From the MTC to Cebu

     The map picture every missionary takes!!  The Philippines are a long way away from Broken Arrow, Ok.

                                         Our wonderful district & fabulous teachers!!

The MTC is, as Brother Kneib says, like a religious retreat!  There were "seniors" there from all over the U.S. going to places all over the world - South Africa (and they had requested Germany because of their fluent German), West Africa & Ethiopia, Cambodia, England, Los Angeles, Australia, & of course, the Philippines.  There were "seniors" of all shapes, sizes, physical abilities but we all had in common a love of our Lord & His gospel.  Many had served several missions & for many this was the first.  The more experienced missionaries assured all of us that it is addictive & we will want to serve time & again.  I realized that, like being in the temple, we knew nothing of socioeconomic status, financial means, or church callings & none of those were ever mentioned.  We did share our family situations, housing arrangements & travel plans but mostly we shared profound spiritual experiences with one another.
The most stressful part for most of us were the times we had to actually teach investigators who had a role to play - our teachers observed to critique us!  It was a fabulous experience where much was learned about ourselves, our abilities, our strengths & weaknesses.  All in all we had a wonderful time but were anxious to get on the way to Cebu.

On a lighter note, because this was the largest senior group ever to be trained - 128 of us - the church provided us lodging at the Marriott hotel.

Elder Anderson & I were constantly looking for the young missionaries coming to Cebu.  We found a couple of districts & quickly loved them.  Being in the midst of thousands of young people from all over the world, preparing to go to every nation, kindred, tongue & people was a blessing & privilege.  It is what we would call one of the "miracles of Mormonism" - where else would you find kids 18, 19 years of age leaving their lives behind to serve for 18 - 24 months at their own expense?  It is truly amazing.

We are excited to serve & grateful for our family's support & love which makes this easier for us to leave our home & family behind.