MTC
(Missionary Training Center)

We had a wonderful MTC experience! It was challenging and interesting and very informative and helpful. The best part was feeling the Holy Ghost so much every day!

There were 45 couples and 3 sisters who all came for the week. We were going to all 7 inhabited continents, doing various assignments- MLS, CES, Mormon Trail, mission nurses, Public Affairs, etc.

We had a wonderful district and excellent instructors- these young adults are so wonderful! They were great examples of how to teach and invite with the Spirit.

We worked with the three lovely sisters for the week. They are -Sister Gonzalez-Mexico City Mission-mental health
Sister Ballenger- Polynesian Cultural Center-office
Sister Petersen- Auckland, NZ-nurse
We love and admire them so much, they were so kind and helpful to us. We know they will do great and be of much service in their missions!

One of the many things we learned this week came from Elder David A. Bednar. One of the concerns our sisters had, as well as us, is how to know if promptings come from our brains/intellect or the Holy Ghost. Elder Bednar, in a video we watched from an MTC Devotional said this:
                    Quit worrying about it!
          Press forward in faith
          Be good "boys" and "girls"
          Honor your covenants
Our steps will be guided and we will be in the right place at the right time.
We don't always need to, or won't always know it's an impression from the Spirit.
He gave a wonderful example that he had with Elder Packer as a young missionary. 
I love the way he made it so simple and comforting!

We celebrated Cash's 1st birthday and had a wonderful Mother's Day.

Alas, we have had to say goodbye to our children and sweet grands! (And to our poor, poor puppy too!)

So, off we go! We fly to New Zealand tomorrow! We are excited, scared, anxious and hopeful we can serve the Lord, love the people of New Zealand and bring others unto Jesus Christ.