MTC 1 - Preach My Gospel

We stayed over the weekend in Morgan to have one last stay with Mom before we left. We took her to church, slept there Sunday night the 3rd, and got up early on the 4th to drive through Coalville, Park City, Heber and into Provo via Provo Canyon. I held out with my casual clothes for as long as possible. We pulled off the road at a rest stop near Deer Creek Reservoir and I put on my suit and tie. Whoever started the concept of a suit and tie anyway? Someone is thinking: 1) Let's get a long, ropey thing, tie it in a knot, and cinch it up around our necks, 2) Next, put wool suits on, even when it is very hot, after all, "wool breathes" - ha! 3) Only wear this getup to the type of events where you get nervous and sweat (weddings, funerals, speaking in church, etc.), 4) Make sure you only wear the "rope" with a shirt that is buttoned tight around your neck, and 5) Let's call it high fashion, even when you look uncomfortable.

Anyway, we managed to time it pretty well and pulled into the MTC at our assigned time of 10:00 a.m. Amy arranged to meet us there. The security at the MTC is a little different than the last time we were here and they do not allow cars to stay long in the front parking lots. We managed to take a few pictures by the flag pole and were on our way. Not even time to think about it too much or shed too many tears. Grant and Logan were there to provide some last grandchildren hugs.

After checking in at the desk and receiving our official nametags and photo ID access cards, we followed the schedule by visiting the travel office (picked up airplane tickets), immunizations (completed), the bookstore (ordered our nametags in Spanish), and the cashier (paid a whopping $12 a day for our three meals - at that price we were sure the prime rib was imminent). We soon learned to carry those ID cards everywhere. For meals and every door, there was a swipe machine where you had to use that card. The young missionaries took our things to our room in 2M\Jacob Hamblin Building\#301 - wheelchair accessible! I love their large walk-in showers and roomy open spaces. The elevator across from the mail room provides access to our floor and is designated for "Senior Couples" (that's us!). The mail room is a very popular place for young missionaries, and we enjoyed watching their excitement as they received their packages and letters.

MTC Front Door

KR Taking in the Ambiance

The Long Hall to the Food

The Apostle's Pictures in the Foyer

So began nine days at the Missionary Training Center where we ate too much, felt the Spirit strongly. didn't learn quite enough, and met some new friends that we bonded with far beyond what would occur in any ordinary setting.