Monthly Archives: January 2015

Saturday, January 24, 2015

MTC: Not Just for Kids

We reported to the MTC on Monday Jan 19, 2015. We wondered whether there would be anything relevant to our assignments, since the study curriculum is Preach My Gospel and it is doubtful that we will be assigned any proselyting work. But we had a positive attitude and launched ourselves as though we were young missionaries. The instruction is almost entirely done by young return missionaries and, here again (at least I) wondered what I could learn from someone with so comparatively little experience. Wrong again. We were both very impressed with the knowledge and wisdom of these young people and learned a lot from them. Much of the instruction is in the form of role-playing which was a little uncomfortable at first, but quickly, it seemed natural and real. The role-playing included some volunteers from outside posing as investigators. We had an elderly gentleman who did a really good job and a younger single man who was a recent Mennonite convert.

The only part I found a little week was the last hour of our last day when a couple who has served 6 missions came in to share their experiences. The Sister had us stand and sign “Zippidy DoDa.” She did this to make the point that we need to be cheerful. I was not cheerful!

Tues night devotional was Elder Ballard. Very impressive MTC choir. We hooked up with Veston and Cindy Thomas. They are over the referral center.

Training was over on Friday, Jan 23 and we are staying at Ryan and Heathers until our flight on Monday. When we got to their house Friday evening, we were surprised to find Darice waiting for us. She had flown out for a last “goodbye.” That was very nice and we are still enjoying our time with her.

Overall–a very positive experience. All members should have the experience.

January 27, 2015

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

After a LONG flight (neither of us getting a wink of sleep), we arrived at the Manchester airport at 8:00 a.m. We were on our own for shuttling 5 large (50 lb) suitcases, two carry -on’s (just a few pounds lighter) and two huge “personal items,” through immigration, customs and into the waiting area for pick up. I devised a way of pushing all 5 large bags at one time and Kathy negotiated the carry-ons with the personal items on top. What a sight. Later, when we had two additional men helping, we did not do as well.

After about 30 minutes, Elder Backman and Mike Jensen (who came from Germany) picked us up and brought us to the temple accommodations where we will stay until the Pecks move out of their apartment. Elder Peck had an inflamed eye this morning and was at the hospital when we arrived. We later learned that this is a pre-existing condition and it may delay his flight plans. Anyway, we toured their apartment, went to lunch with the group, went to the office, back to the temple apartments, then back to Elder Peck’s house to administer to him (he wasn’t there) and back “home.” It is only 6:30 and I am desperately trying to stay awake until 9:00, but it is looking very doubtful.

I cannot believe how different everything is. It is very hard for me to understand the language, everything is very small (you dry your clothes in the washing machine) no way a king sized bed would fit in a bedroom, etc. The food is living up to its reputation. I had fish and chips because it looked safe and it was okay.

Everyone we have met has been very gracious. We will make a lot of friends here. The office is adequate—although divided only by partitions—so everyone is up to speed on what is going on all the time. There are only three of us in the office, Elder Backman, myself, and Kristie Hita who is our very competent and pleasant assistant.

We are excited about what lies ahead.