Saturday, September 26, 2009

We Have Arrived at the MTC!




I think the hardest is behind us...saying goodbye to our sons, daughters, grandchildren, family and friends. We said our goodbyes to Jack, Ty, Havyn and Krew on Sunday. I didn't know how I was going to make it easy on Havyn since earlier she had pronounced "I will cry and cry when Granma and Granpa go to Ghana". It so happened she was enjoying an ice cream cone as she was being buckled into her car seat and I was saying my goodbyes. It's amazing how ice cream seems to make everything OK. She simply kissed me goodbye and took a big bite and life remained good! Krew of course didn't have a clue so that one was much harder for me. He will change so much in 2 years. Mike and Brian stopped by on their way to work Monday morning and we were able to say our goodbyes with simple hugs and a few tears (on my part). I love them both so much.

On our way to Provo we stopped to say goodbye to my wonderful parents. It was hard for me to think I just might not see them again but I know if my mother understood where I was going she would be so very proud and supportive. She always taught me to love and serve the Lord and it will be a joyous reunion when we see them again weather it will be in this life or the next.

James, Marci, and Bowen drove us to the MTC in Provo on Monday. Saying goodbye to them was also extremely difficult. Bowen will tell anyone when asked, that "Ga-ma" and "Pa-Pa" are going to "Ga-na". He will than get a quizzical look on his face and ask "Why?". His sweet Mom simply explains, "because they love Jesus" and that seems to make perfect since to his 2 year-old mind. We said our tearful goodbyes and jumped right into the job of training as full time missionaries.

This experience has been incredible and has kept us very busy! We met for training every day with 16 other couples and single sisters who are preparing to travel to London, Kenya, Mexico City, Italy, Australia, Ethiopia, Arizona Indian Reservations, Manhattan and Boston to just name a few. As we have gotten to know the other couples I realized we have all left beloved family and yes, precious grandchildren to serve the Lord all over the world. There is no moping or looking back. We are all excited and grateful for this amazing opportunity to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with those who are searching for the truth! Dave and I have never felt closer as companions and the spirit has been bearing witness everyday to the truthfulness of the gospel! I know I will always consider our experience at the MTC sacred!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Countdown: Five Days

We enter the MTC in less than one week! Everything seems to be falling into place. This last couple of weeks have been a lesson on putting one of my favorite scriptures into practice: "Trust in the Lord with all thy heart and lean not unto thine own understanding...He shall direct thy path for good". We had 2 houses that needed to be sold, loose ends at the office needed to be tied up, shopping, packing, cleaning. sorting ect. ect. To stop from being completely overwhelmed I would repeat to my self "trust in the Lord...all will work out". Yes both houses sold, the house is just about ready to turn over to Marci, the shopping is completed and the packing has begun. Now I am free to concentrate on what really matters: spending time with my amazing children beautiful grandchildren and our dear friends. Dave's office threw a great surprise party for him at the Logan Golf and Country Club. We feel so blessed to have so many friends and family support us and we'll miss them all!

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Countdown: 2 weeks

I can't believe we only have 2 weeks left before we enter the MTC! We are getting excited but have not had much time to really ponder the reality of living in Africa for 2 years. I have been cleaning out drawers, cupboards, and closets. I had no idea I was such a pack rat! We have been spending time with the grand kids and making memories to last me the next 2 years. I also decided I needed to get a new family picture seeing that the last picture was missing 2 of the 3 grand kids. We had a photographer come to the back yard and take our picture. I also had her take separate pictures of the kids for me to take with me to Ghana. Dave bought a laptop, webcam and set up skype on the laptop and our home computer. So we will be able to watch our beautiful grandchildren grow from across the world. Thank goodness for modern technology. My first picture will be one of my loving and supportive family.