Enjoying the MTC

Wow, what a whirlwind week at the MTC!  We arrived here on Monday, September 12th with Carl's sister, Ione.  The first day was spent in Orientation, getting name tags, taking a tour of the MTC, etc.

Probably the most amazing place to me is the Cafeteria! They won't allow us to take pictures in there, or I would have one posted in the blog :)  Young Elders, Sisters, Senior Couples and single sisters waiting in line to get food.  It is unbelievable.  I've never seen so many white shirts and ties in all my life!  Of course, the young Sisters really fit the image of Sisters in the Mission Field.

I can't believe the packages that missionaries receive in the MTC.  (I think there's a lot of goodies sent to them)  UNBELIEVABLE!  There's a huge gym for exercising, young people everywhere on the campus in their workout clothes.  They are responsible to do service each day.

Carl and I found ourselves in a small 9 x 12 dorm room.....so interesting with 6 suitcases in here :)  We are thrilled that this is our experience at this time, although most of the seniors did not get to experience this......they were sent to the Marriott Hotel to stay (really roughing it).  There just aren't enough dorm rooms here on the campus.  We have enjoyed being here with the majority of the missionaries.  They are "coming" and "going" daily.....some arrive and others leave.  It is thrilling to see exactly what is happening with the missionary program throughout the world.  The Senior couples that we have been involved with this week are literally going to all corners of the earth!

                                             Ruth Ann, Carl and Ione before leaving the MTC

These couples were in our training class.  From L to R, Ericksons (Sweden),  Chamberlains (Scotland) our                     trainer, Sister Hales, Fuits (Dallas, TX) and of course Harpers, (Australia)

Our training has been intense, stressful, scary, spiritual, and such a learning experience.  We wouldn't trade it for anything.....what a great teaching tool in preparing us to go into the mission field.  We will be packing in the morning and catching a shuttle to the SLC airport at 4:30.  We will be arriving in Sydney Australia the following morning (it will be the 21st there).  We will be embarking on the most exciting thing we have ever done in our lives.  We are thinking of each one of you and hoping all is well.  As my step-mother-in-law passed away last evening, we are thinking of her family and love them very much.  We, of course, love each one of you.  May the Lord bless you until we meet again!