Missionary Experiences at the MTC Day #3

 We appreciate even more the dedication and sacrifices the young Elder's make to come on a mission.  You are constantly hopping from one thing to another.  We study day and evening.  You crawl into bed at night and crawl out of bed in the morning thinking you can't get enough sleep.  Not to complain, the air conditioner in our room is having a hard time keeping up with the heat from outside.  We are separated into districts just like the young Elders and Sister's are.  Here is our new support group (district).  Tim and I (Elder and Sister Jennings), Elder and Sister Bybee, Elder and Sister Burningham, Elder and Sister Madsen, and Elder and Sister Beagley.

And here is one of our trainers.  Poor guy, we keep him hopping.  Turn about is fair play.  He keeps us going, also.

July 9, 2012 MTC day 1 and 2

 Which bicyclist looks the best?  To me that is obvious.  I love that Elder Jennings would play along with my ideas.  Each time I go by these 2 young men on bicycles I have to pause.  It is youthful, with determination, and out to do the Lord's work.

 Last evening Tim caught us up on e-mails and checked for documents we needed to take care of.

 We found Tai and her cute children just entering their dance classes.  We got some pretty awesome hugs and wishes to go with us.

After getting ready and telling Jordan and Nikole goodbye we went to Hilary and Bills to wish Hilary a happy birthday and get hugs.

Today was another big day.  Tim and I ended the day by singing in the MTC choir for a devotional with Elder Steuer (sounds like Sawyer with a "t" in it).  It is amazing to sing several songs to begin the meeting with over 2000 young men and women.  All of us sang 3 prelude songs instead of  having the organ play the music.  We ended with "Called To Serve".  I can only think of one word. POWERFUL.
We have been challenged and grown in just 2 days.  We have been put in challenging situations that are out of our comfort zones.  We have been very blessed to be able to do this.

We have been able to meet many people who are already great friends.  We love them and admire them.  They have such strength and wisdom for us to draw from.  We have met people who know some of our ward members, relatives and Tim met a girl he knew the first 2 years at BYU.  It took a minute to figure it out, but, it has been so fun.
So, we have learned, grown, laughed, sang, shared personal experiences and enjoyed the MTC.  We haven't driven everyone off.

FYI:  There are about 140 Senior missionaries.

Two Days To Go

Here it is Saturday evening.  Just two days until we enter the MTC for training.  We will be set apart by the Stake President tomorrow evening.  We have been communicating with new friends in Nigeria, Elder and Sister Baker.  They have a wonderful sense of humor.  I only hope they still have a great sense of humor when they are done training me.  A few weeks ago they asked us to give them our travel agenda so they could pick us up at the airport.  We told them we fly into Nigeria on July 24th.  Pioneer Day!  It is so symbolic to me.  They told us they would meet us with handcarts. 
A couple of days ago they assured us they would meet us at the airport, take us to our new home, for the next 18 months, help us get settled in, feed us dinner and try to keep us awake until 8:30.  They threatened us if we fell asleep (I think fall off our chairs in sleep) they would take pictures of us and send the pictures home to our families! 

So, our bags are packed, weighed, and I am sure will be changed once again, for our departure.  We have separate bags packed for the MTC. 
To our family of  20. We love you so much!  You are the pride and joy of our lives.  We will miss you more than you can imagine.  We can't talk about missing you because our bladder is attached to our eyes.  I just keep reminding myself, "It's only 18 months!"  We are going on a mission for many reasons.  #1...because we KNOW our Heavenly Father and Savior want us to go, and go now.
#2...because we want to show obedience and love because we have been given need to repay in a small way.  It really is a small sacrifice.  #3...We have felt incredible peace while in our preparation.  #4 We have always had a goal to serve a mission together. #5...Service always brings us closer to our Heavenly Father and Savior and to each other.  #6...It's the right thing to do!

And to all our family and friends...You have supported us so well.  We can literally feel your love and support.  You have been so excited for us and we have needed this more than you could ever know.  We have been hugged, kissed, and told "I love you" from so many.  Thank-you!!!!!

Piano Recital and Sheila's Birthday

 Today was my sister, Sheila's, birthday.  Her daughter threw her a little birthday party and invited family members who live close to come by and celebrate.   Chanel has been learning about creating wonderful new foods and fed us a great dinner.    Happy birthday, Sheila. You look cute with your little grandson, Ryne.

 Six out of ten children...not too bad!  Becky, Quinn, Dianne, Mike, Sheila and Becky.

 Earlier in the day Tim and I went to a piano recital to hear Kailie and McKenzie play beautiful music from Disney.  Brielle came up to give me a hug.  Love grandchildren!  It's the best!

 Tim and his little buddy, Isaak.  Brielle in the back kept her sunglasses on the entire recital.  They made her see better.

 McKenzie studying her piano solo before getting up to play.

 Tai, Kailie, Isaak and I waiting for the music to start.

 Kailie playing her song...

 ...and McKenzie playing hers.  McKenzie had to stand by the piano for her to be able to play the last note and put her foot on the loud pedal.  Cute.

 Tai and KaiKai.

Kenzie, Tim and Mike enjoying the moment.  Fun day.

Tim and I at home

My brother, John, requested a picture of Tim and I in front of our home for some records he is putting together.  So, I am puttin in one or two of the pictures for fun!

Boondocks in May

Last Saturday we went to Boondocks with Hilary and Bill's kids.  We got tons of tickets and spent a lot of time at the counter trading tickets in for prizes.  After that, we spoiled their dinner by getting some ice-cream sundaes.  Yummy!  Oops!  I forgot the camera at Boondocks.  We took these pictures the same day at Lana's soccer game.

Jordan and Nikole Gratuate from utah State

Jordan and Nikole graduated the same day McKenzie was baptised.  These posts are way out of order, but they are done anyway.  We are way proud of Jordan and Nikole graduating from Utah State.  It was fun and a little emotional watching them recieve their diplomas.  CONGRATULATIONS!  (Plus, aren't they a cute couple?)