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| They fed the Senior Missionaries where our classes were. There are so many Senior Missionaries that they teach us at a Stake Center next to the MTC |
Hi Everyone!
We have had
a wonderful week here since last Monday. We were mainly taught by young
returned missionaries in our districts. We grew so close to them. Two single
senior sisters are going to San Jose, CA mission, two others are going to
Hungary, and Salt Lake City Temple exhibits. One senior couple is staying in their home
stake, and then our two couples are going to Nauvoo. We were taught
about Preach My Gospel and how to teach people, and answer their questions. No
longer is there a script you follow. We are to get to know the investigators
and discover their needs and interests, and teach by the spirit, what we are
prompted to teach. And mainly it is to teach the first principles of the gospel:
faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost. But within this is
also to relate the Restoration of the Gospel, having a modern day prophet,
and "inviting" them to read the Book of Mormon. That is a
"new" word for all of us: "invite" which is how the purpose
of our mission starts; "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them
......." It is such a beautiful concept and so loving. I know what we have
learned is from the Lord, and this fairly new program (within the last 4 years)
will help the missionary work move forward at a faster pace- and is inspired by
the general authorities. The spirit has been so strong in all of our classes. I
am usually crying by the end.
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| Here we are with Sister Marti Calder Shelley. She and her husband are going to Chicago. She used to teach seminary at the same time as me in the Placentia Stake. |
For two days we actually met with
"investigators" who are actors that we teach them this new approach
based on their experience. In most cases these persons had been nonmembers
and joined the church, so they act like they were before. And it was a little
hard at first, but we succeeded. We used the basics we were taught like getting
to know them first, having a prayer to begin, and asking questions. Then
teaching one basic principle, bearing testimony and challenging them to read
the Book of Mormon, and pray about it. I know all you returned missionaries are
chuckling, but it was such good practice for us both.
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| Our district with our morning instructor, Sister Holland (no relation to Elder Holland). A fun group with 4 widowed sisters. |
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| Our afternoon MTC instructor, Elder Lystrup. He went to Japan on his mission. |
Our basic day went like this: Wake
up at 6:30 a.m., study and pray together, get ready, breakfast at 7:30 a.m. and to our
chapel devotional at 8:00 am. Usually one hour of a group meeting by a
speaker; sometimes a former senior missionary couple who told about their
mission, or the MTC director/president. Then we broke into our small
districts in classrooms, and were taught. We had lunch right there in the
cultural hall, then back to a group meeting, and to our classes again. We ended
in time for dinner and had the evening for study, laundry, or a large group
devotional with fantastic speakers; general authorities. These always included
special musical numbers that were excellent! This has been the most wonderful
experience for us both. I have loved every minute of it.
On Friday we said goodbye to all
the couples who are not going to Nauvoo and other visitors centers. That was
kind of sad and hard for us to say goodbye. Then we had the weekend off, but we
slept here at night.
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| Us and the gang at Macaroni Grill in SLC. Now back to the MTC. Sac. Mtg. is at 7:30 a.m. |
On Saturday we met Heather, James, who had driven down
from Rexburg to see us, and Sam and Chan at dinner at Macaroni Grill in SLC.
That was fun to spend time with them. Harrison had to work late. But after our
sacrament meeting on Sunday morning, we went to Sam's where Heather cooked a
delicious Sunday dinner of meat loaf (yes for her dad) creamy potatoes, corn
and salad. Then she made rice krispy treats for dessert. Harrison was able to
come for that. We had a great time visiting and laughing and singing! Then we
had to say goodbye for 18 months. It doesn't get any easier. We had to do that
in California with all our other children and grandchildren. But we know that
our families will be blessed while we are gone. We have been promised that.
Two days ago, on Monday we started
training for visitors centers. There were 18 couples going to Nauvoo, Cove
Fort, Palmyra and Mormon Battalion. We had a field trip in Salt Lake, and
toured the visitors center there. We were taken down into the call centers, where
missionaries answer their contacts, and others who have an interest in knowing
more. What a blessing! They have many missionaries from different countries who
speak several languages and can talk to these people all over the world!
Then the rest of our training was back down at the MTC, and we learned how to
greet people, what questions not to ask, how to speak from the heart with
humility, and sincerity, and we did a lot of role playing with other couples.
Tomorrow we meet until noon, and then start driving to Nauvoo after that.
We found out this week that we finally have a new mission president. President and
Sister Hunter could not make it because of health issues, so our new president
is President Larry Gibbons and his wife. They are from Texas. We are excited to meet
them when we arrive. It is about a 1,800 mile drive so we are taking 3 days, and
stopping at a few other historical sites, like Winter Quarters, and others. We
are trying to follow the actual trail the pioneers took through Wyoming and
across Nebraska and Iowa.
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| Guess where? Cracker Barrel in Lincoln, Nebraska |
I want you all to know what a
stronger testimony I have received while being here in the MTC. The gospel is
true and more than ever before, I know that the Savior loves me, and knows me
personally. I love Him and want to show Him by serving this mission to the best
of my ability. Keep loving your children and grandchildren! Don't take anything
for granted! Most of all Keep His Commandments! That is all He asks of
you! And I challenge all of you to plan on serving a mission when your
children are raised and you are able to.
Thank you to all who have made this possible for us to go!
You know who you are. I love you all!
Mom and Dad
