Divine Companionships

 Some of the things we have learned at the MTC.
- To teach it you've got to be it .
- The importance of questions.
- A lot about technology and how to use the gospel library more efficiently.
- You can learn to love people quickly.

The lines in the cafeteria looked much longer today.  Yesterday 720 new missionaries checked into the MTC and I wondered on Tuesday when I looked around the cafeteria and saw all the tables pretty much filled how they could serve 500 more.  It ended up being a lot more than the 500 we were told would be coming and even though the lines were long they went fast.  All those missionaries were taken care of and in a rapid way.  It is just a remarkable place.  Not only are all the missionaries fed but they all seem to be happy and cheerful as you pass them.

At breakfast this morning we sat by 3 darling sister missionaries.  One of them was from the Marshall Islands.  We told her about our dear friend Naiko and how we had such love for the Marshallese people because of her. Before we started talking to her we thought she looked a little homesick but after we visited a while she seemed happier.  She gave me the sweetest hug after our visit and then the other two wanted a hug as well.  Such faith to leave the comfort of their homelands far behind them and head out to serve the Lord.  

You have to love these young missionaries.  I doubt there is another place on earth where you could find so many good looking modestly dressed young men and women that seem to glow with goodness all busy and happy learning languages and lessons to be able to serve others.  It is simply wonderful to behold.  Not only are you surrounded with goodness here but the organization and efficiency is off the charts.  Like the temple there is great order and a smiling person at every turn to direct and help you.  Every detail is planned and every situation has a smooth resolution.  It truly is a well oiled machine.

Our first class this morning was in the large room.  We spent a lot of the day being instructed in technology.  We separated into smaller groups and a darling instructor taught us about the Gospel Library App.  We had no idea there were so many wonderful things in that app.  We learned how to use many of them.  We feel like so many lessons helps are now at our fingertips.  I kept thinking how proud Greg would be of us.  Our teacher was so patient with we older missionaries.  She made us feel that our abilities were just fine.  She was not only intelligent, patient, cheerful, and helpful but she was simply darling as well.  She could work at Disneyland, which is high praise!


When we returned to our smaller classroom with our district, our good Elder Stahle was there to help refine our knowledge and instruct us more in PMG.  I can see why converts love the missionaries who taught them the gospel.  Dad and I love our two instructors who have been teaching us how to be effective missionaries.

Elder Stahle

Lunch was delicious.  Dad discovered the chocolate chip cookies and delighted in them.  I put a couple in my purse for him to eat as a snack at night.  Dad enjoyed visiting with Elder Blamires from our district, who is an expert in anything airplane.  He flew for the navy and recently was a guide at the Aeronautic Museum in Tulsa Oklahoma.  Any plane dad talked to him about he could give interesting details, knew all the history, data, facts and specs and could tell interesting stories about the plane.  He is like a walking encyclopedia on the subject.  We were almost late for class because they enjoyed the visit so much.

Elder and Sister Blamires (Gary and Nancy)

Back in class for the afternoon with our afternoon instructor, Sister Richies, we learned more helpful things.  She laughs with us, teases us, teaches us, and we love her.

Beautiful Sister Richies

Once again we prepared follow up lessons for the couple we were assigned to teach and then met with them, repeating the same format as yesterday; we would teach them for 20 minutes and they would teach us for 20 minutes.  It is an exercise in teaching but it became much more.  Instead of a role play situation we were instructed to get the know the couple and learn about any challenges they might have.  Then we were to prepare lessons using doctrinal principals that could help them with their problem.  It was personal and sweet.  I wish I could share with you the feeling - the spirit - that filled that little room at the MTC.  Such love was felt and shared.

Paul sent us a story given by Elder Holland to the new Mission Presidents here at the MTC last week. After telling a remarkable story where much help was given from above in a missionary effort and miracles took place,  Elder Holland said to the Mission Presidents, "Welcome to the divine companionship."  We felt that today.  Help and guidance is given from a divine source when you seek to bless and help others as missionaries.

Elder Alan and Sister Judy Slade and dad in our teaching room

Yesterday dad taught them about the principle of fasting and when Sister Slade left our meeting she immediately began a fast.  When she told us that, I was overcome to think of her simple and immediate obedience to something she had been taught.  She told us she read the scripture in Isaiah 58 that we had shared on fasting over and over again last night and had continued her fast all day today.  Elder Slade can't fast because he is a diabetic but he prayed for us and said he simply couldn't sleep all night because of our challenge we had shared.  He prayed and wrestled with the Lord to be able to help us.  Today he shared spiritual insights he had been given that he felt were for us.  We felt it too.  We know what he taught us would bless our lives.  These sweet new friends were like angels sent to us to love and instruct us and give us strength.  We have never been instructed so personally and lovingly in all our years in the church.  We love the Slades.  We will be praying for each other the rest of our missions.

Class ended at 4:30 this afternoon which meant we could head to Paul and Jen's. Upon arrival Millie, Gracie and Claire came running out to greet us.  There was a big box on the front porch and grandpa helped the girls carry it into the living room so Paul could open it when he got home. When he did open it Ivie popped up.  They had mailed her to her dad.  She was delighted by his surprise.

We ate a delicious supper and then played games in the yard; chuck ball, basketball, and trampoline games.  We saw their baby bunnies and looked at their amazing garden.  The girls gave us a little concert before we left.  There were hugs all around and goodbyes at least until Monday when they might come to the airport to see us off.

Our darling morning instructor

Jen Claire Elder Thatcher Ivie Gracie Millie Ty Paul

Tonight we are tired but grateful.  We are so richly blessed.  The Lord has been good to us.  We only have one day left here at the MTC.  We will relish every moment of it and try to soak up all the spirit we can while here.  The Church is true, the gospel has been restored and the powers of Heaven are here to bless our lives.  How selfish we must be when we don't try to share what we have.  

What do you think, all you dear grandchildren?  Grandpa and I invite you to be missionaries this coming year just like we are.  Well not quite just like us, but you can be missionaries right in your homes and wards.  You can find those who need help and love them.  You can help them understand truth and find happiness.  You can be their friends. 

Goodnight fellow missionaries - We love you!

Grandma and Grandpa, Mom and Dad, Elder and Sister Thatcher