We are officially at the Missionary Training Center (MTC) Monday-Friday. We arrived on Dec. 12th, our 37th wedding anniversary. We really have enjoyed our experience here. We have a little different accommodation with a private bedroom/bathroom, like a comfortable hotel. There's a workout gym but no hot tub (Ha! Ha!). We can eat and workout in the morning, then need to be ready to start our classes at 8:00 a.m. Our "Preach My Gospel" teachers are young BYU students, that are returned missionaries. Even though they are in their early 20's; they are well prepared in their presentations and experiences. They teach with the Spirit, giving examples, and share scriptures by testifying of the principles they are teaching. We've learned how to "invite others to come unto Christ by helping them receive the restored gospel through faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement... and enduring to the end." Everyone here seems happy and joyful. It's wonderful to be here with about 600+ young adult elders and sisters with enthusiasm for the gospel. The main focus is to develop Christ like attributes and to come unto Christ. It's wonderful to be here during the Christmas season and focus on Him.
The famous map photo at the MTC
Just arrived on our Anniversary, Dec. 12th, ready to learn!
We ate with missionaries going to Albania. We got them all excited about what an amazing place it is since we've traveled there. We love to chat with all the missionaries and find out where they are from and where they are going.
Beautiful murals in T-4 building. This one depicts the children of Israel crossing the Red Sea. It gives the scriptural reference for the mural, i.e., Exodus 3:11 then a question to apply it to our lives. "Do I have enough faith in Jesus Christ to accomplish anything He wants me to do?"
It reminds us of one of our favorite quotes from Elder Jeffery R. Holland,
"Nobody had ever crossed the Red Sea this way, but so what? There's always a first time. With the Spirit of revelation dismiss your fears and wade in with both feet. In the words of Joseph Smith, "Brethren, shall we not go on in so great a cause? Go forward not backward. Courage, brethren; and on, on to victory."
We are committed to be all in!
Elder Anderson's favorite mural
Here is our amazing afternoon instructors: Sister Sewell and Ellsworth with our senior group (district)
This is our morning instructor, Elder G. Karras. We've already become good friends with our district:
The Burtenshaws going to Guam, The Days: Ensign college in SLC, and Sister Gore: Navajo reservation. We all leave on Friday for our designated missions.
Tuesday night we had a little extra time to go eat at "Pogos" a Zimbabwean restaurant on Center Street in Provo. The owner, Sharon Spencer, is a 20th generation "Zimbo" as she called it. We already felt a great kindred friendship to her. She gave us great tips and advice about Zimbabwe.
Sharon and Rob Spencer, lived in Zimbabwe for 36 years. Sharon's family is still there and we're anxious to meet them. Bruce said, "Her food is the bomb!"
The food was delicious, chicken with mushrooms and rice, parmesan cheese encrusted corn on the cob, honey glazed butternut squash, and the most delicious custard and British style pudding cake. She said we'd be eating like this in Africa! Complete deliciousness! There goes my African weight loss plan!
Sharon gave us aprons and Bruce a tie from "Zim". Now our Africanization begins!
We already had a miracle! We told Sharon how we were told our visas may take 2-3 more months, but we were anxious to get there. She said, "My sister, Rachel, can expedite your visas in one day!" She is in the "first ladies club" in Zimbabwe and can pull all the strings. The next day we were told our visas made it to Zimbabwe and in the hands of Pres. Moyo, who walks our visa application through the process. It's an answer to our prayers!
So fun to run into this cutie from our YSA USU ward in Logan, Sister Kathryn Riggs. We served in a university YSA ward, Bruce as first counselor, with Bishop Steve and Lisa Baker for 4 years.
We were able to attend the Provo Temple Thursday night with our new friends as a district.
Friday afternoon we'll be headed back home to await our visas. We'll get to spend Christmas with our family and then hopefully off to our African adventure by the new year. God bless everyone and have a very merry Christmas!
