We left Burns on Black Friday morning, November 25th.
Dave and Marcia Proffitt came over to say goodbye.
Elder Wilson and Dave Proffit
Dave, Marcia and their dog Scottie
Sunday November 27, 2011 Delight, Michael and Benjamin joined us in Provo, Utah before we were to enter the MTC (Missionary Training Center) the following morning. They spent Sunday night at the same motel with us. Dusty was worn out so I went with them to Salt Lake City (40 miles away) to see the Christmas lights on Temple Square.
Salt Lake City, Utah Temple and Temple Square
Monday November 28, 2011 we entered the MTC in Provo, Utah.
Before Delight, Michael, and Ben left we took a few pictures.
It was so touching to discover the young missionaries waiting at the curb to take our luggage up to our room for us. They carried it and we followed. Unfortunately, they are not allowed to use the elevators and since we were the first senior couple to arrive, hence they didn’t know better, they carried our luggage up 5 or 6 flights of stairs only to find that their ID cards couldn’t access the floor that we would be staying on. So, we all walked back down those same 5 or 6 flights of stairs to walk around the building and find the elevator to our room.
We spent the first day getting oriented and hooked up with ID cards and name badges.
The ID cards are used to enter buildings. We wear the name badge near the Left shoulder to identify us by name as missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It allows us to exit and re-enter the MTC where they have a manned security station 24/7.
We had a beautiful view of the parking lot from our window - and the Provo Temple.
The ID cards are used to enter buildings. We wear the name badge near the Left shoulder to identify us by name as missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It allows us to exit and re-enter the MTC where they have a manned security station 24/7.
The rest of the week we had large and small group classes. Dusty was assigned as a District Leader over 4 senior couples.
We attended classes by district. You would think that going to classes 6 hours a day would be B O R I N G, but it was really fascinating and we had a great time. Dusty said that he learned more about the gospel in the first 3 days here than in the past 25 years. We both love, the reverence, spirituality and people that are here.
We attended classes by district. You would think that going to classes 6 hours a day would be B O R I N G, but it was really fascinating and we had a great time. Dusty said that he learned more about the gospel in the first 3 days here than in the past 25 years. We both love, the reverence, spirituality and people that are here.
This is our District. Sister and Elder Wentzel,
Sister and Elder Wilson, Brother Meyers
(our afternoon instructor), Sister and
Elder Hatch and Sister and Elder Hurren.
This map shows all of the Church Missions
throughout the world. Dusty is pointing to
the Tennessee Nashville Mission.
Flirting with the Savior...
There is such a tremendous turnover of missionaries here. I don’t know how they keep track, but they do. It was fast and testimony Sunday today. We listened to many young missionaries between the ages of 19 and 25 years of age as they shared their testimony of the Gospel and their love for our Savior and his teachings."
Here are just a few:
· Elder Salas from Spain is serving a mission in Texas and he said, “Through Holy Ghost we can speak with voice of Angels. I want to speak very well by Holy Ghost.”
· Sister Pugh said that she was very worried about her family, they are not doing very well, and she thought to herself before she left for her mission that, “I am the only one who can fight for my family.” The spirit told her, “Your family will be ok. They are in my care.”
· Sister Mardarrizzi from Italy said, “People in the mission field get to see the Light of Jesus Christ in us everyday. I learned many, many, many things at the MTC I don’t want to forget.”
· Sister Sasanova from Russia shared an experience with someone who was investigating the church. They planned to hike up a mountain and it should only take 6 hours, but it lasted 12 hours. She couldn’t move, her legs and back and feet all hurt so much. Night came and they still had to get back down the mountain, so they had to go. The investigator with her began to cry. She grabbed Sister Sasanova’s hand and begged crying, “I can’t, I can’t.” She knew she needed to be strong for her. She helped, supported, dragged and almost carried her down the mountain. While helping her this way, she forgot all about herself, and that she was hurting. She said that she knew this is what happens when we serve others.
Now, this young lady isn't one of the missionaries, but
she sets an exemplary life of service in her community
She volunteers weekly at the womens shelter,
works at the homeless food kitchen once a week,
serves in the Temple on Saturdays and keeps her
phone handy for the rape hotline calls.
phone handy for the rape hotline calls.
Below is a plaque in her home (which probably explains why she does all this)
I hope
that when I am 77 years old I will keep my life filled
with service to God, and my fellow man (which is the same thing.)
with service to God, and my fellow man (which is the same thing.)
