End of the first week

We have come to the end of our fist week at the MTC. All of the senior couples (try getting used to that) spend the first week together preparing to proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ restored through the Prophet Joseph Smith. So the 26 couples in our group have been a tight group. the only time we are not together is when the language training is going on in the evenings after classes. the training has been intense, well prepared and well delivered. Of a very high professional quality compared to the professional facilitators I have seen in business. And of course, everyone is quite engaged. Of the 26 couples, we were the only ones not from the inter-mountain West or California. We began to understand the fundemental strength of the Church here as it sends missionaries all over the world.

The physical plant is also impressive. Dorm facilities for almost 3000 people, some 300 classrooms, large meeting rooms and chapels, a significant exercise facility with 8 b-ball courts (would you believe) walking paths and exercise machines etc. 

But the most impressive part of all this is the wonderful people. Scores of volunteers, Skilled language instructors spending countless hours in individual instruction in dozens of languages, carefully planned lessons and presenters in teaching techniques, and scriptural presentations. It is very clear that our Heavenly Father takes the proclaiming of His Gospel very seriously and wants the Word to go forth.

We have had wonderful experiences meeting people. Shirley has already mentioned the son of dear friends. One morning while I stood in line, I heard French spoken behind me and turned to greet the speakers. There I met two young sisters who will come to New Caledonia in 8 weeks. And we will already be there to greet them. They were eager to meet Sister Mautz and already feel they have a 'mother' waiting for them as only Sister Mautz can be. 

We have met Hannah Mautz's cousin, also a friend of ours from several years together at Farrell family Christmas Eve parties.

But most of all, we have met wonderful couples responding to their Heavenly Father's call to serve. And they go to all corners of the world: Nepal, Hong Kong, Grenada, Philippines, Mexico Brazil  and all over the US.

Next week starts new training for our little mission office. We know from correspondence with our Mission Presdient that we will serve as counselor in the Mission Presidency, take care of the 25-30 missionaries in New Caledonia who only see their Mission President every 8 weeks and who is 1000 miles away. We expect to do some leadership training and whatever else the local district president might need of us. That is when the real adventure will begin.