Orem I Hop where we had our first and last meal in Utah before getting to the MTC! I'm putting them on our Christmas Card list!!!!!

This was I Hop in Orem....the top line that was cut off said that missionaries entering the MTC could have their 'last meal' free there up to $9.99. We explained that we were entering the MTC the next Monday and they went ahead a gave us our meal free. What a way to start! Only in Utah!!!

There were some definate perks for being an old geeser (or atleast with one-just kidding, Phil)! This sign was actually at a parking lot in Orem in front of a store. But at the MTC we got the following perks: cushions to add to our already cushioned chairs, a wooden stool to put our feet on if desired, and hour and half for each meal (those who actually got to room on campus could go back to their rooms and nap....I wrote letters), cut in front of every cafeteria line (a huge perk because of the length of the lines), front three rows reserved seating at all firesides and devotionals, shuttle back and forth to the temple. Yea...it pays to be old!

The MTC was so much bigger than I ever suspected having only been in the front of the main building. Construction was underway to double the size of the Senior Housing that was why we were staying at the Super 8. Each building is named after a famous missionary and we were excited to see one named after Phil's great grandfather, Jacob Hamblin. It also happened to be where the senior missionaries dorm was....but allas....Super 8 and it's kingsize bed (and other perks) was what we had to suffer through instead.

This is the door outside of the cafeteria. The line of young missionaries went all the way down the hall and out the doors. It was amazing to me how they fed so many people so fast and so well. We were glad to leave to stop eating so much! The other amazing thing was how respectful and kind the young missionaries were to us oldies. They would ALWAYS hold the door open for us, let us cut in line and just in general treated us royally. Their spirit and power was unbelievable to me. I have always loved that age anyway, but in firesides (We had two, one with Elder Holland and one with Elder Richard Hinkley (President Hinkley's son), when the young missionaires (we were in a hall that sat 2,200 of them) started to sing, I started to tear up. Their gusto and spirit was truly overwhelming and I found myself always praying for them. Please don't forget the missionaries in your prayers. We ALL need it. The firesides were amazing!

Our small class room was right across the hall from the barbershop. All young Elders had to get a hair cut within 5 days from leaving for the field. I loved sneaking a peek. They are so cute!

Our District on the last day in front of the famous world map. One couple going proselyting, one going to a mission office and we are temple missionaries...but we all learned Preach My Gospel and we told we will all have experiences to use it. It was great!

Here is Elder Whiting, one of our instructors. They were so young but so full of the spirit and excellant teachers of Preach My Gospel. We learned in 4 days what the young missionaries are taught in 3 weeks. By the end of the 4 days we had taught 5 discussions and learned 3/4's of Preach My Gospel. It was amazing!

These are the other two couples in our District. The farthest are going to Phillippines and the closest to Macon, Georgia. This was our small group class.

Before I go any farther, I have to give thank yous. First to Jeff for helping Phil pick out a camera two years before....we are finally using it!

Becca to help us learn how to upload our pictures to the computer. Liz for showing us again and Shaundra for being the lucky third person to show us and finally have it stick!

Becca for sending us mail at the MTC. Not only mail, but PICTURES!!!! We were the envy of all the other seniors.....

Taylor for showing me (again) how to use our cell phone. Actually, Liz and Taylor for providing our cell phone. I actually got to games on it on the long drive. Couldn't play them....but I got there! One step at a time!

For Shaundra answering the phone and telling me one more time how to upload pictures.

And for the rest of you for taking time to read this!

It is so hard to believe we are really at the MTC! We love being here, being exhausted and uplifted all at the same time. We LOVE our badges. They feel sacred to us!

Phil's brother, Carl has a grandson the was at the MTC the same time as we were. (I think that makes him a grand nephew.) Elder Guthrie and Elder Guthrie together. The really fun thing is that the older Elder Guthrie just left Colorado Springs and the younger Elder Guthrie is going to the Colorado Springs Mission. We had lunch with him at the MTC and really enjoyed being with him. If he gets to the Woodland Park Ward, please take good care of him.

I ran into two former choir students of mine in the cafeteria of the MTC. Elder Greggory and Sister Sanchez. It was really fun to see them.

Phil sitting next to the other couple also going to the Palmyra Temple Mission. Paul and Susan Sherwood. (Yes, Woodland Park people, they are Bill's brother and sister in law and they are great!) They have become family to us. This was during a break in our large group class.

Our week at the MTC was filled with learning, long hours, wonderful people, both young and old (kind of like us...I know!). This is the famous map all missionaries have to have their picture taken in front of...pointing to where they are going. We've loved being here!