Week and a half at the MTC—busy, informative, friendly people, exhausting, but not very uplifting I’m afraid.

1^st week in Tacoma—busy, informative, friendly people, exhausting, I’m sick with the crud, not very uplifting I’m afraid.

Ah, now—already—my mission has been worth it!!!

“T” or transfer day—wow—what a moving experience.  Picture this:  300 young missionaries about 15% sisters gathered in the stake parking lot chatting and enjoying each other’s company.  Then into the chapel—sisters sitting down front—then Elders—finally six senior missionary couples including us on the back row.  In the overflow probably 20-30 people—recent converts, etc. of the missionaries going home.

Then it becomes sacredly silence, all stand as about 22 missionaries march in and take their seats on the rostrum—these are those who are getting released today and going home. 

After traditional opening, all again stand and loudly, fervently recite D&C 4, the Mission statement, and the Mission motto.

Then the “greenies”—new missionaries, one by one, are assigned to their senior companion/trainer and each are welcomed with a brief “crazy & hilarious” skit.

This is followed by all the missionaries standing and doing their own stirring version of “Amazing Grace” not a dry eye in the place.

For the next hour those going home bear their testimonies mixed in with various musical numbers—again so very moving.

Finally, everyone stands and link arms around shoulders singing all verses of “God Be With You Till We Meet Again.”

If my mission were to end today—I can honestly say I’ve been uplifted into the clouds.

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!!!