January 8, 2020
Our week at the MTC could not have been better. I cannot express the feelings
of joy and happiness that abounds there. Of course, I’m sure it helps because
I’ve got the best companion ever (Mr Grumpy Pants has promised to be good
and happy even though everyday reminds him of the long hours at the FBI
Academy [but unlike the FBI Academy, these days are very Spiritual 😇]).
The first day at lunchtime we sat down by this cute couple, the Newtons. We began talking and getting to know them when Bro Newton said, "Oh my gosh ~ "The Matthews", you were the couple that was going to replace us in India". It was so fun hearing about the Humanitarian service that they had done and the projects they had left for us. That would have been a cool mission . . . maybe next time! Bro and Sis Newton are here getting ready to go out on their 2nd mission! Half the people here are already talking about the next mission they will go on after this mission! It’s just so contagious the feelings that you feel here!
Another couple that we got close to were the Millers (third couple from
the right). Both had been widowed and decided this was the time to
go; we just loved them and sat by them during the different meetings.
Dale and Cheryl Johnson were our Couple Missionary Companions; they
were referred to as "The Others" 😂, (they've changed "investigators" to
"others" [friends] as this is more inclusive to everyone that we are serving).
They are, by far, the coolest couple ever. They both come from Pioneer stock
and are faithful and strong members. We had the opportunity to teach them
and they us. What amazing spiritual guidance they gave us, especially since
this was their 2nd mission and could let us know of the things that they had
done that were successful and then things we should avoid doing in our mission. They were such blessings to us!
We met so many wonderful people. There were 45 pairs of Missionarys
in our group; they were all so much fun, happy and so excited to be here!
Here are Cindy and Walt Myers ~ our friends from Las Vegas (32 years ago)!
Their daughter, Jamie, was in Young Women's with me! They will be serving in the Oregon Visitors Center near their less-active son, Coincidence? I think not 😇!
The Argyles are replacing our friends,
the Crossleys, in the Oakland Visitors Center.
This is, Elizabeth Trommlitz, the sweet sister who was with us for the TME. This is where we meet with a volunteer (Sis T), visit for 15 minutes, then she leaves and Bill and I take 10 minutes and plan a lesson for her. When she comes back in we give her the lesson! This was probably the highlight of our mission experience. The minute she left Bill and I both immediately said, "Our lesson should be on listening to the Holy Ghost". Bill talked about our experiences of dating then I shared a scripture and he concluded with our testimonies. She said that that was exactly what she needed to hear. We have been in touch with her and will continue to touch base with her throughout our mission!
This whole week we are coming home each night from the MTC and then driving back each morning. This works best for us because our home is still in total disarray. We haven’t packed yet and there are about a 100 other things we were supposed to have done! I truly don’t see us leaving next Monday 😉😆😏😟😞😛.
