MTC

Well, we arrived at the MTC today and immediately went through all the different 'stations' to get checked in. We were met with a lady who had our badges, then went to a window where they gave us our security cards (everyone here needs them to get into buildings, buy their food and go up and down the elevators. We paid for our meals and then went to the bookstore to get a packet that was waiting for us. We then went to the vaccinations desk and discovered that we needed to take Malaria pills, get yellow fever shots, typhoid shots and polio shots. YIKES! We will get them at the medical clinic here on Tuesday and Wednesday.

We then went to the travel desk and got all our travel documents. After that we went to our room and deposited all our luggage (had 3 young missionaries and one older one helping us). Then we were off to orientation at the campus chapel (a regular church building at the MTC). We were given all our instructions for while we are here and what to do in case of an emergency, etc.

Then we went into the chapel overflow and got our ministerial document to sign. It proves that we are ministers for the church in case they want proof over in Africa. Then we went to lunch in the gym. After that we were instructed in the chapel.

Arriving at MTC in Provo

There was an awesome rendition of 'How Great Thou Art' by three young sister missionaries...All three had great voices. After the opening prayer and some basics, we all had to introduce ourselves and our mission. Then more instruction about what we will be doing here and a humorous intro by the Area Mission President. We were then divided into districts and sent back to our rooms with a homework assignment to read in "Preach My Gospel" manual, Chapter One, Page 1-15 "What is My Purpose as a Missionary"in  and Chapter 3, lesson 1, "The Message of the Restoration" plus several scripture references. We came back to our rooms and unpacked and it was time to go to dinner with the missionaries. WOW...I never saw so many missionaries.

The cafeteria is HUGE and it was full. The Senior Missionaries seemed to all be walking around in a daze. Everett and I had a wrap for dinner. It was huge, but we got to select what was on it, so it was delicious. We spoke to lots of senior missionaries that have already been here a week. Everett even met a young missionary who was related to a family from our Paradise Valley Ward days. Lots of people were from Mesa, AZ and various places in Texas.  It was tiring, but a good day. Tomorrow we get to practice being missionaries and we will have a couple of devotionals, one with General Authority and one with an apostle. We don't know who yet. Have to go and study. Love to all.