completely blind. But you would never know it. He looks right at you when you are talking to him. His wife is an angel. It is just their way of life. He has been going blind since he was quite young but has been a counselor and has some special computer for the blind and with an earpiece, the computer tells him what is on the screen and then he responds by typing in whatever. His hands are always inside his smaller than a laptop computer. Sister Anderson would pick up his food and sit it in front of him and tell him where everything was and then go get her tray. They were amazing. In front of us are the Beutlers. They are doing pretty much the same thing as we are in the mission field. Except I believe that they are the only ones in the office, so it is safe to say they are doing a lot more than we will be doing. I don't know how.
Sister Hugentobler is next to me and then Sister Cosman. We loved these two Sisters. Both widows and such testimonies.
Next are the McBrides and they are going to Kenya, Nairobi. They have been to Hawaii and loved it. Boy, are they in for some surprises.
Next are the Andrus's and they are also going to Africa. To Uganda.
And the last couple on the right are Elder and Sister Saunders. They too are Africa bound. To Ghana.
All wonderful people who love the Lord and want to serve. We were all together in our training on computers and some more frustrated than others, but all willing to serve. Oh, the experiences we will be about to share in 18-24 months.
Trip out.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
That last entry is really Tuesday, 6 October 2009
Today is Wednesday, 7 October 2009
We were up and walking at about 6:20 this AM. Actually walked up to the mission office in about 15 minutes. Back home and got ready to be back at the office at 8AM when we (all the office seniors, 8 of us) meet to read the scriptures together for an hour. Then it was at our desks and doing of job. The Albaugh's from Lindon are teaching us. Dad will be the CAR CZAR and I am working with the Referrals. I entered about 14 new ones today. It was a good day with several young Elders and Sisters coming in to check on something, so we met quite a few today. There are 190 missionaries in our mission and 65 cars that Dad has to keep tabs on. We were told that this is the largest mission in the USA. Boy, he checks their driving records, warns them of speed traps, when to service their cars, etc.
They let us go at 12 for an hour lunch and then back at 1 to continue our training. After a couple more hours, they told us to go home. We drove around again to try and get our bearings and also stopped at the store again. Oh, I have had a hard time at the store when buying oatmeal and realizing that there are over 100 lbs. sitting at home and pepper when I have so much at home. It is like setting up a kitchen for the first time. Each hour we are writing down things that we need to get.
I have just taken some pics of our little place that I will post tomorrow. I wanted to get a pic of the train so I could include that, but it is too dark outside.
It is amazing how often we think of our family and friends and loved ones back home. There is always something to remind us of all of you. I have loved getting onto your blogs and hope that each day I can hear some good news and see some fun pictures.
We know that yesterday was Ben and Mason's birthdays, but that tomorrow it will be celebrated. Hugs and kisses to:
BENJAMIN RAY WALTON Happy Birthday to you from Grandma and
Grandpa Linde who love you so much.
MASON JAMES WALTON Grandpa and Grandma Linde hope you have
Happy Birthday. We love you so.
Today is Wednesday, 7 October 2009
We were up and walking at about 6:20 this AM. Actually walked up to the mission office in about 15 minutes. Back home and got ready to be back at the office at 8AM when we (all the office seniors, 8 of us) meet to read the scriptures together for an hour. Then it was at our desks and doing of job. The Albaugh's from Lindon are teaching us. Dad will be the CAR CZAR and I am working with the Referrals. I entered about 14 new ones today. It was a good day with several young Elders and Sisters coming in to check on something, so we met quite a few today. There are 190 missionaries in our mission and 65 cars that Dad has to keep tabs on. We were told that this is the largest mission in the USA. Boy, he checks their driving records, warns them of speed traps, when to service their cars, etc.
They let us go at 12 for an hour lunch and then back at 1 to continue our training. After a couple more hours, they told us to go home. We drove around again to try and get our bearings and also stopped at the store again. Oh, I have had a hard time at the store when buying oatmeal and realizing that there are over 100 lbs. sitting at home and pepper when I have so much at home. It is like setting up a kitchen for the first time. Each hour we are writing down things that we need to get.
I have just taken some pics of our little place that I will post tomorrow. I wanted to get a pic of the train so I could include that, but it is too dark outside.
It is amazing how often we think of our family and friends and loved ones back home. There is always something to remind us of all of you. I have loved getting onto your blogs and hope that each day I can hear some good news and see some fun pictures.
We know that yesterday was Ben and Mason's birthdays, but that tomorrow it will be celebrated. Hugs and kisses to:
BENJAMIN RAY WALTON Happy Birthday to you from Grandma and
Grandpa Linde who love you so much.
MASON JAMES WALTON Grandpa and Grandma Linde hope you have
Happy Birthday. We love you so.
Monday, 6 October 2009
We left Cameron, Missouri, this morning and set out for Far West or Adam-ondi-Ahman. Not very good pioneers, us two. We could not find either place. The road atlas we had listed a Mormon Shrine. We tried to find it. On the map it was sitting in a river with no roads leading to it. Maybe that is why we could not find it. We drove off road on little country roads for a while but eventually gave it all up and came on into Independence. We were actually here in July, not knowing that this would be our mission, so the way looked slightly familiar.
Walked into the mission office to open arms and handshakes. It felt very welcoming. All of the senior office workers were there and a few Elders who had just finished meeting with the president. They were very kind and sort of like, oh, goody, some more grandmas and grandpas to love us.
Elder Williams escorted us to our first apartment. It is a cute little red brick house. Absolutely nothing in the living room. The dining area has a glass topped table that we were told was an heirloom, so be careful with the glass, and a large desk. The bedroom has a bed and small closet. The kitchen has what normal kitchens do and the bathroom is sort of part of the kitchen. I wondered if it was an afterthought. You enter from the kitchen to a very small space. But the most exciting part was the trains. We are on a dead end (the last house) with a very narrow street (two cars cannot fit together on the street), and you must pull over to let a car pass. Good thing that it is not a real busy street. But the trains are right on the other side of the street. Yes. No houses over there. It is the train tracks. And the crossing in just down the way a bit and so, you guessed it, the whistle begins about right at our house.
I have always loved train whistles so it is not a big deal. They told us we would be used to it in a week, but I think we are doing OK after only a day. It does wake you up at night but I like the sound. I cannot believe how often the trains go by. Today we saw the Amtrak headed out West. It was a very short train. It is fun.
We left Cameron, Missouri, this morning and set out for Far West or Adam-ondi-Ahman. Not very good pioneers, us two. We could not find either place. The road atlas we had listed a Mormon Shrine. We tried to find it. On the map it was sitting in a river with no roads leading to it. Maybe that is why we could not find it. We drove off road on little country roads for a while but eventually gave it all up and came on into Independence. We were actually here in July, not knowing that this would be our mission, so the way looked slightly familiar.
Walked into the mission office to open arms and handshakes. It felt very welcoming. All of the senior office workers were there and a few Elders who had just finished meeting with the president. They were very kind and sort of like, oh, goody, some more grandmas and grandpas to love us.
Elder Williams escorted us to our first apartment. It is a cute little red brick house. Absolutely nothing in the living room. The dining area has a glass topped table that we were told was an heirloom, so be careful with the glass, and a large desk. The bedroom has a bed and small closet. The kitchen has what normal kitchens do and the bathroom is sort of part of the kitchen. I wondered if it was an afterthought. You enter from the kitchen to a very small space. But the most exciting part was the trains. We are on a dead end (the last house) with a very narrow street (two cars cannot fit together on the street), and you must pull over to let a car pass. Good thing that it is not a real busy street. But the trains are right on the other side of the street. Yes. No houses over there. It is the train tracks. And the crossing in just down the way a bit and so, you guessed it, the whistle begins about right at our house.
I have always loved train whistles so it is not a big deal. They told us we would be used to it in a week, but I think we are doing OK after only a day. It does wake you up at night but I like the sound. I cannot believe how often the trains go by. Today we saw the Amtrak headed out West. It was a very short train. It is fun.
Monday, October 5, 2009
Friday, 2 October 2009 was in Sidney, Nebraska. It was a crazy night because there was some big Republican women's convention going on and so we had to stay in a hotel downtown. It was called the Plain's Hotel and we had to park on the street and go into this old 1920's hotel that had squeaky floors and a tiny elevator and old bathroom fixtures and police sirens three times during the night and red lights flashing in our room. We prayed for our car to be protected that night I tell you. We actually woke up about 5:30 and were on our way a little after six in the morning. It was still dark but we kind of wanted to get out of town. We drove all day on Saturday and got to Lincoln, Nebraska about 4:30. We rested for a few minutes and then Dad got ready to go to Priesthood meeting. We had found a stake center that was on the same street as the Best Western we were staying in. Dad took off about 5:30 and drove and drove. It was over 10 miles away and when he got there found that he was an hour early. We are one hour ahead of SLC when it comes to time, so he went and got something to eat and then to the meeting.
Sunday morning we didn't have to be to the stake center until 11am. We were so surprised that the chapel was not full of people. Maybe people get conference on cable these days. Just a few people and some missionaries. We talked with them. We are not wearing our tags while on our way to the mission. They told us not to. If you fly, you wear your name tag. If you drive, you do not. So we are incognito.
Conference was wonderful as usual. I guess Elder Hollands testimony was my favorite. What a testimony to hear as we enter the mission field. I kept trying to take notes and just couldn't keep up so I would write down the name of who was talking and out to the side READ THIS. Meaning read this next month in the Ensign. Just too much to take notes about. Oh, the church is wonderful and brings such happiness to our lives.
We stayed two nights in Lincoln. It is quite a beautiful city. I think I could even live there. I really enjoyed the 10 mile drive to the church.
But we left Monday morning and headed for Hamburg, Iowa. That is where Dad's great, great grandfather had live in the early times of the church. We went to the library and saw some several pages of information about the Wilcox line, but nothing that Dad did not already know. So then it was driving through the corn fields for the rest of the day. It is amazing how much corn is grown here. Everywhere you look it is corn fields. But it is beautiful country. Rolling hills, up and down, up and down, green fields, corn fields, quite a few trees around. Tried to find Far West and Adam-ondi-Ahman, but no luck. Finally we are at a Best Western in Cameron, Missouri.
We will drive to our mission in probably about an hour in the morning. They wanted us to arrive on Tuesday since today some would not be there. So I think that I have successfully published some blogs tonight and am up to date. I will let you know when we arrive tomorrow and then try and keep up to date. I also have a few pictures that I want to insert here and there. That will be my next lesson.
We are doing well. It is nice to know who your companion is and I am glad that mine is Dad, but 24/7 is kind of a constant companion, if you know what I mean!
ALL IS WELL.
Sunday morning we didn't have to be to the stake center until 11am. We were so surprised that the chapel was not full of people. Maybe people get conference on cable these days. Just a few people and some missionaries. We talked with them. We are not wearing our tags while on our way to the mission. They told us not to. If you fly, you wear your name tag. If you drive, you do not. So we are incognito.
Conference was wonderful as usual. I guess Elder Hollands testimony was my favorite. What a testimony to hear as we enter the mission field. I kept trying to take notes and just couldn't keep up so I would write down the name of who was talking and out to the side READ THIS. Meaning read this next month in the Ensign. Just too much to take notes about. Oh, the church is wonderful and brings such happiness to our lives.
We stayed two nights in Lincoln. It is quite a beautiful city. I think I could even live there. I really enjoyed the 10 mile drive to the church.
But we left Monday morning and headed for Hamburg, Iowa. That is where Dad's great, great grandfather had live in the early times of the church. We went to the library and saw some several pages of information about the Wilcox line, but nothing that Dad did not already know. So then it was driving through the corn fields for the rest of the day. It is amazing how much corn is grown here. Everywhere you look it is corn fields. But it is beautiful country. Rolling hills, up and down, up and down, green fields, corn fields, quite a few trees around. Tried to find Far West and Adam-ondi-Ahman, but no luck. Finally we are at a Best Western in Cameron, Missouri.
We will drive to our mission in probably about an hour in the morning. They wanted us to arrive on Tuesday since today some would not be there. So I think that I have successfully published some blogs tonight and am up to date. I will let you know when we arrive tomorrow and then try and keep up to date. I also have a few pictures that I want to insert here and there. That will be my next lesson.
We are doing well. It is nice to know who your companion is and I am glad that mine is Dad, but 24/7 is kind of a constant companion, if you know what I mean!
ALL IS WELL.
You will not believe what just happened. I just tried to publish a post I wrote in and I was disconnected from the internet. Adrian says it is all of the cornfields around here! It has been hard to do this tonite. I hope that it will be better in Independence.
Anyway, we left the MTC last Friday about 8am. We drove out and down 9th East. If we had kept going we would have been at the Lettermans very soon. Instead we just waved. Then past the Lehi exit where the Waltons are. Once again we just waved and drove on past. Then it was Riverton and the Brett Linde's with more waves and it was almost possible to see the Garrett's just past 5300 South. There were tears all along the way knowing that it will be awhile before we see all of you again. Got to the house and Erin was there. She and I packed the car. We do good work! She knows how to pack like I like it. Fills every little spot. The trunk was so full that at one point when I opened the trunk, a bag and Dad's exercise mat fell out. Dad went to get a hair cut and I went to get my nails done. Erin came there on her way to work to say goodbye. Probably a good thing. I couldn't break down completely. So as we drove up Parley's Canyon it was some more tears as we thought about the Matt Linde's. We didn't talk for quite a few miles as it was very real that we were on our way to the mission field.
Anyway, we left the MTC last Friday about 8am. We drove out and down 9th East. If we had kept going we would have been at the Lettermans very soon. Instead we just waved. Then past the Lehi exit where the Waltons are. Once again we just waved and drove on past. Then it was Riverton and the Brett Linde's with more waves and it was almost possible to see the Garrett's just past 5300 South. There were tears all along the way knowing that it will be awhile before we see all of you again. Got to the house and Erin was there. She and I packed the car. We do good work! She knows how to pack like I like it. Fills every little spot. The trunk was so full that at one point when I opened the trunk, a bag and Dad's exercise mat fell out. Dad went to get a hair cut and I went to get my nails done. Erin came there on her way to work to say goodbye. Probably a good thing. I couldn't break down completely. So as we drove up Parley's Canyon it was some more tears as we thought about the Matt Linde's. We didn't talk for quite a few miles as it was very real that we were on our way to the mission field.
Today is 5 October 2009, but I have had such a hard time blogging that I am going to go back and try and get up to date.
Last Monday at the MTC we started with our office training. The church has a brand new program that we are using. It is very efficient and covers everything. So new that another new part came online on Thursday and they had to put that part on our flash drives. Well, to say that it was a full week would be an understatement. For four days we were learning how to pay bills, put the proper amount of funds onto missionary cards, doing referrals, learning about vehicles, newsletters, emails, transfers, incoming and departing missionaries It was a whirlwind and some of the things we just went through once. I was in tears on Thursday. Yes, real tears but not happy tears. I actually got up and went to the ladies room and tried to get control. It was awful. So now you see why blogging has been so hard for me. Thursday afternoon we were reviewing and Dad and I sat together and went over a lot of stuff. I just pray that my mind will be opened when I get to the mission and I can be an asset to the mission.
We had another wonderful devotional on Tuesday night. The speaker and wife were great and Dad knew him. They were in school together when Dad lived in Idaho Falls as a young kid. Probably 14 or 15 years old. His name is Steven Nadauld. He gave a wonderful talk. Such a feeling to be in that auditorium with all of those missionaries and sing with them. You have to be there to know the feeling.
Each morning that we were in the MTC, we got up at 5:30 to begin our walk. We had to walk around the perimeter 5 times to get our three miles in. It was a nice walk. One morning it was raining hard and so we went to the gym which has a track around the top where I walked and Dad got on an eliptical walker or whatever they are, and we did our time there. But what I wanted to say was that the whole way to the gym we were walking on covered sidewalks. Most of the walkways are covered so that you don't have to be out in the weather. It is amazing.
But two of those mornings, there was a bus at the entrance of the MTC. A line of missionaries in their suits, pulling their suitcases to the bus for their ride to the airport. We both just broke down and cried. It is quite a testimony to see those young men (and some of them look almost 15 or 16) and women leaving to go all over the world. More missionaries leaving for Russia and Mexico than anywhere else.
Last Monday at the MTC we started with our office training. The church has a brand new program that we are using. It is very efficient and covers everything. So new that another new part came online on Thursday and they had to put that part on our flash drives. Well, to say that it was a full week would be an understatement. For four days we were learning how to pay bills, put the proper amount of funds onto missionary cards, doing referrals, learning about vehicles, newsletters, emails, transfers, incoming and departing missionaries It was a whirlwind and some of the things we just went through once. I was in tears on Thursday. Yes, real tears but not happy tears. I actually got up and went to the ladies room and tried to get control. It was awful. So now you see why blogging has been so hard for me. Thursday afternoon we were reviewing and Dad and I sat together and went over a lot of stuff. I just pray that my mind will be opened when I get to the mission and I can be an asset to the mission.
We had another wonderful devotional on Tuesday night. The speaker and wife were great and Dad knew him. They were in school together when Dad lived in Idaho Falls as a young kid. Probably 14 or 15 years old. His name is Steven Nadauld. He gave a wonderful talk. Such a feeling to be in that auditorium with all of those missionaries and sing with them. You have to be there to know the feeling.
Each morning that we were in the MTC, we got up at 5:30 to begin our walk. We had to walk around the perimeter 5 times to get our three miles in. It was a nice walk. One morning it was raining hard and so we went to the gym which has a track around the top where I walked and Dad got on an eliptical walker or whatever they are, and we did our time there. But what I wanted to say was that the whole way to the gym we were walking on covered sidewalks. Most of the walkways are covered so that you don't have to be out in the weather. It is amazing.
But two of those mornings, there was a bus at the entrance of the MTC. A line of missionaries in their suits, pulling their suitcases to the bus for their ride to the airport. We both just broke down and cried. It is quite a testimony to see those young men (and some of them look almost 15 or 16) and women leaving to go all over the world. More missionaries leaving for Russia and Mexico than anywhere else.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Saturday, 26 September 2009
P day! Yeah!
We actually slept in today until about 6 or 6:30. We have been up at 5:30 every day to walk before class. It was light outside when we were walking. Things looked very different. The mountains were so beautiful with spots of red all over. But you would never know it was fall coming in. It has been very warm here.
It was our day to do laundry. We took our bags to the laundry room and walked into a laundry room like you have never seen. Put our one load in a washer and swiped our food card. Washing is free here are the MTC. You do have to buy your soap, etc. But as soon as I put the wash in, I started walking around the room. There are 27 top loading washing machines and get this--122 front loaders with 122 dryers sitting on top of the washers. Elders and Sisters in their exercise clothes or casual clothes with study material in hand or giving one another a discussion. We visited with some Elders going to Spanish speaking missions. They were excited.
We picked up a sack lunch since you must be dressed to go to meals. Then we went to Deseret Book to get some music tapes and then the best part--to the Lettermans home. Looked like they were tearing their house apart and they were. Amazing how they tear walls down and then build them up again. We had a nice little visit out on the porch with Abby and Janae. Toyed with the idea of going to the football game. Robbie and his brother even offered us their tickets which was very nice. Thank you very much. It was amazing that that did not seem like the right thing to do when we really thought about it. This place really puts your mind and heart in a different place and it feels like you have this little cocoon around you, sort of protecting you and keeping you from the world out there. It is quite a feeling.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Sunday we did not walk. Just did our back exercises. But we had to be at Sacrament meeting at 8am. Then a Mission Conference from 10 until 12 and remember you are supposed to be in your seats 15 minutes before the meeting begins. Then at 5:30 there was a Departure Devotional for an hour and we are not done yet! A fireside at 7, I mean 6:45, till 8. So we were in meetings for nearly 6 hours on Sunday. That is a first for both of us.
And some really great meetings. Eight Elders sang at the mission conf. They were all going to Russia. Oh, we could have listened to them all night. A beautiful piano solo at the Departure Dev. And a song by three other Elders. They have to audition for these special musical numbers because there are so many who want to participate. It is great.
Oh, the feelings here are unbelievable. I have shed more tears in the past 6 days than I have for a long time.
P day! Yeah!
We actually slept in today until about 6 or 6:30. We have been up at 5:30 every day to walk before class. It was light outside when we were walking. Things looked very different. The mountains were so beautiful with spots of red all over. But you would never know it was fall coming in. It has been very warm here.
It was our day to do laundry. We took our bags to the laundry room and walked into a laundry room like you have never seen. Put our one load in a washer and swiped our food card. Washing is free here are the MTC. You do have to buy your soap, etc. But as soon as I put the wash in, I started walking around the room. There are 27 top loading washing machines and get this--122 front loaders with 122 dryers sitting on top of the washers. Elders and Sisters in their exercise clothes or casual clothes with study material in hand or giving one another a discussion. We visited with some Elders going to Spanish speaking missions. They were excited.
We picked up a sack lunch since you must be dressed to go to meals. Then we went to Deseret Book to get some music tapes and then the best part--to the Lettermans home. Looked like they were tearing their house apart and they were. Amazing how they tear walls down and then build them up again. We had a nice little visit out on the porch with Abby and Janae. Toyed with the idea of going to the football game. Robbie and his brother even offered us their tickets which was very nice. Thank you very much. It was amazing that that did not seem like the right thing to do when we really thought about it. This place really puts your mind and heart in a different place and it feels like you have this little cocoon around you, sort of protecting you and keeping you from the world out there. It is quite a feeling.
Sunday, 27 September 2009
Sunday we did not walk. Just did our back exercises. But we had to be at Sacrament meeting at 8am. Then a Mission Conference from 10 until 12 and remember you are supposed to be in your seats 15 minutes before the meeting begins. Then at 5:30 there was a Departure Devotional for an hour and we are not done yet! A fireside at 7, I mean 6:45, till 8. So we were in meetings for nearly 6 hours on Sunday. That is a first for both of us.
And some really great meetings. Eight Elders sang at the mission conf. They were all going to Russia. Oh, we could have listened to them all night. A beautiful piano solo at the Departure Dev. And a song by three other Elders. They have to audition for these special musical numbers because there are so many who want to participate. It is great.
Oh, the feelings here are unbelievable. I have shed more tears in the past 6 days than I have for a long time.
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