Things I Learned at the MTC

It has now been three weeks since we entered the MTC and it is time to move on to our mission field. Before we board a plane for an 8-hour flight to the Dominican Republic (for three more days of PEF training before flying onto the West Indies), I thought it appropriate to share my list of those things I've learned since arriving at this wonderful place . . .

* The profound difference between the Bishops' Storehouse and the Lord's Storehouse.

* Becoming fluent in a new language in a matter of a few short weeks is a common, ordinary miracle repeated hundreds of times every month.

* The MTC has some of the best teachers in the church!

* Dozens of acronyms (CES, PEF, ITEP, S&I, DTA, SMS or PMG) make up the language of the MTC.

* Being together 24/7 as companions is challenging . . . for both of us.

* Everyone smiles, says hello and holds the door.

* All the young sisters and young elders are beautiful, courteous, enthusiastic and friendly to the senior missionaries and are happy to be here.

* The food is usually delicious - and abundant - and served hot when its supposed to be hot . . . and cold when its supposed to be cold . . . three times a day / seven days a week (including ice cream on Wednesday)

* The bed in our teensy, tiny apartment is really, really small - after sleeping in a kingsized bed for most of our married life.

* We have quickly become friends with dozens of amazing “total strangers” in our class.

* We miss our kids and grandkids every day.

* The campus seems very large especially when it is freeeeeeeezing cold outside.

* It really is possible to live without a big screen TV, a cell phone and Diet Coke at every meal.

* We will never assimilate into the population of the West Indies.

* A limited wardrobe becomes boring very quickly, even if it is "mix and match."

* Not having any “bling” (i.e., my diamond wedding ring, loop earrings and nail polish which we have been advised to leave at home) is harder than I thought.

* Sunday shoes worn daily quickly become uncomfortable, but flat shoes are rarely cute or stylish.

* The organization of this worldwide church is amazing!!!

* Regular and humble prayer strengthens me in many interesting ways.

* Giving up - even simple - bad habits is HARD to do!

* Being cold all the time is miserable.

* The scriptures - particularly the Book of Mormon - now speak to my heart in an entirely new way.

* The new Book of Mormon Seminary and Institute student and teacher manuals are WONDERFUL!

* To my surprise, I believe I really could be a fulltime proselyting missionary.

* With all the classes, devotionals, firesides and other activities . . . time is going very quickly.

* According to Elder Ed, 6 a.m. comes alot sooner than it used to.

* When we GET it, FEEL it, LOVE it, and LIVE it . . . we are about our Father’s business!

* Missionaries are the "hope of Israel"

* We still have lots of questions, but I wish EVERYONE could have the MTC experience . . . because the gospel IS TRUE. IT IS ALL TRUE!