Just getting the house all packed up and ready for its new occupants (our son Jason and his family) was enough to drive a person to drinking--NO... we didn't!! And. . . we lost a little sleep every now and then, thinking about all the things that needed to get done, and pondering the next 18 months of our lives together.
Matt (son) and Reagan and family were our transport to Provo, and the MTC. We spent Saturday night and Sunday night with them at Mark (brother) and Rhonda's place in Springville, Utah, not too far away from our destination in Provo. Sunday was spent on Temple Square, where we walked a lot of the exhibits, and took a photo or two, to remind us of the time together. We even got to go up on the roof of the Conference Center and walk around among the trees and sit by the little 'river' and see the waterfall! Matt's kids thought that was a cool thing.
The good-bye at the MTC on Monday morning at 10:00 was, well. . . tough. When you realize that this is the last time you will see someone for the next 18 months, it can wreak havoc with the emotions a bit!! (is that what they call an 'understatement'?) Our kids said that it was our turn now to see how they felt. That was hard.
We then settled down to 10 days straight of drinking from the proverbial 'firehose'! The entire first week was spent in learning about Preach My Gospel. We ended up doing a lot of the same exercises and practicing that the younger missionaries do. They even brought in some 'fake' investigators for us to practice giving lessons to. We both felt that our previous experience in the Church, the callings and service we had performed, had prepared us very well for this day.
When we were not in class, usually from 8:00 AM to lunch, then 1:00 PM to 5:00, then we were 'invited' to be at a fireside for some spiritual uplift. The first evening fireside (Tuesday) was presented by Elder Craig Zwick. The Thursday evening fireside was a video of a previous talk given by Elder Bednar--The Character of Christ. It dealt with turning ourselves 'outward', toward other people, instead of being like Cookie Monster (yes, he honestly referenced Cookie Monster!!!!) Cookie!! Me Want Cookie! You get the idea, I think. It gave us both a lot to think about. We invite all of you out there to google up that talk and see what you might learn. It will stretch you, if you try.
The worst thing about the entire MTC experience was all the sitting and eating!! Get the picture? We did not go hungry!
The last three days (Mon.-Wed. of the second week) were spent in SLC, where we were introduced to all the principles of the Self-Reliance initiative, and how we were to help the people of Spain to become more self-reliant. Even this part of the experience was a spiritual feast!
Thursday morning we hopped on the big white bird and headed east--first to Atlanta, then off to Madrid. The flight to Madrid was only 8 hours, but we (from SLC to Madrid) lost 8 hours on the way. Jet lag stinks!!! We arrived in Madrid at 10:00 AM local time, but it was 2:00 AM in Fruitland, Idaho. We have been dragging a bit these past four days but we are in the upswing part of the cycle now, and doing normally, whatever that is.
Our apartment is wonderful, see our night light!
Now the fun begins, life in a new country! The computer thinks in Spanish, the oven and microwave speak a different language too. But the people are kind and welcoming and we feel blessed.
1 comment:
Dear Redge and Michelle,
We hope that all is well with you in Madrid. We sent one message but we are not sure it made it to you so this in number two. We are very proud of you and we know that you will be a wonderful blessing for those that you serve. I am sure that you brought your guitar, Redge. Both of you should sing a lot while you are there and you will be endeared to the people. We love you and we are very proud of you.
Dad and Norma
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