Today was our last day at the MTC. It was sad saying goodbye to people I know we will never see again in this life!!! We have developed quite a bond as we have helped each other succeed. We have had to practice and pray for one another and I guess that is bonding.
These are our last instructors. Brother and Sister Mitchell. They were wonderful and full of life experiences. They served as the missionaries for the Joseph Smith birthplace and had so many wonderful stories. They now teach at the MTC for those going to touring sites, and then work in the referral center on-line. They answer questions and do live chats. They actually have had a baptism in Kenya from their efforts on line! He kind of reminds me of Joe Staker, Daddy….
This is Melanie Cottam who is over the church visitors center curriculum. What a darling talented young girl and she is not married.
Nauvoo Missionaries…
Today was also the last day that I don’t have to cook for anyone. I have really enjoyed that. Three squares a day however is toooo much. Richard has to get used to one meal again soon.
Because we are waiting for our shuttle to take us to the airport, we have a few hours to kill. We decided to go outside and see the new missionaries being dropped off today. 417 of them to be exact! They have it down to a science here. Car after car, waiting to go through the gates and when they do, they are directed to a spot on the sidewalk, an Elder meets them, they say goodbye and they are whisked off. Short and sweet and sadddddd!!! I keep thinking of how hard it was to bring Jonathan here. But what a force for good to send out to the world, whether you believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ has been restored or not….
Cars driving into the MTC, a line clear around the street!
Letting Elders out one after one.
Wave after wave of luggage.
As we were watching, guess who walks up to us? Dawn Anne Gill, our former bishop’s wife. He was so wonderful and they now live across the street from the MTC. She teaches English here. Tender little mercies..
We are on our way home to see some of our children and grandchildren. I can hardly wait but imagine it will be very hard to say goodbye, very hard
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What a wonderful post and full of pictures! Mom, you look beautiful in these photos (Dad, you look pretty good too). What a sad day but the beginning of yet a new adventure. I can't wait to see your first post from Nauvoo!
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