Thatcher Missionary Adventures: Visitors to the MTC

On Tuesday 22 August, we had our Devotional at the MTC.

We have these once every three weeks or once each intake. Usually we have one of the Area Presidency come and speak to the missionaries. Yesterday one of the Area 70, Elder David J. Thomson and his wife Sue came. They were wonderful with the missionaries. We all were uplifted and strengthened by them. I recorded their talks and hope to link them to this blog.

Elder David J. Thomson (I took this picture off the internet - this is not at the MTC)

Sister Sue Thomson - "How is Your Heart?" - 3 simple exercises for your heart

Before President Howes introduced Elder Thompson he told the Missionaries, "Perhaps, just as a teaser, let me tell you that on Friday we will have an Apostle with us. He won't be here for long but just for a few minutes." The Elders and Sisters were stunned by the announcement. You could feel the energy and excitement in our little assembly of missionaries.

This is a very rare thing here. Some of the Missionaries have probably never been in the presence of one of the 12 and they love these leaders. When they speak of the Prophet or the Apostles it is with great reverence. They honor them.

President Thatcher and I were excited as well. We knew immediately who it would be but had hardly dared hope it would happen.

Last week we got a text from our son Mark telling us he had been able to visit with Elder Gary Stevenson at a wedding for Elder Stevenson's nephew. Elder Stevenson had performed the sealing.

We know the Stevenson family. Elder Stevenson's father was my bishop in my teenage years and the bishop of our ward when Elder Thatcher and I got married. We loved him very much. I grew up knowing all the Stevenson children. The boy Gary, was younger than I was and his younger brother Doug was a good friend of my younger brothers.

Elder Stevenson had asked Mark about us and when told that we were serving at the MTC in New Zealand Elder Stevenson said he was coming to that area of the world. He had a Stake Conference in Adelaide, which just happens to be the Stake of President and Sister Howes children. He said he would love to stop at the MTC and see the Missionaries but he had only a few hours in New Zealand and didn't know if he could make it happen. Mark said that just incase, we should know that he loves Vanilla Ice Cream.

I mentioned the possibility to Sister Howes and hadn't heard any more since. We are all looking forward to this big event. He will have less than an hour to spend at the MTC but all of the Missionaries will get the chance to shake his hand and hear him talk to them for a few minutes. His wife Lesa will accompany him. We wish you could be here with us.

Much Love,
Mom and Dad
Elder and Sister Thatcher

Thursday 24 August 2017

Just a few glimpses of the flora and fauna of a New Zealand Winter

It is the most beautiful day in New Zealand. The sun is out and the clouds are at a minimum. It hasn't rained all day, which is rare. It is winter here so for all of your children and kids that are headed back to school, these New Zealand children have been going to school all the time we have been here. It is fun to see them in their school uniforms walking home after school.

On our walks I have been taking pictures of the beautiful flowers that are blooming here even though it is winter.