The trainers at the MTC told us this was President Hinckley's favorite joke:  It seems that long after they were cast out of The Garden, Adam took some of his sons and returned just to show them what it had been like.  As they stood in they midst of the unbelievably beautiful flowers and fruit and such, Adam remarked, "Yes sons, this is where your mother ate us out of house and home"!

Sorry--my blog has been down cause when we moved they messed everything up.  Too bad because there was a lot I wanted to say as we went along--left MTC--traveled to Washington State--moved in and started our mission.  It seems to be working fine now so I'll go on from here as time permits.

We jumped right into "it."  Found out the YSA were having a talent show Friday night so we got here early to attend that.  Fun---got to know a few people.  Moved in and started to unpack Saturday--will take a few days ta least.  Sunday attended YSA ward--quite different with no kids or teens and young adults as RS and Elders Quorum presidents and ward mission leader.  They did a fine job--everyone very friendly.  They had Loralee and I introduce each other--let's just say that was interesting and had some funny parts.

Know we'll love it here!

As a missionary my primary purpose is to invite all to come unto Christ!

                        This is our work-study group at the MTC with our trainer.

        March 20 at the MTC--that's where we're going--Tacoma, Washington!

Yeah--"P-day" (preparation day for the next week) is finally here.  Loralee gets to do laundry and ironing, and I get to nap.  Guess I better take her out for a nice dinner.  Tomorrow--Sunday--"day of rest"--meetings 8 til noon and three straight devotionals in a row--5 pm to 9 pm.  I'm getting too old for this!!!

Candidly, the last couple of weeks have been rough, nee’ miserable—stress, worry, lack of confidence, ill-will, depression, anger—and I could go on.  Then starting sometime yesterday afternoon and continuing all day today, I have been able to “put Satan behind me” and blow away all the fog of malicious, negative clouds that took over my mind, and to be “me” again.  And now I am excited, happy, and ready to:

“Lift up my heart and rejoice, for the hour of my mission is come; and my tongue shall be loosed, and I shall declare glad tidings of great joy unto this generation.”

Time to blog???  I barely have time to breathe.  This Mormon "boot camp" isn't conducive to us old folks.  For instance, last night we got back to our rooms at 8:30 and were told we could have the rest of the night off! Can't wait until we get to Tacoma and actually begin our mission!

They must have heard that I was coming because they raised the meal prices!  (And while so many have bragged about their food, I'm less than impressed--they wouldn't survive "Chopped"!)

WILL BE WALKING INTO THE MTC IN 120 MINUTES!!!

For those who want to know more about me—GET A LIFE!!!  lol

University & college instructor & professor at both the graduate and undergraduate levels in four year and two year educational institutions for 38 years specializing in interpersonal relations.  Also taught group dynamics, psychology of communication, leadership &team management, history of rhetoric, organizational communication, consulting management, and First Amendment Rights.  Developed new courses, served as student adviser, researched & wrote a variety articles & convention papers, and worked on numerous faculty committees.

Was CEO for eight years at a Chamber of Commerce.  Responsible for long-range planning as well as the day-to-day tasks of this non-profit organization, supervised five employees & dozens of volunteers serving on numerous committees, worked with civic, business, & governmental leaders, organized a variety of community functions & activities, and coordinated economic, tourism, and industrial development efforts.    

Over the years worked with community theater groups (wrote, acted, and directed), Big Brothers (volunteer, part-time employee, & board member), Mensa (member & proctor), Birthright (board member & publicity director), Masonry (officer), refereed high school sports (baseball & basketball), Make-A-Wish foundation (committee chair), and served as guardian ad litem (volunteer social services investigator) for a county juvenile court system.

Finally, since being baptized in 1966, I have served as a branch president, high councilman, Bishop, Bishop councilor, Elders’ Quorum president, HP group leader, temple worker, institute instructor, stake missionary, Gospel Doctrine teacher, and much more.

For those who don’t know me, here are some quick facts.  Born and raised on a small farm in upstate New York.  Age?  Somewhere between 20 and 90 depending on my mood.  Hobbies?  Well, because of recent back surgery, two knee replacements, and gaining 70 pounds, I no longer ride my Gold Wing nor shot hoops in the backyard with the grandkids, so:  I cheer for all the New York sports teams especially the Yankees, I do a lot of genealogy/family history research, I write novels, play fantasy sports, listen to old time Rock n’ Roll (I’m stuck in the 60s and proud of it), and try to keep up with my 28 grandchildren (I don’t believe in distinguishing between: biological, step, half, foster, adopted, etc.).

Sister Center and I have just finished the Book of Mormon for the third time since we decided last summer that we would go on a mission.  What terrific inspiration.  Sometimes though I get annoyed at all the various Alma’s, Nephi’s, Helaman’s etc. and then I remember that my 5^th, 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th grandfathers were all named John Center!  And so John Center “Jr.” could be any of their sons!

Don Center

 

March 11TH

Hello Tacoma YSA! My wife, Sister Loralee Center, and I, Elder Don Center, have been called to serve a CES mission there in Tacoma. We're excited about our assignment and can't wait to meet and get to know each and everyone of you. If you'd like to get to know me, I invite you to follow my blog at: DBCENTER18.BLOGSPOT.COM (It might be best to start with my very first entry and work your way forward.)

An hour ago, Loralee and I were set apart as full-time missionaries in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  Words can't express the joy in my mind, heart, and soul.

I am looking forward to once again interacting with young adults.  After all, I was a college professor of “interpersonal relations” for over thirty-five years—did I like it?  Well, several years ago during a Priesthood lesson, the instructor asked us this question:  “If you were to inherit a million dollars today, how many of you would go to work tomorrow?”  I was the only man who raised his hand.  I love teaching and I know I was born to be a teacher.  And how do my students feel about me?  If you really want to know, go to www.ratemyprofessors.com  and type in Arapahoe Community College—Don Center.  Unfortunately, this web site only shows my student evaluations for my last teaching assignment which was here in Denver at a local community college but you’ll get the overall flavor of my students’ opinions.