What's in my view....

15 April 2018 

I have so much to tell you....    So much greatness has happened! I get to see some pretty amazing sights each day. 

We have completed the MTC training and our first week of Family History Training! 

                                  

I am overwhelmed with the experiences that we are having.   I have to say that I was dreading the MTC a bit because I was not so impressed with the training that was provided the last time.   A lot of role plays that just don't work well for me.   But this time it was so different.   The teaching styles and teaching curriculum was delightful.  

Our sweet little trainer, Sister Ritchie, was an excellent teacher.   You can see the influence of "Teaching the Savior's Way" in every step.   
 

We were placed in a District with some pretty remarkable people consisting of 4 couples:  Elder and Sister Chin from Pennsylvania (Utah SLC Headquarters Mission), Elder and Sister Wilson from St. George, Utah (Arkansas Bentonville Mission: MLS assigned to Springville, Missouri),

Elder and Sister Garrett from Gilbert, Arizona (Washington DC North Mission: MLS missionaries), and ourselves.   We were also assigned an "other couple".   This couple were the Munns from Garland, Utah (Illinois Nauvoo Mission: Teamster and Minion(as she put it!))

We were also assigned an "other couple".   This couple were the Munns from Garland, Utah (Illinois Nauvoo Mission: Teamster and Minion(as she put it!)) This is the couple that we were to get to know the best while at the MTC.  We hung out a lot.  We ate together, we walked to classes together, we went to devotionals together.   We knew that at the end of the training they would be the ones that we would teach and visa versa.  They were a delight to get to know.  It was a simulation of part 1 of our training "Get to know" those you teach.   The assignment has turned into a special friendship and now emails, texts, and FB messenger will fly to and from Nauvoo to see how each other are doing!  

I was anxious to see the new completed additions to the MTC that were only under construction when we were there last.   And of course, they are magnificent! 

Beautiful murals have been included on each floor.  They are stunning and give you a sense of reality of the scriptures.  You know that the events and people you read about in all the scriptures were real, in fact, you feel like you are there in the moment.   It is an astounding testament of truth.

Sunday was breath-taking!   Our branch, which consists of 40% of the mission, 400+ missionaries, meets in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, formally known as the Hotel Utah.   It is majestic.   Construction began on the hotel in 1909. 

With horse drawn wagons, they began digging the foundation.   Under the direction of President Gordon B. Hinckley the building went from aging hotel to a multi-functioning Church edifice with a new name of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building (JSMB).  We began with Relief Society in the Empire Room.

Which was originally a grand dining hall and has now been restored to perfection.  It  now serves as Relief Society and Sunday School classroom where learning the Gospel of Jesus Christ fills the hall.

We walk past the classic lobby

And grand hallways

On our way to the single most beautiful chapel I have ever seen.  

 I was in awe.   I couldn't believe that I was here.   I was overwhelmed with a sense of gratitude.  I get to do this every Sunday for the next 18 months. 


Our FIRST DAY in the mission, Monday 9 April, was a devotional by President Dallin H. Oaks.   Wow!  We met in the Conference Center Little Theater where all of the missionaries of our mission (just under 1000 missionaries) could gather.   He spoke of the value and significance of the Temple.  He taught how we should make note of the actions that accompany the covenants we make.   He re-emphasized simple things like the importance of taking the Sacrament with your right hand.   The hand that you sustain leaders with and the hand with which you make covenants should also be the hand that you renew covenants each Sunday.   Every meeting that I went into I felt this swoosh of emotion that enveloped me letting me know that the Holy Ghost is here and He will testify.  

Then a short walk back to the JSMB's third floor to begin our Family Search Training.  Along the way I had stunning reminders that it was Spring. 
 

I found my desk and computer for the week.  

A classroom full of new missionaries and new friends.   They all have very interesting stories of faith and commitment to the gospel.  

The most amazing thing of all..... the view from what seems to be in every window.   No matter where you are or what window you are looking out of or the street you are driving on the Temple always seems to be in your view.   I know that this can't possibly be true but it sure seems that way.  It is very clear that the Salt Lake Temple is the pinnacle of not only Temple Square but the entire city.  Some people see it and some don't.  My responsibility is to always keep the Temple in my view!